Made in USA Next-Gen Telluride Hybrid SOP by Second Half of 2025

[Sal Collaziano]

The second generation Kia Telluride is already in the works and today we want to share with you more information. Codenamed as LQ2, Kia will add a long awaited Hybrid powertrain that will be U.S-made for the first time with a start of production expected for the second half of 2025.

The Telluride Success Story
The Telluride’s journey began with a clear vision: to offer an SUV that resonates with the authenticity and ruggedness desired by North American consumers, coupled with an unbeatable price point. Its success is not just a result of its design or pricing but also Kia’s acute understanding of market needs. Despite its initial conception for local consumption, the burgeoning demand for the Telluride in Korea underscores its global appeal and the brand’s potential for even broader market penetration.

Towards a Greener Future
The introduction of a hybrid model in the upcoming full-change version of the Telluride signifies Kia’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. This move is not merely an addition to the powertrain options but a significant shift towards eco-friendly automotive solutions. According to an exclusive report by a domestic electronic media outlet, the new Telluride, under the development name ‘LQ2’, will embrace a hybrid system, marking a first for the model. Scheduled to start mass production by the end of next year, with sales kicking off in early 2026, this model is set to redefine expectations. Read more and see pictures...

 

[ceenote]

The second generation Kia Telluride is already in the works and today we want to share with you more information. Codenamed as LQ2, Kia will add a long awaited Hybrid powertrain that will be U.S-made for the first time with a start of production expected for the second half of 2025.

The Telluride Success Story
The Telluride’s journey began with a clear vision: to offer an SUV that resonates with the authenticity and ruggedness desired by North American consumers, coupled with an unbeatable price point. Its success is not just a result of its design or pricing but also Kia’s acute understanding of market needs. Despite its initial conception for local consumption, the burgeoning demand for the Telluride in Korea underscores its global appeal and the brand’s potential for even broader market penetration.

Towards a Greener Future
The introduction of a hybrid model in the upcoming full-change version of the Telluride signifies Kia’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. This move is not merely an addition to the powertrain options but a significant shift towards eco-friendly automotive solutions. According to an exclusive report by a domestic electronic media outlet, the new Telluride, under the development name ‘LQ2’, will embrace a hybrid system, marking a first for the model. Scheduled to start mass production by the end of next year, with sales kicking off in early 2026, this model is set to redefine expectations. Read more and see pictures...

 

[Sal Collaziano]

That grille looks pretty interesting...

 

[CatLayton]

I really want to order one of these after my previous Telluride saved my life in a horrible crash. Do we know when we can start to order them?

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[tpgh]

unbeatable price point.

This isn’t without an effect. While I overall like the Telluride, some things are apparent. The low price is because of low quality parts. There are way too many significant components that fail on these vehicles. Mine is now almost 4 years old and at first it didn’t feel like a “Kia”, now it’s starting to, because of general low quality.

 

[Tellmeride]

It looks like the Cullinan and the Palisade booked a room and had a kid, which may be a good thing,

 

[KMiles]

I find it interesting that the new 2026 Palisade with the V-6 is already on showroom floors and selling to the public and that we haven't even seen a full press release of the 2026 Telluride. The new Palisade has some cool new features, including a built-in dashcam, wireless Apple CarPlay, 3 rows of heated seats and the ability to control all of the seats from the main screen. If you buy the AWD version, it has snow, mud and sand modes. I also like that the rear wiper is tucked at the top under the rear spoiler. I wonder if they are having sourcing or development issues with the Telluride and why they haven't even announced it yet?

Riati's Rides review of new Palisade:

 

[G-333418]

I find it interesting that the new 2026 Palisade with the V-6 is already on showroom floors and selling to the public and that we haven't even seen a full press release of the 2026 Telluride. The new Palisade has some cool new features, including a built-in dashcam, wireless Apple CarPlay, 3 rows of heated seats and the ability to control all of the seats from the main screen. If you buy the AWD version, it has snow, mud and sand modes. I also like that the rear wiper is tucked at the top under the rear spoiler. I wonder if they are having sourcing or development issues with the Telluride and why they haven't even announced it yet?

Riati's Rides review of new Palisade:

Agreed! I drove the 2026 Grand Highlander hybrid and the new Palisade hybrid yesterday. Both are really nice, but the Palisade feels roomier and more upscale. I’m ready to buy but really want to see the new Telluride first. My 2020 model has been an awesome car. It’s frustrating especially since I live 30 mins from the Kia plant where they are made.
Any news of when it will roll out?

