2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid Review

Big Family SUV Finally Gets The Hybrid Powertrain Buyers Wanted

Compiled By Alex Intelli
The Auto Channel

AI Quick Answer: The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid keeps everything buyers already loved about the Telluride — roomy seating, upscale design, smooth highway comfort and outstanding value — while finally adding dramatically improved fuel economy through a new turbocharged hybrid powertrain. It remains one of the smartest large SUV choices for growing families.

First Drive Overview

For years buyers have asked one simple question: “Why doesn’t the Telluride offer a hybrid?”

For 2027, Kia finally answers.

The new Telluride Hybrid arrives with improved efficiency, stronger low-speed torque, quieter cruising manners and enough family-friendly practicality to continue the model’s reign as one of America’s best all-around three-row SUVs.

And unlike some competitors that sacrifice drivability in pursuit of fuel economy, Kia’s engineers appear to understand something important:

Families still need a vehicle that feels relaxed, confident and easy to live with every single day.

The result is a large crossover that behaves smaller than its dimensions suggest while delivering fuel economy numbers previously impossible in a full-size Telluride.

Road Test: Calm, Quiet And Surprisingly Responsive

Behind the wheel, the 2027 Telluride Hybrid immediately feels smoother and more refined than earlier gasoline-only versions.

The hybrid system pairs a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with dual electric motors and a six-speed automatic transmission. Total output is estimated around 329 horsepower with abundant torque available almost instantly from a stop.

That matters in real-world driving.

Around town the Telluride Hybrid launches effortlessly, merging onto highways with authority while maintaining the relaxed personality owners expect from a premium family SUV.

Unlike some hybrids that drone endlessly under acceleration, the Telluride Hybrid remains composed and surprisingly quiet.

Steering is light but accurate. Ride quality leans toward comfort rather than sportiness — exactly the correct choice for a three-row highway cruiser expected to transport children, luggage, grandparents, sports equipment and occasionally a nervous family dog.

Even on rough pavement the suspension absorbs impacts cleanly without excessive float.

At interstate speeds the Telluride continues to impress with low wind noise, excellent seat comfort and stable long-distance tracking.

The available all-wheel-drive system provides additional confidence in rain and snow while maintaining respectable efficiency.

Interior: Still One Of The Best In The Segment

Kia continues to outperform expectations inside the Telluride.

Cabin materials look and feel expensive, controls are logical, and visibility remains excellent for such a large vehicle.

The hybrid battery placement minimally impacts passenger space, meaning all three rows remain genuinely usable by adults — something many competitors still fail to accomplish.

Front seats are supportive enough for long-distance travel, while second-row captain’s chairs available on upper trims create a near-luxury experience.

Cargo space remains generous even with the third row in use.

Technology includes:

Dual panoramic curved displays
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Over-the-air software updates
Advanced voice controls
Digital key smartphone integration
Available premium Harman Kardon audio
Highway Driving Assist semi-autonomous system

2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid Specifications

2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid AWD Prestige Elite
Engine	2.5-liter turbocharged hybrid inline-4
Combined Horsepower	Approx. 329 hp
Combined Torque	Approx. 390 lb-ft
Transmission	6-speed automatic
Drive Type	Front-wheel drive / Available AWD
Fuel Economy (est.)	36 MPG city / 33 MPG highway
Seating Capacity	7 or 8 passengers
Towing Capacity	Up to 5,000 pounds
Wheelbase	114.2 inches
Overall Length	196.9 inches
Cargo Capacity	Up to 87 cubic feet
0-60 MPH (est.)	6.5 seconds

Pricing

Trim Level	Estimated Starting Price
Telluride Hybrid LX	$42,995
Telluride Hybrid EX	$46,500
Telluride Hybrid SX	$51,200
Telluride Hybrid Prestige Elite AWD	$57,995

Prices exclude destination charges and optional equipment.

Safety And Driver Assistance

Kia continues loading the Telluride with safety technology buyers increasingly expect in premium family transportation.

Available systems include:

Forward collision avoidance assist
Blind spot collision warning
Lane keeping assist
Adaptive cruise control
Rear cross-traffic alert
Driver attention warning
360-degree surround-view camera
Highway Driving Assist 2

Expected crash-test scores should remain highly competitive given the Telluride’s strong safety history.

The Auto Channel Take

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid may become the most complete Telluride yet.

It delivers the fuel economy improvement buyers demanded without sacrificing the comfort, practicality and relaxed highway character that made the Telluride successful in the first place.

And that matters.

Because while some automakers continue chasing touchscreen gimmicks and artificial “sportiness,” Kia seems focused on building a vehicle families genuinely enjoy living with.

The Telluride Hybrid is roomy, efficient, quiet, refined and intelligently designed.

In other words, it understands the assignment.

For families wanting a premium-feeling three-row SUV without luxury-brand pricing, the 2027 Telluride Hybrid deserves a very serious look.

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