The Kia Telluride Hybrid is the first-ever hybrid version of Kia’s most popular three-row SUV, arriving as a full second-generation redesign for 2027. It pairs a new 2.5L turbocharged hybrid powertrain with a completely refreshed exterior and interior. At MotoPickers, we think this is the Telluride a lot of families have been waiting for — a big, comfortable SUV that finally gets real fuel economy numbers.
MotoPickers Rating
The Telluride Hybrid gets a lot right out of the gate. The 329 hp hybrid powertrain gives it more punch than most family SUVs in this price range, and 35 MPG combined on the EX trim means you’re looking at roughly 665 miles on a 19-gallon tank. That’s a tank of gas every two weeks for most families, not every week. The cabin is spacious, the safety ratings are excellent, and the trim lineup covers a wide range of buyers.
Where it stumbles is on tech scores and value. Starting around $46,490, this is a premium ask for a vehicle where some features that should be standard are locked behind higher trims. The surround-view camera is available on the $51,490 SX, but the head-up display is exclusive to the $56,590 SX Prestige. The infotainment system is functional but not a standout in a segment where rivals are pushing harder on software.
This is a vehicle built for families who drive a lot and want to stop filling up so often, without giving up the size and towing ability they need.
| Category | Score (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Performance | 7.3 |
| Comfort | 7.2 |
| Technology | 5.5 |
| Value | 5.7 |
| Practicality | 6.7 |
What’s New / Updates Over Previous Version
The 2027 Telluride Hybrid is not a refresh. It’s a ground-up redesign and the first time Kia has offered a hybrid powertrain in the Telluride at all. The exterior and interior are completely new, and the 2.5L turbo hybrid engine replaces the previous non-hybrid V6. That powertrain change is the headline, and you can read all the details under Power and Performance below.
The interior has been redesigned with updated materials and a new layout. The trim structure is also new, so buyers familiar with the previous Telluride lineup will find different tier names and feature groupings. The X-Line variants return with their distinctive styling and AWD-focused hardware, and a new X-Pro off-road trim is listed as available in the key features.
Because this is a new generation rather than a carryover update, treat everything in this guide as a fresh evaluation. See the Trim Guide below for how the new lineup is structured and where the best value sits.
Competitors
The Toyota Grand Highlander offers a similar three-row footprint with its own hybrid option and a cargo layout that edges out most rivals in usable space behind the third row. The Hyundai Palisade shares the Telluride’s platform roots and pricing tier, making it the most direct apples-to-apples comparison. The Honda Pilot brings a broad trim range and a reputation for long-term reliability in the same family SUV space. The Mazda CX-90 leans more premium in its interior execution and offers strong powertrain options with available AWD for buyers who want a more upscale feel.
Exterior Spotlight
The second-generation Telluride Hybrid carries a bolder, more angular look than its predecessor. The front end is wider and more upright, the body lines are sharper, and the overall silhouette reads more like a premium SUV than the softer shape of the outgoing model.
Color Options
Kia offers the Telluride Hybrid in nine colors, including Glacial White Pearl, Ebony Black, Wolf Gray, Jungle Green, Dark Ocean Blue, Aurora Red, Silver Mist, and Tuscan Umber. The standout option is a Deep Navy exterior paired with a Tuscan Umber contrasting roof, which is one of the more distinctive two-tone combinations in the segment and looks especially sharp on the X-Line trims. Wolf Gray and Ebony Black are the safe daily-driver picks that hide road grime well.
Wheel Options
The EX trim rides on 18-inch alloy wheels. Those are a good size for this vehicle, large enough to look proportional, but with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections on long highway stretches. The SX and SX Prestige and X-Line SX Prestige step up to 21-inch alloys, which fill the wheel wells nicely but will transmit more road texture into the cabin. The X-Pro SX and X-Pro SX Prestige get 18-inch all-terrain tires, which trade a little highway smoothness for genuine off-pavement grip.
