2027 Kia Telluride Trades V6 Custom For Turbo Energy And Its First Hybrid : Automotive Addicts

Automotive

The Kia Telluride has been a quiet rock star within the household SUV world, racking up awards and waitlists whereas making three-row crossovers really feel rather less like an equipment. For 2027, Kia shouldn’t be tearing up that playbook, however it’s making two big adjustments that may get buyers speaking: the long-running V6 is gone, and as a replacement comes a turbocharged four-cylinder and, for the primary time, a hybrid setup geared toward severe effectivity with out giving up muscle.

Below the hood, each non-hybrid Telluride now makes use of a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that you just would possibly acknowledge from the Sorento and K5 GT. Output drops barely in sheer horsepower to 274, however torque climbs to a stout 311 lb-ft, a wholesome bump over the previous 3.8-liter V6. That additional twist ought to make the large Kia really feel extra keen in on a regular basis driving and whereas towing, particularly when paired with the acquainted eight-speed automated and your alternative of front- or all-wheel drive. Manufacturing will proceed at Kia’s West Level, Georgia plant, which has been house base for the Telluride since day one.

The true headline, although, is the brand new Telluride Hybrid. Kia combines one other 2.5-liter turbo 4 with a compact lithium-ion battery and two electrical motors, one constructed right into a six-speed automated and one performing as a starter-generator. Collectively they ship a mixed 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, numbers that comfortably outgun the outgoing V6 whereas promising as much as 35 mpg mixed and an estimated 600 miles of vary on a tank of gas. Towing tops out at 4,500 kilos for the hybrid, barely beneath the 5,000-pound score of gas-only fashions, however nonetheless a lot for a small camper or toys for the weekend. Entrance- and all-wheel drive are each on the menu, so effectivity followers should not locked into anybody configuration.

Kia has not left the sheetmetal alone both. The 2027 Telluride stretches its wheelbase by 2.7 inches and general size by 2.3 inches, now measuring 199.2 inches bumper to bumper, which supplies the SUV a extra planted, nearly Vary Rover-like stance. The nostril trades the previous simple face for a busier grille therapy and reworked lighting signatures, whereas trims just like the X-Line and X-Professional lean into the rugged vibe with off-road-flavored particulars, larger all-terrain tires and additional floor clearance. It’s nonetheless immediately recognizable as a Telluride, simply with sharper tailoring and a bit extra presence within the faculty pickup lane.

Inside, the brand new era doubles down on what homeowners already liked. A wraparound dashboard and upscale supplies set the tone, however it’s the consolation and tech story that stands out. The motive force can now choice a therapeutic massage perform and relaxation-style entrance seats with longer cushions and energy legrests, whereas second-row passengers get extra space and accessible energy captain’s chairs that may be heated and cooled. Kia has additionally made life simpler for households by permitting youngster seats to remain latched within the second row whilst you tilt and slide for third-row entry. Hidden inside door handles, oblique ambient lighting and a quieter cabin with additional sound-deadening and triple-sealed doorways all push the Telluride slightly nearer to luxurious territory.

Tech-minded consumers will discover the twin 12.3-inch shows, now paired with an infotainment system that may stream providers like YouTube and Netflix when parked, plus an AI voice assistant, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air replace functionality. Cargo area quietly improves too, with room behind the third row rising to 22 cubic toes and complete capability rising to 87 cubes with each rear rows folded. That mixture of added practicality, stronger turbo powertrains and a severely environment friendly hybrid ought to hold the Telluride firmly on purchasing lists. Official pricing remains to be beneath wraps, however with the present mannequin already nudging slightly below $38,000, a beginning determine within the neighborhood of $40,000 for the 2027 lineup seems like a secure guess when it arrives within the first quarter of subsequent yr in trims starting from LX and S all the way in which as much as SX Status, X-Line and X-Professional.

Mike Floyd is a finance govt by commerce and a automobile fanatic at coronary heart. As a CFO with a eager eye for element and technique, Mike brings his analytical mindset to the automotive world, uncovering contemporary insights and distinctive views that transcend the floor. His ardour for vehicles—particularly his favourite, the Porsche 911, fuels his contributions to Automotive Addicts, the place he blends a love for efficiency and design together with his skilled precision. Whether or not he’s breaking down business tendencies or spotlighting rising improvements, Mike helps hold the location each sharp and forward-thinking.