Korean carmakers like Kia are currently doing what Japanese car companies did when they first arrived in North America. The value-per-dollar ratio cannot be overlooked, but that’s only one of the reasons why reputable publications rank the new Telluride so high. Just now, Cars US News unveiled its 2026 Best Hybrid and Electric Cars awards.
The awards were given after evaluating 136 vehicles across 19 categories, including quality, value, capability relative to their competitors, and other criteria. For the most part, I was not surprised at the winners, and there are a few things that make the Kia Telluride Hybrid an unlikely winner in the midsize hybrid SUV segment.
Kia Telluride Hybrid is one of the best-equipped mid-size SUVs
The Kia Telluride Hybrid stands out as the best-in-class midsize hybrid SUV largely because it delivers an unusually strong balance of efficiency, space, technology, and overall value.
The Kia Telluride Hybrid starts at $48,035 (MSRP), which is almost $8,000 less than the base non-hybrid Telluride. To put things in perspective, the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid starts at $46,705 while the Mazda CX-90 PHEV starts at $44,250. This makes the Kia slightly more expensive than its competitors, but not by a significant margin.
Another major advantage is its class-leading interior and practicality. While not necessarily the most spacious in the segment, the Telluride Hybrid interior offers upscale materials, rich standard equipment, and seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on which seat layout you go for. The SUV offers three rows of seating with generous passenger space and flexible cargo capacity, making it especially appealing for families.
Features like the 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, which is surprisingly responsive, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual wireless charging pads, and a standard (for some trims) 14-speaker Meridian audio system are all features that enhance the car’s usability.
Standard safety includes the full Drive Wise safety suite. This comes with lane-keep assist, emergency braking (front and rear), blind-spot monitoring, and hands-free driving capability (Highway Driving Assist).
When it comes to standard equipment, the Kia Telluride outperforms the Toyota Grand Highlander and Mazda CX-90, with better infotainment and an upscale interior, although all three models are solid competitors.
Kia Telluride Hybrid interior dimensions
- Legroom (first / second / third row): 41.4 / 41.4 / 32.1 inches
- Cargo space (behind third row / behind second row/maximum: 21.3 cubic feet / 47.7 cubic feet / 83.3 cubic feet.
Performance and handling
The second-generation Kia Telluride no longer features the 3.8-liter normally aspirated V-6 engine. Instead, it comes standard with a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four. The engine alone makes 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet. The Hybrid adds two electric motors. One acts as a starter generator and is mounted to the engine, while the other is mounted to the six-speed automatic.
Combined system output jumps to 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet. The full-hybrid setup has the electric motors integrated into the car’s main powertrain and drivetrain units, which results in smaller packaging and weight-saving. It is a brilliant system that allows for up to 38 MPG combined, despite a small, 1.65-kWh Lithium-ion polymer battery. The total range is approximately 637 miles, although it is worth noting that this is for the front-wheel-drive variant.
The 0 to 60 mph time is estimated to be around 6.6 seconds, which isn’t bad for a 5,061-pound hybrid SUV. This makes the 2027 Telluride Hybrid significantly zippier than the old V-6 model while being smooth, quiet, and refined.
The Grand Highlander Hybrid may still seem like the logical choice, but the Kia Telluride Hybrid is almost as fuel-efficient while packing a lot more performance and a more upscale and modern interior. The only exception to this is the 362-horsepower Grand Highlander i-Force Max, which is seriously quick but lacks the fuel economy of the Telluride, as it only manages 27 MPG combined.
Related story: Kia Explains Why the V6 Is Gone for Good in the 2027 Telluride
The conclusion
The 2027 Kia Telluride redesign may feature a divisive front end, but when it comes to the Hybrid model, it offers a perfect balance between performance, fuel efficiency, and luxury. The Telluride’s steering is heavily-assisted and not the most communicative, but like most other rivals in the segment, it is a family-friendly, three-row SUV, not a performance model. Would you choose the Kia Telluride Hybrid over the Toyota Grand Highlander, Hyundai Pallisade, or Mazda CX-90? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
About the author
Dimitar Angelov has been an automotive journalist since 2014. His passion for cars and motorcycles led him to take up classic car restoration at the Classic Car Museum in Malta. While living there, he also graduated with a Master's in Media and Communications. Aside from Torquenews, his work can also be seen on Topspeed.com, HotCars.com, Motorheads.com, Jalopnik.com, and his own website, Ridereverie.com, where he also includes motorcycle content.
Other relevant experiences in the automotive scene include working at a Toyota dealership, professional driving, and automotive insurance. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
Image source: 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid
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