Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.The Second Time is the Hybrid CharmFor 2027, Kia gives Telluride shoppers more choices, pitting a high-efficiency turbo‑hybrid against a more traditional 2.5‑liter turbo‑four. The hybrid's big gains in mpg, torque, and driving range give it serious appeal, but the higher price tag, added complexity, and potential towing tradeoffs might make shoppers think twice.2027 Kia TellurideKiaThe new turbo‑hybrid Telluride for 2027 builds on the Telluride's already impressive reputation by delivering a healthy dose of efficiency and driving refinement over the 2.5‑liter turbo‑four gas model, but it also adds cost and complexity that may not appeal to every buyer. Whether the upgrade is worth is contingent on how much you value fuel savings, range, and smoothness over the more affordable price of the gas model.Powertrain and Performance2027 Kia Telluride SX PrestigeKiaThe 2027 Telluride's standard 2.5‑liter turbo four makes 274 hp and 311 lb‑ft of torque, paired with an 8‑speed automatic. It replaces the old V6 (291 ponies and 262 lb-ft) with less horsepower but more torque. Some buyers might look at the V6 as irreplaceable due to its smooth nature and aggressive engine growl. The old Telluride did 0-60 in 6.8 seconds. The new gas-only version is a bit slower to 60 mph with a time of 7.4 seconds. Those numbers, however, don't tell the full story because the new turbo four is torquier and feels more immediate off the line.2027 Telluride Hybrid X-LineKiaStep up to the turbo‑hybrid and you get a similar displacement turbo‑four paired with an electric motor for 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. In everyday driving, that electric assist helps the hybrid feel more immediate off the line and in rolling starts. It's quite a bit quicker (0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds, a full second less than gas) and more effortless when it comes to passing. The hybrid bests the old V6, as well as the new 2.5-liter gas turbo four.Efficiency and Range2027 Telluride X-ProAdvertisementAdvertisementThe gas‑only 2.5‑turbo Telluride targets a negligible improvement over the old V6's fuel economy, providing EPA estimates of 22 city/26 hwy/22 combined for front-wheel drive configurations and 18 city/24 hwy/20 combined for AWD. For many three‑row SUV shoppers, that's acceptable, but not exactly superb. It's the same as the V6's 20 city/26 hwy/22 combined for FWD and a smidge better with 18 city/23 hwy/20 combined for AWD.2027 Telluride Hybrid SXPThe hybrid is engineered to change that equation. With a combined rating in the mid‑30s mpg, it delivers a dramatic efficiency gain over the gas‑only turbo—often in the neighborhood of a 50–70 percent improvement in real‑world use. On a full tank, that translates into significantly fewer fuel stops and hundreds of gallons saved over a typical ownership cycle if you rack up serious annual mileage.Thinking about selling your car? Get an instant cash offer online now. Click here to get started.Driving Experience and Refinement2027 Kia TellurideKiaCompared with the old V6, the 2.5‑liter turbo already injects more punch into the Telluride, but it still behaves like a conventional gas SUV: you'll notice shifts, hear the engine work under load, and feel the transmission hunt on grades or when towing. It's a familiar, straightforward experience that many buyers actually prefer for its simplicity. It's not as quick as the hybrid, and the 55 horsepower deficit is noticeable if you drive them back-to-back.2027 Telluride HEVKiaThe hybrid adds a lot to the Telluride's already impressive personality. Electric assist fills in low‑rpm torque, smoothing out shifts and helping the engine stay quieter and more relaxed in normal driving. In everyday driving conditions, the hybrid feels more composed, with less drivetrain drama and smoother power delivery. Under hard acceleration, the added power is palpable, and on ramps and passing are accomplished with more authority.Capability, Complexity, and Cost2027 Telluride X-Pro SX PrestigeAdvertisementAdvertisementFor buyers who tow regularly or push payload limits, the gas 2.5‑turbo has an advantage in simplicity and, in many trims, a 5,000-lb towing capacity. The purely mechanical powertrain may inspire more confidence for owners wary of long‑term hybrid component costs. Furthermore, only the gas-version has added off-road capability in the two X-Pro trims with 9.1-inch ground clearance, 18" all-terrain tires, Ground View Monitor, and Off-Road Info display (X-Pro SX Prestige trim ony). The gas version also weighs less, between 4,112 and 4,744 pounds, depending on configuration. In terms of cost, the gas-only variant's LX base trim price is $39,190, quite a bit less than the hybrid's.2027 Kia Telluride HEV SXPIn terms of hardware, the hybrid introduces a high‑voltage battery, electric motor, and additional cooling hardware. That adds weight, packaging complexity, and cost, but it also brings stronger total output and the potential for better traction and control when calibrated properly. It also can't tow as much as the gas-only Telluride, and it's limited to 4,500 pounds. The hybrid, depending on configuration, weighs between 4,700 and 5,062 pounds.The hybrid EX's base price comes in at $46,490. Although the hybrid variant comes packed with standard features, the $4,300 price increase might be a turnoff for some. Upgrade to the top trim X-Line SX Prestige, and you'll be out $57,590. The difference is less stark, apples to apples. The gas version tops out at $56,790, just $1,200 less than the top trim hybrid.Final ThoughtsIf you want efficiency, long‑range cruising, quieter operation, and a more upscale driving feel—and you drive enough miles per year to let the fuel savings add up—the hybrid variant of the 2027 Kia Telluride is the right choice over the gas‑only 2.5‑turbo Telluride.AdvertisementAdvertisementHowever, if you will exploit maximum towing ratings, simpler hardware, increased off-road capability (X-Pro trims), and lower initial cost, the standard turbo‑four remains the more pragmatic choice and still represents a substantial step forward from the old V6. Either way, its hard to go wrong with the Telluride, one of the best three-row SUVs you can buy for the money.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Jul 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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