2027 Kia Telluride Finally Adds Hybrid Power but Ditches the V6

[Sal Collaziano]

Kia's three-row mid-size SUV now offers a 329-hp hybrid powertrain, but its old V-6 has been replaced by a turbo four.

• The 2027 Kia Telluride broke cover earlier this month, but now we have more details about its specs, including its new powertrains.
• Kia's three-row mid-size SUV now features a standard 2.5-liter turbo four instead of a 3.8-liter V-6, and a Telluride Hybrid is available for the first time.
• The '27 Telluride will be built at Kia's factory in Georgia, and we think it'll start at around $40,000 when it goes on sale in the first quarter of next year.

Mid-size SUVs typically aren't the type of vehicle that commands our attention. However, the first-generation Kia Telluride that launched for the 2020 model year was a horse of another color, bringing an unrivaled mix of style and value that transcended its breed. After having earned six straight Car and Driver 10Best awards, the fantastic family hauler is entering a new generation. Although the recipe remains largely the same, the 2027 Kia Telluride introduces some notable new ingredients.

The Telluride Finally Goes Hybrid​

The outgoing Telluride only offered a single powertrain: a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V-6 that was good for 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. That engine is now buried alongside the Kia Soul, and its replacement is a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that's also found in the Kia Sorento and Kia K5 GT. The new Telluride's 274 horsepower is less than before, but its 311 pound-feet of torque is significantly greater than the old V-6. The turbo four pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive. Read more...