Already one of the top-rated midsize SUVS, it’s a rather safe bet the Kia Telluride will become even more popular with the arrival of a hybrid version.
Kia purposely didn’t offer a 2026 Telluride, opting instead to work on the second generation 2027 Kia Telluride. One knock against the Telluride in the past was it didn’t include a hybrid. Now the three-row SUV that seats up to eight passengers has one.
The Telluride has a relative twin in the Hyundai Palisade, another popular midsize SUV. The pair share the same platform and wheelbase (114.2 inches) and are manufactured by the Korean parent company – Hyundai Motor Group. The Palisade added a hybrid to its lineup for 2026.
The Palisade and Telluride both get the job done in very similar ways. The difference in the two comes down to minute details. Note that Telluride has a slight edge in U.S. sales, but you can’t go wrong with either one.
Introduced in 2019, Telluride sales hit a high of 123,281 in 2025, more than doubling its first year. Other than a slight dip in 2023, the Telluride has increased sales every year.
The 2027 Telluride was redesigned to include a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a larger third row, and new styling inside and out.
One thing that hasn’t changed: the Telluride offers significant value, starting at approximately $39,300, making it lower than the Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander. The Telluride hybrid model has a starting price of around $46,500.
We sampled the Telluride X-Pro that offers increased off-road capability. It features 18-inch all-terrain tires that are a plus when driving on dirt roads. It also comes with increased ground clearance (9.1 inches), an enhanced all-wheel-drive system, electronic limited-slip differential, multi-terrain drive modes, and a towing package.
The standard Telluride engine is a turbo 2.5-liter, four-cylinder that generates 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. It goes 0-60 mph in 8.1 seconds, which is slower than the old V6. The fuel economy is modest at 20-26 mpg.
The hybrid powertrain has dual electric motors paired with a turbo 2.5-liter, four-cylinder that produces 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. It travels 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds and gas mileage is an impressive 31-35 mpg. Note that front-wheel drive is standard in both models and all-wheel drive is an option.
The Telluride delivers a smooth ride and provides capable handling. It drives more like a smaller crossover and is easy to maneuver in traffic and tight parking lots. Even on challenging roads the steering is firm and there’s good stability, giving the driver lots of confidence handling this relatively heavy SUV.
Standard driver safety features include forward collision mitigation; intersection collision mitigation; blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning; lane keeping system; adaptive cruise control; lane-centering steering assist; and front and rear parking sensors.
AT A GLANCE – 2027 KIA TELLURIDE
- Performance: turbocharged 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, 274 horsepower; dual electric motors, turbo 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, 329 horsepower
- Mileage estimate: 20-26 mpg; 31-35 mpg
- Price estimate: $39,300 to $56,900
- Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles; drivetrain: 10 years/100,000 miles; roadside assistance: 5 years/60,000; corrosion: 5 years/100,000
The interior is larger and more stylish than in the past. The second and third row are more spacious and so is the cargo area – 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row that expands to 48.7 cubes with the row down and maxes out at 89.3 cubes with both rows down.
There are now two wireless phone charging pads up front and multiple USB-C ports throughout the cabin. The 12.3-inch touchscreen comes standard and there’s a matching 12.3-inch screen that serves as the gauge cluster.
The 2027 Kia Telluride is a terrific three-row midsize SUV and is even more appealing now with the addition of a hybrid model. It’s family-friendly, offered at a reasonable price, and is attractive both inside and out.
Jeffrey Weidel is an award-winning journalist from the Sacramento region who has written automotive reviews for nearly three decades and now appears in the Folsom Times. He can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com
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