Interior Analysis
The redesigned cabin moves away from the previous Telluride’s more traditional layout toward a cleaner, more modern look. Material quality on the leatherette-trimmed seats is solid for the price, and the overall sense of space is one of the strongest in the segment.
Features
The 12.3-inch touchscreen is the center of daily life in the Telluride Hybrid. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work without plugging in, which matters when you’re jumping in and out of the car at school pickup or a job site. The screen is large enough to use comfortably while navigating, and the interface is generally straightforward.
For charging, there are two USB-C ports up front and two more in the rear, so back-seat passengers can keep their devices topped off on a long drive. There’s also a wireless charging pad for the front passenger area, a 12V outlet, and a 120V household-style outlet, useful if you’re running a cooler or a laptop on a road trip.
The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster gives the driver a clear view of speed, navigation prompts, and hybrid system status. On the SX and above, the Meridian 14-speaker audio system is a noticeable step up from the base setup, filling the cabin well at highway speeds without distortion. Bluetooth 5.0 handles phone calls cleanly, and satellite radio is available for long stretches without cell coverage.
Comfort
Front seat comfort is a genuine strength here. With 41.4 inches of legroom up front, most drivers will find a natural position without feeling cramped. The heated and ventilated front seats are available on the EX and standard on higher trims. On a hot summer day, the ventilated seats make a real difference within the first few minutes of driving. The heated steering wheel is a small thing that feels significant on cold mornings.
Second-row legroom is where the Telluride Hybrid really earns its family SUV reputation: 43.0 inches means an adult can sit behind another adult without their knees touching the seat back. The SX and above offer captain’s chairs in the second row, which makes getting to the third row easier and gives each passenger more personal space. Heated and ventilated outboard second-row seats are available on the SX Prestige.
The panoramic sunroof on SX and above opens the cabin up considerably. On a two-hour highway drive, the combination of rear headroom (38.7 inches), the open roof, and the smooth highway ride makes the back seat feel less like a penalty. The fixed suspension setup keeps the ride composed over highway expansion joints and moderate potholes, though it doesn’t adapt to road conditions the way an air suspension system would.
Cargo
Behind the second row, the Telluride Hybrid offers 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space. To put that in context, a large dog crate for a Labrador Retriever (roughly 42 inches long) fits with room to spare, and you can still slide a bag of groceries alongside it. Two full-size rolling suitcases fit easily, and a double stroller can go in without folding if you angle it right.
Fold everything flat and you get 89.3 cubic feet total. That’s enough for a full Costco run, a set of flat-pack furniture, or camping gear for four. The floor doesn’t lie completely flat when the seats fold, so loading heavy items takes a little more care. There is under-floor storage, which is useful for keeping a charging cable or emergency kit out of the way.
The hands-free power liftgate is one of those features that sounds like a luxury until you’re standing in a parking lot with both hands full of groceries. A kick under the bumper opens it automatically. There is no tonneau cover included, so cargo in the back is visible through the rear glass, which is worth knowing if you leave things in the car regularly.
Power and Performance
The Telluride Hybrid’s 2.5L turbocharged hybrid powertrain is a significant departure from the previous generation’s naturally aspirated V6. It produces more power, delivers better fuel economy, and changes the character of the driving experience in ways worth understanding before you buy.
Engine Specs
The engine is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with a hybrid electric motor. Combined system output is 329 hp, which is a substantial number for a three-row family SUV. The transmission is an automatic unit that manages power delivery between the combustion engine and the electric motor.
The hybrid system uses the electric motor to supplement the gas engine during acceleration and to recover energy during braking and coasting. At lower speeds and light throttle, the electric motor can handle more of the load, which is where the fuel economy gains show up most clearly. At highway speeds, the gas engine carries more of the work.
