2027 Kia Telluride Review: Is the New 329-HP Hybrid the Best 3-Row SUV?

The 2027 Kia Telluride is one of the most important three-row SUVs of the year because it does not simply update a successful formula. It replaces the old V6-only Telluride with a larger second-generation model, a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and the first-ever Telluride Hybrid.

That matters for families. The Telluride has always been popular because it looks more expensive than it is, carries people comfortably, and offers strong value against mainstream rivals. For 2027, Kia keeps that formula but adds more efficiency, more technology, and a more upscale cabin.

The biggest headline is the hybrid. With 329 horsepower, up to 35 mpg combined, and a conventional automatic transmission instead of a CVT, the 2027 Telluride Hybrid looks like the version many buyers were waiting for. The gas model still makes sense for shoppers who want the lowest entry price or the X-Pro trim, but the hybrid is now the most interesting Telluride in the lineup.

Quick Facts

Category	2027 Kia Telluride
Starting MSRP	$39,190 before destination; about $40,735 including destination
Hybrid starting MSRP	$46,490 before destination, starting with the EX trim
Standard engine	2.5L turbocharged inline-four
Standard output	274 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque
Hybrid output	329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque
Best fuel economy	35 mpg combined, EX FWD Hybrid
Seating	7 or 8 passengers, depending on trim and configuration
Drivetrain	FWD standard on many trims; AWD optional or standard on rugged trims
Towing capacity	5,000 lbs gas; 4,500 lbs hybrid
Cargo space	Up to 89.3 cu ft; 48.7 cu ft behind the second row; 22.3 cu ft behind the third row
Availability	Arriving at U.S. dealers; inventory may vary by region

Note: Kia skipped the 2026 Telluride model year and moved from the 2025 model to the redesigned 2027 Telluride.

What We Like and What We Don't

What We Like	What We Don't Like
Strong 329-hp hybrid powertrain	Top trims can approach $60,000 with destination and options
Up to 35 mpg combined	Hybrid is not available with X-Pro
More upscale interior than before	Some touch-sensitive controls may require extra attention
Comfortable three-row layout	Maximum space still trails the roomiest rivals
Useful cargo space and strong warranty	Gas model loses the old V6 character

An All-New Second Generation

The 2027 Telluride is a true redesign, not a light facelift. Kia gives it a longer body, a longer wheelbase, new styling, updated technology, and two very different powertrain choices.

The new shape is boxier and more upright than before. It still looks like a family SUV, but the squared-off stance, cleaner surfacing, and more rugged trim details give it the kind of road presence buyers usually associate with more expensive SUVs.

The size increase also matters. At 199.2 inches long with a 116.9-inch wheelbase, the redesigned Telluride is 2.3 inches longer overall and has 2.7 inches more wheelbase than the outgoing model. That stretch helps second-row comfort, third-row access, and cargo flexibility.

Best Trim to Buy

For most shoppers, the EX FWD Hybrid is the smartest version of the 2027 Telluride. It gets the 329-hp hybrid system, the best 35 mpg combined rating, and the core Telluride experience without pushing close to loaded luxury-SUV pricing.

Choose AWD if you live somewhere with snow, steep roads, or frequent bad weather. Choose SX or SX Prestige if you want the richer cabin and more comfort technology. But from a value perspective, the EX Hybrid is the trim that best matches what makes the new Telluride special.

Best Buy: EX FWD Hybrid

Best for buyers who want the strongest fuel economy, the full 329-hp hybrid system, and a lower price than SX Prestige trims. Consider AWD if winter traction matters more than maximum mpg.

Pricing and Trims

The gas Telluride starts at $39,190 before destination, which keeps the base model in mainstream three-row SUV territory. With destination added, shoppers should think of the real starting point as just over $40,000.

The hybrid lineup starts higher because Kia does not offer the hybrid on the lower LX or S trims. The Telluride Hybrid begins with the EX trim at $46,490 before destination. That makes the hybrid a more expensive starting point, but it also brings more power and much better fuel economy.

A loaded SX Prestige AWD Hybrid can move into the upper-$50,000 to roughly $60,000 range depending on destination, paint, accessories, and local dealer pricing. That is not cheap, but it still undercuts many luxury-branded three-row SUVs with similar equipment.

