2027 KIA TELLURIDE

 

KIA ADDS HYBRID DRIVETRAIN
TO ITS POPULAR TELLURIDE SUV

After skipping the 2026 model year, the redesigned 2027 Kia Telluride moves into its second generation and includes the introduction of a gas-electric powertrain.

It has grown a bit since 2025 models with the 2.3-inch increase in length giving the 2027 Telluride a boost in cargo room to 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row, an increase of 1.3 cubic feet over its predecessor.

Folding third- and second-row seats provides an even bigger difference over 2.3 cubic feet with a maximum of 88.3 cubic feet.

The 2027 Kia Telluride HEV is offered in five trim starting with the 

EX and followed up the price line by the SX, X-Line SX, SX Prestige and X-Line SX Prestige. My test vehicle was the X-Line SX Prestige with all-wheel drive.

The 2027 Kia Telluride HEV shares its drivetrain with the Palisade SUV from its South Korean colleague Hyundai. The 2.5-liter turbocharged engine and pair of electric motors produce a combined 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque while drinking regular fuel at the rate of 30-35 miles-per-gallon depending on the trim.

The base Kia Telluride HEV EX with FWD is rated at 35 mpg with a driving range of 637 miles, according to the EPA. My test X-Line SX-Prestige with AWD was more conservative at 31 mpg and a 564-mile range.

Those numbers are a big jump over the gas-only Telluride which gets a combined city-highway number of 22 mpg with a range of 418 miles.

A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard. Selective driving modes for the 2027 Kia Telluride HEV X-Line SW Prestige are Eco, Sport, and My Drive, which allows you to customize the powertrain and steering to your liking.

As the top trim in the lineup, the 2027 Kia Telluride HEV X-Line SX-Prestige is loaded with standard features.

They include a dual 12.3-inch panoramic screen with navigation, head-up display, three years of Kia Connect that provides updates to your vehicle, Meridian premium sound, digital rear-view mirror, dual phone charging pads, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated and ventilated front seats, Syntax suede seats, power heated second-row captain’s chairs, wood interior accents, 20-inch wheels, dual sunroofs, and power lift gate.

Driver assistance features include blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, parking distance warning and collision avoidance, and a surround-view monitor.

Included at no extra charge on my test 2027 Kia Telluride HEV were X-Line exterior and interior styling features, and a lift gate lamp.

The Black Jade Green paint were among options that added to the starting MSRP of $57,590. Others were a towing package, cargo liners, and carpeting.

That ran the final total to $61,180 including the destination and delivery of $1,545. Pricing for other trims start at $46,490 for the base EX with FWD, and $51,490 for the SX FWD. AWD adds $3,000 and is standard on the X-Line SX-Prestige that starts at $56,590. 

What I liked about the 2027 Kia Telluride HEV X-Line SX-Prestige AWD: The interior is roomy and nicely done. A plethora of tech features are easy to operate. The hybrid drivetrain provides plenty of power while delivering excellent fuel economy. There is generous cargo area even with third-row seats in place.The double charging pad is a nice feature. The Black Jade Green color of my test vehicle is stunning.

What I didn’t like about the 2027 Kia Telluride HEV X-Line SX-Prestige AWD: Pricing reaches premium range for the top of the line trim. The ignition button is in an awkward spot incorporated into the gear selector and is kind of hidden behind the steering wheel. Climate control buttons take some getting used to.

Would I buy the 2027 Kia Telluride HEV X-Line SX-Prestige AWD: It’s a great family vehicle a solid drive as well as good hauling capacity. It’s definitely worth a look.