Kia has launched the second-generation 2027 Telluride with the nameplate’s first available hybrid powertrain. The turbo-hybrid model pairs a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with a 1.65-kWh lithium-ion battery and electric motors, producing a combined 329 horsepower and 339 lb.-ft. of torque. The hybrid EX FWD trim carries an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined rating and a total driving range of up to 637 miles.
Highlights
- Hybrid powertrain specs: 329 hp and 339 lb.-ft. of torque from a 2.5-liter turbo paired with electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery, routed through a six-speed automatic transmission
- Fuel economy: EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined on the EX FWD trim, with AWD trims rated at 31 MPG combined
- Pricing: Telluride Turbo Hybrid starts at $46,490 MSRP for the EX and tops out at $57,590 MSRP for the X-Line SX-Prestige (excludes destination)
- Stay Mode: The hybrid battery can power climate control, lighting, and audio for up to an hour without engaging the combustion engine
Powertrain Details
The turbo-hybrid represents a significant power increase over the outgoing Telluride. The 329-hp combined output is a 38-hp gain over the previous generation’s 291-hp V6, while torque jumps 77 lb.-ft. over the prior 262 lb.-ft. figure.
The hybrid system includes Electrification – Vehicle Motion Control (e-VMC), which leverages braking and motor control to improve handling and stability. Power reaches the wheels through a six-speed automatic, with all-wheel drive available.
The gasoline-only 2.5-liter turbo produces 274 hp and 311 lb.-ft. of torque — a 49-lb.-ft. torque increase over the previous ICE powertrain. That version uses an eight-speed automatic and offers up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. The hybrid model is rated for up to 4,500 pounds of towing.
Fuel Economy by Trim
- EX FWD: 34/36/35 MPG (city/highway/combined)
- EX AWD: 30/32/31 MPG
- SX FWD: 32/34/33 MPG
- X-Line SX AWD: 30/32/31 MPG
- SX Prestige AWD: 30/32/31 MPG
- X-Line SX Prestige AWD: 30/32/31 MPG
Larger Footprint and Added Cargo
The second-generation Telluride rides on a 116.9-inch wheelbase, an increase of 2.7 inches. Overall length grows 2.3 inches to 199.2 inches. Maximum cargo volume reaches 89.3 cubic feet in the gasoline model and 88.3 cubic feet in the turbo-hybrid. Behind the third row, the gasoline version offers 22.3 cubic feet while the hybrid provides 21.3 cubic feet.
Kia says the Telluride now offers what it calls class-leading second-row legroom among midsize three-row SUVs. A redesigned second-row slide-and-tilt mechanism allows child seats to remain installed while accessing the third row.
Comfort and Technology
The 2027 Telluride introduces available front relaxation seats with powered leg rests, a driver Ergo Motion seat with air-pocket massage, and power-operated climate-controlled second-row captain’s chairs. Heated seats are now available across all three rows on outboard positions.
The infotainment system runs Kia’s Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) platform, available with dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays. The system supports over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a generative AI voice assistant. An available Meridian 14-speaker audio system with a 10-inch subwoofer is also offered.
Digital Key 2.0 enables vehicle access via compatible Apple and Samsung smartphones or NFC-enabled smart cards, with sharing for up to three additional users.
X-Pro Off-Road Variant
The X-Pro trim adds an exclusive suspension with additional travel stroke, an electronic limited-slip differential (E-LSD), wider all-terrain tires, and 9.1 inches of ground clearance. A new Ground View Monitor displays a composite view of the terrain below the vehicle at speeds under 6 mph. An off-road vehicle status screen shows pitch, roll, and steering angle data.
Safety and ADAS
The Telluride targets an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and includes 10 airbags, with a new front-row center airbag. Standard ADAS features include Hands on Detection, Lane Following Assist 2, an in-cabin camera, and forward and reverse parking distance warnings. Available Highway Driving Assist 2 provides semi-automated highway driving with lane-change assistance.
A radar-based Rear Occupant Alert System monitors the second and third rows for movement after the vehicle is parked and can send push notifications to a connected smartphone.
Availability and Pricing
The gasoline-powered 2027 Telluride is on sale now in LX, S, EX, SX, SX-Prestige, X-Line, and X-Pro trims, priced from $39,190 to $56,790 MSRP. The Telluride Turbo Hybrid has begun arriving at dealerships in EX, SX, SX-Prestige, and X-Line trims. All Telluride models are assembled in West Point, Georgia.
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