Korean carmakers like Kia are presently doing what Japanese automobile firms did after they first arrived in North America. The worth-per-dollar ratio can’t be ignored, however that’s solely one of many the explanation why respected publications rank the brand new Telluride so excessive. Simply now, Vehicles US Information unveiled its 2026 Finest Hybrid and Electrical Vehicles awards.
The awards got after evaluating 136 autos throughout 19 classes, together with high quality, worth, functionality relative to their rivals, and different standards. For essentially the most half, I used to be not shocked on the winners, and there are some things that make the Kia Telluride Hybrid an unlikely winner within the midsize hybrid SUV section.
Kia Telluride Hybrid is likely one of the best-equipped mid-size SUVs
The Kia Telluride Hybrid stands out because the best-in-class midsize hybrid SUV largely as a result of it delivers an unusually sturdy steadiness of effectivity, area, expertise, and total worth.
The Kia Telluride Hybrid begins at $48,035 (MSRP), which is nearly $8,000 lower than the bottom non-hybrid Telluride. To place issues in perspective, the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid begins at $46,705 whereas the Mazda CX-90 PHEV begins at $44,250. This makes the Kia barely costlier than its rivals, however not by a major margin.
One other main benefit is its class-leading inside and practicality. Whereas not essentially essentially the most spacious within the section, the Telluride Hybrid inside provides upscale supplies, wealthy normal gear, and seating for seven or eight passengers, relying on which seat format you go for. The SUV provides three rows of seating with beneficiant passenger area and versatile cargo capability, making it particularly interesting for households.
Options just like the 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, which is surprisingly responsive, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, twin wi-fi charging pads, and an ordinary (for some trims) 14-speaker Meridian audio system are all options that improve the automobile’s usability.
Customary security consists of the total Drive Smart security suite. This comes with lane-keep help, emergency braking (entrance and rear), blind-spot monitoring, and hands-free driving functionality (Freeway Driving Help).
Relating to normal gear, the Kia Telluride outperforms the Toyota Grand Highlander and Mazda CX-90, with higher infotainment and an upscale inside, though all three fashions are stable rivals.
Kia Telluride Hybrid inside dimensions
- Legroom (first / second / third row): 41.4 / 41.4 / 32.1 inches
- Cargo area (behind third row / behind second row/most: 21.3 cubic ft / 47.7 cubic ft / 83.3 cubic ft.
Efficiency and dealing with
The second-generation Kia Telluride now not options the three.8-liter usually aspirated V-6 engine. As a substitute, it comes normal with a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four. The engine alone makes 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet. The Hybrid provides two electrical motors. One acts as a starter generator and is mounted to the engine, whereas the opposite is mounted to the six-speed computerized.
Mixed system output jumps to 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet. The complete-hybrid setup has the electrical motors built-in into the automobile’s essential powertrain and drivetrain items, which ends up in smaller packaging and weight-saving. It’s a sensible system that enables for as much as 38 MPG mixed, regardless of a small, 1.65-kWh Lithium-ion polymer battery. The whole vary is roughly 637 miles, though it’s value noting that that is for the front-wheel-drive variant.
The 0 to 60 mph time is estimated to be round 6.6 seconds, which isn’t unhealthy for a 5,061-pound hybrid SUV. This makes the 2027 Telluride Hybrid considerably zippier than the previous V-6 mannequin whereas being clean, quiet, and refined.
The Grand Highlander Hybrid should look like the logical selection, however the Kia Telluride Hybrid is nearly as fuel-efficient whereas packing much more efficiency and a extra upscale and trendy inside. The one exception to that is the 362-horsepower Grand Highlander i-Pressure Max, which is significantly fast however lacks the gas financial system of the Telluride, because it solely manages 27 MPG mixed.
Associated story: Kia Explains Why the V6 Is Gone for Good within the 2027 Telluride
The conclusion
The 2027 Kia Telluride redesign could function a divisive entrance finish, however in relation to the Hybrid mannequin, it provides an ideal steadiness between efficiency, gas effectivity, and luxurious. The Telluride’s steering is heavily-assisted and never essentially the most communicative, however like most different rivals within the section, it’s a family-friendly, three-row SUV, not a efficiency mannequin. Would you select the Kia Telluride Hybrid over the Toyota Grand Highlander, Hyundai Pallisade, or Mazda CX-90? Let me know what you suppose within the feedback under.
In regards to the creator
Dimitar Angelov has been an automotive journalist since 2014. His ardour for automobiles and bikes led him to take up traditional automobile restoration on the Basic Automobile Museum in Malta. Whereas residing there, he additionally graduated with a Grasp’s in Media and Communications. Except for Torquenews, his work will also be seen on Topspeed.com, HotCars.com, Motorheads.com, Jalopnik.com, and his personal web site, Ridereverie.com, the place he additionally consists of bike content material.
Different related experiences within the automotive scene embody working at a Toyota dealership, skilled driving, and automotive insurance coverage. Dim is blissful to get behind the wheel of any automobile and share his impressions. You possibly can comply with Dimitar on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Fb.
Picture supply: 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid
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