2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid Arrives, Threatening Rivals

2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid Arrives, Threatening Rivals

The highly anticipated 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid has officially landed, and it’s poised to shake up the three-row SUV segment. With a bold new design, a potent hybrid powertrain, and a host of upscale features, the refreshed Telluride is making a strong case for itself, prompting rivals like Honda and Toyota to take notice.

Exterior Styling: A Bold Evolution

Kia has opted for a more angular and assertive design language for the 2027 Telluride, a departure from the more conservative approach of some competitors. The front fascia features a wider, more prominent tiger-nose grille with vertical body-colored slats. The headlights are cleverly integrated, appearing as mere plastic trim when off but illuminating with a distinctive vertical stacked design when activated. This vertical theme continues throughout the vehicle, giving it a cohesive and premium appearance that some might even describe as art deco. The rear end draws comparisons to the Range Rover, but many, including our reviewers, feel Kia has executed the design even more effectively, with a purposeful and elegant stance.

The SX Prestige trim shown features 20-inch gloss black wheels, which some find a bit overdone, though larger 21-inch options and 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires are available on other trims. The Ivory Silver Metallic paint, exclusive to non-X-line models, offers a warm, metallic sheen that changes with the light. A point of contention for some are the retractable door handles, which offer a clean look when flush but can be perceived as less practical than traditional handles.

Powertrain: Hybrid Power Takes Center Stage

The biggest news for the 2027 Telluride is the introduction of a hybrid powertrain. While the standard gas model now utilizes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbo, the hybrid variant pairs this engine with two electric motors. The combined system output is an impressive 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, a significant increase over the non-hybrid version. This hybrid system utilizes a six-speed automatic transmission, a choice that, while functional, leaves some wondering if an ECVT might have yielded even better efficiency and performance.

Fuel economy figures are promising, with the front-wheel-drive model achieving an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined. The all-wheel-drive SX Prestige variant is rated at 30 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, approximately 30 mpg combined. Combined with an 18-gallon fuel tank, Kia claims a remarkable range of over 550 miles for AWD models and over 630 miles for FWD variants, potentially offering class-leading road trip capability.

Interior: A Tech-Forward and Luxurious Cabin

Inside, the 2027 Telluride continues to impress with a focus on technology and premium materials. The SX Prestige trim boasts a dual-tone interior, featuring a unique blackberry and pearl beige color scheme with a distinctive purple hue visible in certain lighting conditions. A suede/Alcantara headliner adds a touch of luxury, and the engineered wood trim on the dashboard, while potentially a fancy name for plastic, feels and looks convincing. The steering wheel also features a two-tone finish, adding to the unique aesthetic.

The dashboard is dominated by a pair of 12.3-inch screens, one for the digital instrument cluster and another for the infotainment system. Kia offers a high degree of customization for the displays, including various themes, even incorporating NBA team logos and Disney characters, alongside more conventional layouts. Climate control is managed via a touch panel, though thankfully, physical buttons and a volume knob are retained. Dual wireless chargers are present, though concerns were raised about phones overheating during extended charging sessions. The center console offers configurable cup holders and a shallow bin, with a pop-out bin at the rear.

While the driver’s seat offers an ergo-motion massage function, the passenger misses out on this luxury. The seats themselves are upholstered in a high-quality synthetic leather and suede combination, feeling premium despite not being genuine leather. To access the premium features, opting for at least the SX trim level is recommended.

Space and Practicality: Third-Row Considerations

The SX Prestige model features second-row captain’s chairs, seating seven passengers. These captain’s chairs are a highlight, offering six-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation – features often reserved for luxury vehicles. Getting into the third row requires folding and sliding the second-row seats, a process that takes some time. Notably, the hybrid model loses two inches of second-row legroom compared to the gas version, attributed to battery placement.

The third row itself is surprisingly accommodating for adults on shorter journeys, offering decent headroom and legroom when the second-row seats are not fully extended. However, for maximum third-row space, competitors like the Toyota Grand Highlander may offer a slight advantage. Access to the third row can be a bit cumbersome, with crawling through the middle being a more efficient option than waiting for the power-folding second-row seats. Despite this, the third row is well-equipped with heated seats, a USB port, AC vents, and dome lighting.

Cargo space is generous, with 21.3 cubic feet behind the third row (slightly less in the hybrid), expanding to nearly 48 cubic feet with the third row folded. The total cargo capacity reaches over 88 cubic feet, placing it among the best in its class. A spare tire is a welcome addition, a rarity in hybrid vehicles.

Value and Verdict

Pricing for the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid starts around $2,700 more than a comparable gas model, with the hybrid range beginning at the EX trim. The featured SX Prestige model, equipped with the executive package and premium paint, comes in at just over $60,000. While this is a significant sum for a non-luxury badge, the Telluride offers a substantial amount of content and refinement for the money, competing favorably with similarly priced, fully loaded rivals like the Mazda CX-90 and Toyota Grand Highlander.

The Telluride’s strong sales performance, rivaling that of the Honda Pilot and outselling the Grand Highlander in some comparisons, indicates its significant appeal. The combination of striking design, a powerful and efficient hybrid powertrain, a luxurious interior, and Kia’s impressive 10-year/100,000-mile warranty solidifies its position as a top contender in the three-row SUV market. While personal preference will always play a role, the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presents a compelling package that should indeed make Honda and Toyota nervous.

Source: 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid Review – Honda and Toyota Should Be Worried! (YouTube)