The Kia Telluride has been a popular choice for drivers looking for a spacious three-row SUV. For 2027, Kia is giving shoppers a new way to experience it: the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid.
This is the first hybrid Telluride, combining a turbocharged engine with electric power to deliver a different balance of performance and efficiency.
So, what exactly makes the 2027 Telluride Hybrid different from the gas-powered Telluride?
The First-Ever Telluride Hybrid
The biggest difference is right under the hood.
The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged hybrid powertrain producing 329 horsepower and 339 lb.-ft. of torque. Instead of choosing between a powerful three-row SUV and a more efficient hybrid, the Telluride Hybrid is designed to bring those two priorities together.
And because it is a conventional hybrid, you do not have to plug it in.
The hybrid system can capture energy during braking and deceleration and use that energy to help recharge the battery as you drive.
Better Fuel Economy Without Going Fully Electric
If you like the idea of using less fuel but aren't ready to switch to an EV, the Telluride Hybrid offers another option.
The 2027 Telluride Hybrid EX with front-wheel drive has an EPA-estimated 34 city/36 highway/35 combined MPG. Other configurations have different ratings, including available all-wheel-drive models rated at 30 city/32 highway/31 combined MPG.
That means the right Telluride Hybrid configuration can make a noticeable difference for drivers who spend a lot of time commuting, running errands, or taking family road trips.
You Still Get Telluride-Sized Space
Going hybrid does not mean giving up the basic strengths that make a three-row SUV useful.
The 2027 Telluride Hybrid offers seating for up to seven passengers, along with flexible second- and third-row seating. Kia also designed the hybrid system so the battery can be integrated without eliminating the vehicle's passenger-focused layout.
For families, that means you can consider a hybrid without automatically moving into a smaller vehicle.
What About All-Wheel Drive?
The Telluride Hybrid is available with all-wheel drive, making it an option for drivers who want the added traction of AWD while still getting the benefits of a hybrid powertrain.
The available X-Line trims add a more rugged appearance along with all-wheel drive and a terrain mode designed to help the vehicle adapt to surfaces such as snow, mud, and sand.
So the hybrid version isn't limited to being a fuel-conscious commuter.
It can still be configured for drivers who want additional capability.
It Can Still Tow
Another interesting part of the 2027 Telluride Hybrid is its towing capability.
When properly equipped, the Telluride Hybrid can tow up to 4,500 pounds. That gives it enough capacity for many recreational and utility needs while maintaining the benefits of its hybrid powertrain.
Whether you're hauling a small trailer, outdoor equipment, or other gear, the Telluride Hybrid isn't simply designed around fuel economy.
The Technology Goes Beyond the Powertrain
The hybrid system isn't the only new part of the 2027 Telluride.
The redesigned Telluride offers a range of available technology and convenience features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a large digital display setup, available head-up display, available Digital Key 2.0, and advanced driver-assistance features.
Higher trims can add features such as heated and ventilated second-row seats, a 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system, a Full Display Mirror, and a 12-inch head-up display.
That gives shoppers plenty to consider beyond the question of gas versus hybrid.
2027 Telluride Hybrid vs. Gas Telluride
So which Telluride powertrain makes more sense?
The gas-powered Telluride may appeal to shoppers who prioritize the traditional powertrain and maximum towing capacity. The Telluride Hybrid, meanwhile, gives you a way to prioritize fuel efficiency while still getting substantial power, three-row seating, and available AWD.
The hybrid also produces more horsepower than the gas Telluride's 274-hp turbocharged engine.
In other words, choosing the hybrid isn't necessarily about sacrificing performance to save fuel. It's about getting a different combination of power and efficiency.
Is the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid Right for You?
The Telluride Hybrid could be worth considering if you want a three-row SUV but spend enough time behind the wheel for fuel economy to matter.
It's particularly interesting for families who want plenty of passenger space without moving to a smaller hybrid SUV.
And because you don't need to plug it in, there is no need to plan your routine around charging. You can simply fill the tank and let the hybrid system do its job.
Explore the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid in Columbia
The all-new 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid gives three-row SUV shoppers another option: the space and versatility of a Telluride combined with a turbo-hybrid powertrain.
If you're shopping for a 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid in Columbia, SC, explore the current inventory at JTs Kia of Columbia – Killian to see available models and configurations. You can also compare the Telluride Hybrid with the gas-powered Telluride to determine which powertrain better fits your daily driving needs.
Image Source: Kia