AWD is available on the X-Line SX and above, routing power to all four wheels through the drivetrain. FWD is standard on the EX and SX. Towing capacity is rated at up to 5,000 lbs across the lineup, which is enough for a mid-size boat on a single-axle trailer, a loaded utility trailer, or a small travel trailer.
Performance Data (0-60)
The 0–60 time comes in around 7.4 seconds, which puts it in the middle of the pack for this segment. In daily driving, that number translates to an SUV that feels responsive when you need to merge onto a highway or pass a slower vehicle on a two-lane road. It doesn’t feel sluggish, but it’s not going to surprise anyone with urgency either.
The automatic transmission manages the transition between electric and gas power smoothly in most situations. Under light acceleration, the shift between power sources is barely noticeable. Push harder, say on a full-throttle on-ramp merge, and the system responds with a confident surge that uses both the electric motor and the turbo engine together. There’s a brief moment of gathering before the full power arrives, which is typical of turbocharged hybrids.
In Sport mode, the transmission holds gears longer and the throttle response sharpens noticeably. For everyday family driving, Normal mode handles everything well. The one weakness to flag here: the steering is light and doesn’t give much feedback through corners. If driving feel matters to you, this isn’t the SUV that will satisfy that itch.
Fuel Economy
The EX trim returns an estimated 34 MPG city, 36 MPG highway, and 35 MPG combined. On a 19-gallon tank, that’s roughly 665 miles between fill-ups at combined driving, close to a full week of commuting for most people before you see a gas station. The SX drops slightly to around 33 MPG combined, and the AWD-equipped X-Line SX and above come in at around 31 MPG combined, good for about 589 miles per tank.
Driving style affects these numbers meaningfully. City driving with a lot of stop-and-go actually helps hybrid fuel economy, since the electric motor handles more of the low-speed work. Highway driving at 75+ mph will pull the numbers down from the EPA estimates.
Suspension, Braking, and Handling
The Telluride Hybrid uses front struts paired with a rear multilink setup. While the front struts handle everyday bumps and steering inputs, the rear multilink allows each wheel to move more independently—keeping the back of the SUV composed when one wheel hits a pothole and the other doesn’t. The result is a ride that feels settled on rough pavement rather than bouncy.
That said, the suspension is a fixed setup, meaning it doesn’t adjust stiffness based on road conditions or driving mode. On smooth highway surfaces this is a non-issue, but on broken urban pavement you’ll feel the road more than you would in a vehicle with adaptive dampers.
Braking relies on vented disc rotors at all four corners, with a pedal feel that is firm and progressive. In a hard stop, the SUV pulls up straight and stays in control. The regenerative braking system, which recovers energy to charge the hybrid battery, is well-calibrated, the transition from regenerative to friction braking is smooth enough that most passengers won’t notice it. Rounding things out, ground clearance sits at 7.4 inches, which handles most parking lot curbs and light trail use without concern.
Tech Overview
The Telluride Hybrid’s tech package covers the basics well and adds a few standout features on higher trims. It’s not the most advanced infotainment system in the segment, but it’s organized and easy to use without a learning curve.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 12.3-inch touchscreen responds quickly to inputs and doesn’t require multiple taps to navigate common functions. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto connect reliably. You don’t need to plug in your phone to get navigation or music running. The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster keeps speed, range, and hybrid system info in clear view without cluttering the display.
The Meridian 14-speaker audio system, available on the SX and above, handles highway listening well. At 70 mph with road noise in the background, the system has enough output and clarity to make a difference. There is no head-up display on the base EX or SX. That feature arrives on the SX Prestige, where a 12-inch head-up display projects navigation and speed onto the windshield.
Features / Drive Modes
The Telluride Hybrid offers three drive modes: Normal, Sport, and Eco. Normal handles the vast majority of daily driving. Sport sharpens throttle response and holds the transmission in lower gears longer, which is useful for highway passing. Eco softens throttle inputs and prioritizes electric motor use to maximize fuel economy, which is good for city commuting, but the reduced responsiveness can feel sluggish in traffic.
