2027 Kia Telluride Turbo Hybrid Brings Power and Luxury Value

The 2027 Kia Telluride Turbo Hybrid marks a major step forward for Kia’s large SUV, combining a redesigned exterior, an upscale cabin and a more efficient powertrain. Tested in X-Line SX-Prestige trim with all-wheel drive, the SUV carries a price of $61,180 including destination charges, placing it among the most expensive versions of the Telluride lineup.

Kia completely redesigned the Telluride for the 2027 model year, and the new hybrid is positioned as one of the lineup’s key additions. After spending a week with the X-Line SX-Prestige AWD, the SUV stood out for its interior design, practical features and more ambitious styling. The latest Telluride continues Kia’s effort to compete at the upper end of the large-SUV market while retaining the value proposition associated with the nameplate.

The hybrid powertrain combines a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with lithium-ion batteries and a six-speed automatic transmission. The system produces 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. Kia rates the hybrid at 30 mpg in city driving, 32 mpg on the highway and 31 mpg combined. During testing across a mixture of driving conditions, fuel economy reached 28.8 mpg, reasonably close to the EPA figures.

Highway driving highlighted the smoothness of the hybrid system, with enough power available for merging and changing lanes. At lower speeds on surface streets, however, some gear changes felt less refined. The brakes also required more pedal pressure than expected and delivered a somewhat vague sensation.

Ride comfort was another strong point. Although the test vehicle’s 21-inch wheels give it a substantial appearance, they did not result in an overly harsh ride. The Telluride remained comfortable around town as well as during longer summer drives on Interstates 696 and 75.

Kia has also taken a more dramatic approach with the Telluride’s exterior for 2027. The test vehicle was finished in Black Jade Green, a deep forest-green shade, and paired that color with gloss-black alloy wheels, black exterior accents and black badges. The overall design has a premium appearance, with styling that recalls the visual character of Land Rover SUVs.

The new Telluride adopts a more upright and imposing shape than its predecessor, with vertical headlights, sharply defined bodywork and a slightly angled rear section. While the previous generation was already considered attractive, Kia chose a more ambitious direction for 2027. The larger dimensions complement the bolder styling and give the SUV a more upscale presence.

Inside, the Telluride continues that move toward a more premium experience. The cabin of the test vehicle featured a black interior, gray engineered-wood accents, ambient lighting and synthetic leather and suede seating. While the materials do not fully replicate those of a genuine luxury vehicle, they create a convincing upscale environment. The seats were also described as sporty, supportive and comfortable by passengers.

The steering wheel has a broad, almost squircle-like shape that has become increasingly common, particularly among vehicles such as those from Lincoln. Its unusual form takes some getting used to but still provides solid feedback for the driver.

Controls for the entertainment system are positioned within easy reach at the center of the dashboard. Instead of physically moving, the buttons use haptic feedback, a setup also seen in vehicles from Rivian and Cadillac. That arrangement could be frustrating during use, although conventional switches remain available for functions such as temperature and fan-speed adjustments.

Kia has equipped the large SUV with an extensive camera system to assist with parking and maneuvering. The additional visibility made it easier to position the Telluride in tighter spaces. Storage is also thoughtfully arranged, including a large center compartment with dedicated room for keys and two phone chargers.

The second row provides substantial space, with USB adapters and a center console featuring a pull-out drawer and tray. The second-row captain’s chairs are both heated and ventilated, while the open layout makes it easier to move through the cabin and reach the third row. With the third-row seats folded, there was extensive cargo space for groceries, golf clubs and swimming equipment.

The Telluride’s tall body and large windows contribute to a bright, open cabin. A two-pane sunroof adds even more light, while partially opening the windows can create a particularly airy environment during warm weather. The SUV’s relatively thin A-pillars also provide strong forward visibility, helping the driver feel more confident when maneuvering.

The 2027 Telluride Turbo Hybrid adds an efficient powertrain to an already broad lineup while bringing more dramatic styling and a premium-oriented interior. Even with a $61,180 price for the X-Line SX-Prestige AWD test vehicle, the combination of performance, fuel economy, comfort and equipment makes the hybrid a significant addition to the range. Lower-priced versions, including front-wheel-drive non-hybrid models, continue to offer considerable value.

The redesigned Telluride also reflects Kia’s increasingly ambitious approach to new vehicles. Rather than simply competing within established segments, the company has been targeting higher levels of design, equipment and overall market appeal. The 2027 Telluride Turbo Hybrid is a clear example of that strategy, pairing large-SUV practicality with improved efficiency and a more upscale presentation.