Trim Overview

Trim	Powertrain	Drivetrain	Price Position	Best For
LX	Gas	FWD or AWD	Lowest entry price	Budget-focused families
S	Gas	FWD or AWD	Low-to-mid $40K range	More features without a big jump
EX	Gas or Hybrid	FWD or AWD	Mid-to-upper $40K range	Best mainstream value
SX	Gas or Hybrid	FWD or AWD	Low $50K range	More tech and comfort
SX Prestige	Gas or Hybrid	Mostly AWD-focused	Upper $50K range	Near-luxury shoppers
X-Line	Gas or Hybrid	AWD	Upper trims	Rugged styling and AWD confidence
X-Pro	Gas only	AWD	Top adventure trim	Buyers wanting extra capability

Powertrain and Performance

The old V6 is gone. In its place is a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four with 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The new engine has more torque than the old V6, which should help the Telluride feel responsive in everyday driving.

The Telluride Hybrid is the headline. It combines a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with two electric motors for 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. Better still, Kia uses a 6-speed automatic transmission rather than a CVT, so the hybrid should feel more natural than many efficiency-focused family SUVs.

Independent testing has shown the Telluride Hybrid reaching 60 mph in the mid-six-second range, which is strong for a large three-row SUV. It is not trying to be a sporty crossover, but it has enough power to feel confident with passengers, luggage, and highway merging.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is where the 2027 Telluride Hybrid makes the biggest case for itself. The gas model is acceptable, but the hybrid turns the Telluride into a much more efficient family hauler without making it feel underpowered.

The EX FWD Hybrid is rated at 35 mpg combined. AWD hybrid models are rated lower, but even 31 mpg combined is a major improvement over the gas AWD Telluride. For families driving 15,000 to 20,000 miles per year, the fuel savings could offset a meaningful part of the hybrid’s higher purchase price over time.

Version	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG
Gas FWD	20	26	22
Gas AWD	18	24	20
Gas X-Pro AWD	17	22	19
Hybrid EX FWD	34	36	35
Hybrid SX FWD	32	34	33
Hybrid AWD	30	32	31

Use our Fuel Cost & Savings Calculator to estimate annual savings

Driving Character

The Telluride is tuned for calm, comfortable family driving rather than aggressive handling. That is the right approach for this segment. The steering is predictable, the ride is composed, and the cabin is designed to feel quiet and relaxed on long trips.

The hybrid’s advantage is not only fuel economy. Electric assist should make low-speed driving smoother, while the automatic transmission helps avoid the rubber-band feel some buyers dislike in CVT-based hybrids. The result is a powertrain that fits the Telluride’s personality: easy, strong, and refined.

Interior and Technology

Inside, the 2027 Telluride moves closer to premium territory without losing its family-first purpose. The dashboard design is cleaner and more architectural, the available color combinations look richer, and higher trims add details that make the cabin feel more expensive than the badge suggests.

Available features include massaging front seats, power leg rests, heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs, heated third-row seats on select trims, dual wireless phone chargers, large digital displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected services, and premium audio on upper models.

The cabin is not perfect. Some controls require more attention than traditional physical buttons, and buyers should test the layout during a showroom visit. Still, the overall execution is one of the Telluride’s biggest strengths. It feels designed for long family trips, not just short test drives.

Cargo and Passenger Space

A three-row SUV has to be practical, and the redesigned Telluride gets the basics right. Kia lists 89.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row, 48.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row on gas models.

That is enough space for school runs, road trips, sports gear, luggage, and weekly errands. The third row is usable, but buyers who regularly carry adults in all three rows should still compare the Telluride with the Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Grand Highlander before deciding.

The Telluride is excellent as a family SUV, but it is not a minivan replacement. If maximum people-and-cargo space matters more than style, a minivan or the roomiest three-row crossovers may still make more sense.

Safety and Recalls

The outgoing Telluride built a strong safety reputation, and Kia is clearly trying to protect that advantage with the redesigned model. The 2027 Telluride offers a broad driver-assistance suite, including forward collision assistance, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, safe-exit assistance, rear occupant alerts, and camera-based systems depending on trim.

The 2027 model also adds 10 airbags, including a front-row center airbag. Final crash-test ratings for the redesigned Telluride should still be checked as they become available from IIHS and NHTSA, because new-generation vehicles need their own ratings.