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[ceenote]

Agreed! I drove the 2026 Grand Highlander hybrid and the new Palisade hybrid yesterday. Both are really nice, but the Palisade feels roomier and more upscale. I’m ready to buy but really want to see the new Telluride first. My 2020 model has been an awesome car. It’s frustrating especially since I live 30 mins from the Kia plant where they are made.
Any news of when it will roll out?

I have no definite answer but dealership where I bought mines from called me there other day and asked if I wanted to sell mines and I mentioned to her im waiting for the 2026 model. She o ok.. well we won't have them on the lot until January or February 2026 and it will be a 2027 model..and she said she would call me when they get them in.. so I imagine if they are actually getting them that late then it may make its debut at the LA autoshow.. I dunno..

 

[KMiles]

Here is another article with something that looks close to what the new Telluride may look like:

The 2026 Telluride Ditches Soft Styling For Square Shoulders And A Hybrid Surprise | Carscoops

 

[2020Telly]

Here is another article with something that looks close to what the new Telluride may look like:

The 2026 Telluride Ditches Soft Styling For Square Shoulders And A Hybrid Surprise | Carscoops

That has to be a typo, nine seats? I haven’t seen a front row bench in any of the interior pics.

 

[BubCam]

Here is another article with something that looks close to what the new Telluride may look like:

The 2026 Telluride Ditches Soft Styling For Square Shoulders And A Hybrid Surprise | Carscoops

That has to be a typo, nine seats? I haven’t seen a front row bench in any of the interior pics.

Good Question

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[KMiles]

The Korean version of the new Palisade has a front seat option for 3.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Maybe bench front row seats are making a comeback...

 

[ceenote]

The Korean version of the new Palisade has a front seat option for 3.

Agreed, but this is a north American suv.. not korean suv.. safety concerns keeps us from having it built in that fashion. Just like they have cameras on the side mirrors, but we won't do that because of safety concerns..ijs

 

[Trailblazer]

I have no definite answer but dealership where I bought mines from called me there other day and asked if I wanted to sell mines and I mentioned to her im waiting for the 2026 model. She o ok.. well we won't have them on the lot until January or February 2026 and it will be a 2027 model..and she said she would call me when they get them in.. so I imagine if they are actually getting them that late then it may make its debut at the LA autoshow.. I dunno..

Agreed! I drove the 2026 Grand Highlander hybrid and the new Palisade hybrid yesterday. Both are really nice, but the Palisade feels roomier and more upscale. I’m ready to buy but really want to see the new Telluride first. My 2020 model has been an awesome car. It’s frustrating especially since I live 30 mins from the Kia plant where they are made.
Any news of when it will roll out?

Same for me! I live just down the road from the plant and sure wish we could at least get pictures and specs at this late date. My 2020 has been an awesome car and looks like new, but I’m ready get a new one. Drove the Grand Highlander and it drove great, but I really don’t like the grill - it just looks like a big fish mouth. The CalligraphyPalisade was a big surprise. Husband loved it and was ready to put a deposit down on one with light interior that they have coming. But, goodness, that car drove like a dream and has so much room! I can’t think of one thing that I didn’t like except the headlights and I won’t be looking at them. I do wonder if the hybrid would be a better choice for holding its value and because the Palisade averages 19mpg where my Telluride averages 26 now. I think I need to at least see a Telluride to be sure I don’t have buyers remorse. The suspense is aggravating. Is Kia changing things after seeing the Palisade? What’s the reasoning?

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[ceenote]

Same for me! I live just down the road from the plant and sure wish we could at least get pictures and specs at this late date. My 2020 has been an awesome car and looks like new, but I’m ready get a new one. Drove the Grand Highlander and it drove great, but I really don’t like the grill - it just looks like a big fish mouth. The CalligraphyPalisade was a big surprise. Husband loved it and was ready to put a deposit down on one with light interior that they have coming. But, goodness, that car drove like a dream and has so much room! I can’t think of one thing that I didn’t like except the headlights and I won’t be looking at them. I do wonder if the hybrid would be a better choice for holding its value and because the Palisade averages 19mpg where my Telluride averages 26 now. I think I need to at least see a Telluride to be sure I don’t have buyers remorse. The suspense is aggravating. Is Kia changing things after seeing the Palisade? What’s the reasoning?

If you have a good relationship where u purchased your telly from go in to the dealership and have a chat! You definitely dont want buyers remorse and its always best to wait until all the cards are on the deck to see how you would like to play it! And when the pallisade hybrid comes in check it out to so u can see what to expect with the telly version..i dont think kia is changing things just road tests as usual! I mean my dealership had to see because she was excited when speaking about it!

 

[ceenote]