Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.From Great to Even GreaterThe 2nd-generation Kia Telluride is uniquivocally a massive success just a few months in, following on the heels of the original, having sold almost 669,000 of them between 2020 and 2025. For the 2026 model year, Kia has introduced a hybrid variant to the Telluride, and it sets the efficiency bar much higher than even its gas version that's down by two cylinders over the old V6. While the gas Telluride gets 10 trim levels, the hybrid version offers half as many.Amos KwonI drove the top trim X-Line SX Prestige AWD, and I can see why shoppers are clamoring for it. Packed with near-luxury level features, it still seems quite reasonable. My tester's base price was $57,590. With the $1,545 destination fee and optional equipment, the total price came to $61,180.AdvertisementAdvertisementStandard feature highlights included 21" gloss black alloy wheels, all-wheel drive w/ Terrain Mode, LED projector fog lights, X-Line exterior and interior styling, black exterior emblems, dual sunroof, smart power liftgate, power folding heated mirrors w/ turn signals, roof rails, rear spoiler, dual 12.3" screen panoramic display w/ nav, head-up display, Ergo Motion driver's seat, SynTex & SynTex suede seats, heated/ventilated power adjustable front seats and 2nd-row Captain's Chairs, dual wireless phone chargers, digital rearview mirror w/ HomeLink, Meridian Premium audio system, power tilt and telescoping heated steering wheel w/ memory, and engineered wood interior trim.Exterior & Interior Styling - 10/10Amos KwonAs attractive as the 1st-gen Telluride was, the new one dials up the head-turning factor with a boxier design, futuristic lighting elements, flush door handles, and those weird but attractive bisected fenders. It's also larger than before with a stretched wheelbase and slightly increased length. The proportions are good, and the front and rear overhangs are similar to the original. I thought I would miss the boomerang style taillights from the 1st-gen Telluride, but the new ones are a nice evolution that befit the new Tellurides modern appearance.Every Telluride Hybrid trim level looks great, even the base EX. The top dog X-Line SX Prestige is the whole can of beans with ample black trim, the largest standard wheels, and that sinister X-Line front fascia. The bold and chunky grille gets accentuated by amber-colored daytime running lights and similarly shaped taillights that look like they came off a James Cameron sci-fi movie spacecraft.View the 4 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementInside, the new Telluride is even better than the old one. It bears EV9-inspired design, with a wide, clean dashboard and expansive digital real estate—roughly 27–30 inches of screens (12.3" for infotainment and instrumentation) running Kia's latest ccNC infotainment system. The X-Line SX-Prestige AWD adds a rich looking and feeling suede-style SynTex headliner, ambient lighting, and engineered wood that looks great but doesn't feel like the real thing.Amos KwonThe 2026 Telluride's interior was attractive but starting to show its age largely because other models like the K4 sedan and the Sportage compact crossover exhibit newer styling and improved functionality, as a result. The 1st-gen Telluride's physical controls, center console grab bars, and large infotainment/instrumentation setup were high points. Kia did well by retaining much of that, but the whole interior has evolved nicely. Although it sacrifices a little bit of functionality in some areas, it ramps it up in others.View the 4 images of this gallery on the original articleThe layered wraparound dash presents a clean look that contributes subtantially to the airy cabin. The wide center console is a strong case of form following function, and the squircle steering wheel and modernized hub fit the redesign well. The center console space benefits from having the shifter moved to the steering column, and the physical buttons on the center stack are in line with the overall look. I especially love the drive mode button just beneath the steering wheel hub and the relocation of the door handle into the armrest. It cleans up the door card nicely. Kia ratcheted up the Telluride's cabin style remarkably well, and it's one of the best SUV interiors made today.Thinking about selling your car? Get an instant cash offer online now. Click here to get started.Infotainment and Technology - 9/10Amos KwonFrom a tech standpoint, the Telluride Hybrid is a gem. The vivid twin screens are easy to read, and the touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate. It's also colorful without being distracting because the monochromatic menu icons are simple and quick to decipher. The climate panel sandwiched in between the two larger screens is simple, but it's partially blocked by the steering wheel. That said, it's good that it's in "always on" for quick climate adjustments without menu diving.Amos KwonAdvertisementAdvertisementOne brilliant behind-the-scenes feature is the "Stay Mode that lets the high-voltage battery keep the climate control, interior lights, and audio system running while the SUV is parked, so the engine doesn't needlessly idle. Depending on battery charge and operating conditions, it can run for about 20 minutes—or as long as an hour—before shutting off when the battery reaches 20% charge. The hybrid also has a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function for powering accessories or small appliances directly from the traction battery. For families who camp or tailgate, this is a hugely beneficial feature.Factor in the usual modern must-haves—wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, surround-view cameras, twin wireless chargers (on every trim!), and Kia's latest highway driving assist—and the X-Line SX-Prestige AWD spec feels every bit as good (or better than) premium brands. This is one of Kia's strong suits, giving buyers more for their money.Comfort, Space, and Usability - 9/10Amos KwonSeating in the Telluride Hybrid X-Line SX Prestige AWD is one of its most outstanding features. The front row seats are supple (yes, the SofTex upholstery looks and feels like leather), and the mesh headrests mimic top-tier office chair versions, providing excellent softness and airflow. The Ergo Motion massage function for the driver's seat works well after a long workout, and it does a great job of keeping the driver awake. Sadly, the front passenger has to go without it.View the 4 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementThe X-Line SX-Prestige layers on the luxury touches—faux suede embossed logo seating trim, heated and ventilated first- and second-row seats. That second row offers sliding captain's chairs with excellent legroom (0.6 inches more than 2025), and the third row remains genuinely usable for adults on shorter trips, thanks to a boxier body that increases passenger space over the previous generation by 0.7 inches. My kids want to trade in my wife's Mazda CX-9 for this. I don't blame them.User friendliness continues in the cabin with great climate control toggle switches situated in a clean line. The infotainment control panel is haptic but quite easy to use. It's harder to accidentially hit them (like the last Telluride's) because the panel is more vertical, making it harder for you to rest your hand on it when using the touchscreen. The shifter has been moved to the steering column like the EV9. It takes getting used to but is a breeze once you become acclimated.View the 4 images of this gallery on the original articleThe volume wheel isn't as easy to use as the old knob, but it's still a physical control and now looks more refined. The center console is one of the best I've experienced. The cool grab bars are still present but less obtrusive than the taller angled versions from the last Telluride. The twin smartphone charging pads hold devices in place very well, and the large open binnacle with retractable cupholders is a gear-junkie's dream. Even with them deployed, there's still ample room for small items, and the retractable door hides them away.AdvertisementAdvertisementIn terms of ride, the Telluride Hybrid rocks. On rough pavement, the suspension impacts controlled, and wind and road noise are kept at bay quite well. Its surprising that the larger 21" wheels don't significantly affect the ride quality. The Telluride looks, feels, and sounds refined to the point where manufacturers of pricier three-row steeds should pay attention.Driving Experience - 8.75/10Amos KwonUnder the hood, the Telluride Hybrid trades the familiar V6 for a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. Even the gas-only version ditches the old V6 for a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine good for 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Thank goodness Kia didn't toss a CVT into its largest hybrid SUV, staying with a six-speed automatic like its Sportage and Sorento Hybrids. This also contributes to its more refined driving experience.The hybrid delivers smooth thrust, good shifting, and capable acceleration. 0-60 happens in the mid-sixes, which is pretty quick for a three-row hybrid SUV. My top-spec, all-wheel-drive Telluride Hybrid weighed in at 5,047 pounds—249 pounds heavier than the gas version. You can feel the heft, but it's not cumbersome. The suspension is tuned for a plush, relaxed ride rather than aggressive cornering, but body-motions are well-controlled, and the steering responds with confidence and accuracy, albeit with little feedback.Amos KwonSport mode keeps the Telluride Hybrid in gear longer for improved acceleration and responsiveness. The difference is noticeable, but the Telluride Hybrid X-Line XS Prestige felt a smidge hesitant while trying to turn left at an intersection on more than one occasion. It has a tendency to experience hesitation or lag off the line and during sudden acceleration, but it's not evident all the time. Highway driving manners are excellent, and the Telluride Hybrid exhibits good stability and on-center steering.AdvertisementAdvertisementKia estimates up to 35 mpg combined in ideal spec and around 29–31 mpg combined in the X-Line SX-Prestige AWD, which is remarkable given the Telluride's size and power. The traditional compromises you expect from a big hybrid—rubber-band CVT responses, noisy engine flare-ups, or sluggish throttle mapping—are simply not here thanks to the conventional 6-speed automatic and well-tuned hybrid control software.Verdict - 9/10Going into this Telluride Hybrid review, the expectation was clear: more efficiency, some powertrain quirks, and a minor hit to refinement in exchange for mpg. In X-Line SX-Prestige AWD form, there's no sacrifice made. You get more power, substantially improved fuel economy, and a superb feature set, all wrapped in a design that looks even more premium than the last Telluride.If you're the kind of buyer who loved the original Telluride but hesitated at the fuel bills—or simply want your next family SUV to feel future-proof without fully committing to an EV—the hybrid X-Line SX-Prestige AWD is brilliant. It's not just "good for a hybrid Telluride"; it's easily the best version of the Telluride. With the level of demand, good luck finding one quickly.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Jul 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the Reviews section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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