One important ownership note: some early 2027 Telluride and Telluride Hybrid vehicles were recalled for a driver-side seat-belt issue. If you are buying from early inventory, check the VIN with a Kia dealer or through NHTSA before purchase.

Ownership Costs and What Buyers Should Know

The 2027 Telluride should remain more affordable to own than many luxury-branded three-row SUVs. Routine maintenance should be similar to other mainstream midsize SUVs, and Kia’s warranty coverage remains a major advantage, including a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The hybrid is the better long-term choice for families who drive a lot. Its higher purchase price may be easier to justify if your yearly mileage is high, fuel prices rise, or you plan to keep the SUV for several years. Buyers who drive mostly short local trips may also appreciate the smoother low-speed behavior of the hybrid system.

There are still ownership details to consider. Large wheels can make tire replacement more expensive, top trims may cost more to insure, and early buyers should verify recall status before signing. For most families, however, the Telluride’s warranty, fuel economy, and strong demand should help keep ownership confidence high.

Telluride vs. The Competition

The 2027 Telluride competes in one of the toughest family-SUV segments in America. Its closest rival is the Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, which shares a corporate connection and similar hybrid hardware. The Palisade may appeal to buyers who want a softer luxury feel, while the Telluride leans more rugged and expressive.

The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max offers more horsepower and excellent space, but it cannot match the Telluride Hybrid’s best fuel economy. The Honda Pilot remains a practical V6-powered choice, but it does not offer a hybrid. The Lexus TX gives buyers a premium badge, but the Telluride fights back with price, warranty, and equipment value.

SUV	Powertrain	Horsepower	Best MPG	Key Advantage
2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid	2.5L turbo hybrid	329 hp	35 mpg combined	Style, efficiency, value
Hyundai Palisade Hybrid	2.5L turbo hybrid	329 hp	Mid-30s mpg range	Softer luxury feel
Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max	2.4L turbo hybrid	362 hp	About 27 mpg combined	More power and cargo space
Honda Pilot	3.5L V6	285 hp	Lower than hybrids	Proven V6 and practical packaging
Lexus TX Hybrid	Hybrid options	Varies by trim	Varies by model	Premium badge and luxury positioning

2027 Kia Telluride Pros and Cons

Pros

• Powerful 329-hp hybrid option
• Up to 35 mpg combined on EX FWD Hybrid
• More cargo space than before
• Upscale interior design and comfort features
• Strong warranty coverage
• Gas model still offers 5,000-lb towing
• Hybrid available at launch

Cons

• Hybrid starts much higher than the base gas model
• Top trims can approach luxury-SUV pricing
• Hybrid is not offered with X-Pro
• AWD hybrid fuel economy is lower than FWD hybrid
• Some controls may not be as simple as physical buttons
• Still not as space-efficient as a minivan

Who Should Buy the 2027 Kia Telluride?

Buy it if

• You want a stylish three-row SUV with real family practicality
• You want hybrid efficiency without weak performance
• You value a long warranty and strong feature content
• You want a near-luxury feel without a luxury badge price

Look elsewhere if

• You need maximum cargo and passenger space above all else
• You want a serious off-road SUV
• You prefer a V6 engine
• You want a luxury badge more than mainstream value

Should You Buy the 2027 Kia Telluride?

Yes, the 2027 Kia Telluride should be on your shortlist if you want a stylish, efficient, comfortable, and well-equipped three-row SUV without paying luxury-brand money.

The EX FWD Hybrid is the best value pick for most buyers because it combines the strongest fuel economy with the more powerful hybrid system. The SX Prestige Hybrid is the one to choose if you want the richest cabin and comfort features. The gas X-Pro remains the better choice for shoppers who want the rugged trim and 5,000-lb towing capability.

The redesigned Telluride is not perfect, but it is one of the most complete mainstream three-row SUVs available. It gives families the design presence they want, the space they need, and the hybrid efficiency the old model was missing.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid is the strongest version of the new lineup for most families. It is efficient, powerful, comfortable, and priced below many luxury-branded alternatives.

Disclaimer: Information is based on data available as of June 2026. Pricing, availability, fuel economy, options, and specifications may change. Always verify final details with Kia, NHTSA, and your local dealer before purchase.