Adaptive cruise control is available and holds set following distance smoothly on the highway. Lane-keeping assist nudges the steering back toward the center of the lane if you drift. The X-Line trims add a terrain mode for AWD management, which adjusts power distribution for loose surfaces. The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is configurable, letting drivers choose what information is displayed most prominently.
Safety Capabilities
The Telluride Hybrid carries strong safety credentials from both major testing organizations. The combination of structural design and a full suite of driver assistance technology makes it one of the more thoroughly covered vehicles in the three-row segment.
Safety Ratings
The Telluride Hybrid holds an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and a 5-star overall score from NHTSA. Those are the top marks from both organizations, and they reflect well on the structural engineering of the new second-generation body. The IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation requires strong performance in front overlap, side impact, and roof strength tests, as well as good headlight ratings. For a family hauling kids, those numbers matter more than almost any other spec on the sheet.
Safety Features
Eight airbags cover the cabin: front airbags for the driver and passenger, side airbags, full-length curtain airbags that protect all three rows, and knee airbags up front. The curtain airbags extending to the third row are particularly important in a vehicle where children often ride in the back. There are three LATCH anchor positions for child seat installation, which is enough for most family configurations. ABS, electronic stability control, and traction control are all standard across the lineup.
Driver Assists
The full ADAS suite includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, a driver attention monitor, and automatic high beams. In daily highway driving, the adaptive cruise holds following distance smoothly and adjusts speed naturally when traffic slows. The automatic emergency braking responds to both vehicles and pedestrians, which matters in urban environments with a lot of foot traffic. The driver attention monitor watches for signs of drowsiness and prompts a break, which is useful on long road trips.
Additional Safety Features
Blind-spot monitoring watches both rear quarters and alerts you when a vehicle is alongside during a lane change. On a wide SUV like this, that’s a feature you’ll use every day on the highway. Front and rear parking sensors give audible warnings as you close in on obstacles, which pairs well with the rearview camera for tight parking spots. Note that a full surround-view camera system is not available on the EX trim. It arrives on the SX trim. Digital Key 2.0, available on the SX Prestige, lets you use your phone as a key, which is a practical convenience if you regularly share the vehicle.
Trim Guide
The Telluride Hybrid lineup runs five trims from $46,490 to $57,590. The range is wide enough that the right trim depends heavily on which features matter most to your household.
Trim and Price
The EX at $46,490 delivers strong value, not a stripped base trim. It includes the 2.5L turbo hybrid powertrain, power sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, leatherette seating, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and 19 driver assistance features. Shoppers who want hybrid efficiency and core comfort without paying for extras will find the EX a legitimate stopping point.
The SX at $51,490 is our pick for most buyers. The $5,000 step up adds a panoramic sunroof, blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree surround-view camera, driver’s memory seat, second-row captain’s chairs, and a Meridian 14-speaker audio system. The surround-view camera alone justifies the upgrade if you park in tight spaces. Note that the SX drops to 33 MPG combined versus the EX’s 35.
The X-Line SX at $54,490 adds AWD with terrain mode, 21-inch wheels, and roof rails for drivers who need all-weather capability. Fuel economy dips further to 31 MPG combined.
The SX Prestige at $56,590 builds on the SX with a 12-inch head-up display, digital rearview mirror, power steering column, and heated and ventilated second-row seats. AWD is standard. The head-up display is the standout feature for frequent highway drivers.
The X-Line SX Prestige at $57,590 combines the SX Prestige’s tech with the X-Line’s styling, 21-inch wheels, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. It’s the right choice for anyone who wants everything and prefers the bolder exterior look.
Warranty and Maintenance Information
Kia backs the Telluride Hybrid with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Roadside assistance is covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. The 10-year powertrain coverage is one of the longest in the segment and provides real peace of mind on a first-generation hybrid system. No complimentary scheduled maintenance is included, so budget for oil changes and service separately.