Kia is adding a thriftier version of the Telluride to the lineup, and it is not a minor adjustment. It is about the newly announced hybrid variant that can be had in the US for $46,490. For this money, you get an enhanced fuel figure compared to the standard gasoline variant. In that regard, Kia America says that customers can expect as much as 35 miles per gallon.
In this specific model, the carmaker changes the parallel-hybrid system whereby an Atkinson-cycle internal combustion engine is fitted with two electric motors.
One motor handles propulsion and sits between the engine and transmission, while the other one works as a starter generator, smoothing start/stop operation while also managing the battery’s state of charge.
As for the battery, we are dealing here with a 1.65kWh lithium-ion polymer setup installed under the second-row seats. The placement is there to preserve the flat-loading ability of the rear cargo area. While parked, the pack can also run the audio system, climate control, and other electronics for about 20 minutes.
The X-Pro and lower trims are supplied with the standard 2.5 liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 274 horsepower and 422 Nm of torque which is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. On the other hand, the Telluride Hybrid has 329 horsepower and 460 Nm of torque, and the power is channeled to the wheels through a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.
The pricing is pushed higher when the off-road-flavored trim is considered. X-Pro SX Prestige is priced at $56,790 and is based on the X-Line platform; and it has updated its suspension, raised roof rails, and includes a tow hitch and an electronic limited-slip differential.
A center diff lock is fitted as well, and the X-Pro also gets Terrain mode, recovery points at both ends, and a Ground View Monitor that uses onboard cameras to show a composite look at the ground when crawling at low speeds.
As for rivals, the Telluride continues to face the Hyundai Palisade, Ford Explorer, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Honda Pilot. Toyota already offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Grand Highlander, while the Telluride Hybrid’s closest family rival is the Palisade Hybrid. That one starts at $44,160, undercutting the Telluride Hybrid EX, which Kia America prices at $46,490.
2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid – Photo Gallery
