For years, the Kia Telluride has been held as the gold standard for family SUVs, but it's always had one downside: fuel economy. The 2027 Kia Telluride has switched to a hybrid drivetrain to combat that weakness.  

Efficiency Meets Muscle

For the 2027 model, Kia chose to remove the V6 engine in favor of a fuel-sipping Hybrid Turbocharged 2.4L 4-Cylinder engine, pushing out much higher numbers. Here is the list of key differences:

Engine & Power

• Gas Version: Comes with a 2.5L Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. It delivers 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
• Hybrid Version: Comes with the same 2.5L Turbo engine but with an electric motor and a 1.65-kWh battery pack. The combined power output increases to 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque.

Transmission & Driving Feel

• Gas Model: Equipped with a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission. It is meant for a smooth and predictable drive on the highway.
• Hybrid Model: Equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission that is specifically designed to combine gas and electric power.
• The Difference: The Hybrid model will feel "snappier" on the road in the city because of the instant push from the electric motor, while in the Gas model, there may be a slight "turbo lag" delay before the power is activated.

Efficiency & Range

• Gas Model: Expected to get roughly 22 MPG combined (AWD). The total range is about 400 miles per tank.
• Hybrid Model: Estimated at a massive 35 MPG combined. Total range is roughly 600–637 miles.
• The Difference: The Hybrid offers nearly 60% better fuel economy and 200+ extra miles of range, making it the clear winner for long road trips and heavy commuters.

Towing & Capability

• Gas Model: Towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs (or up to 5,500 lbs on certain X-Pro trims).
• Hybrid Model: Slightly lower at 4,500 lbs.
• The Difference: If you find yourself frequently towing large boats or campers, the non-hybrid model is the better workhorse. This is because the Hybrid model has a lower towing capacity due to the battery weight and cooling needs of the hybrid system.

Interior Changes

The 2027 Hybrid cabin is a massive departure, looking more like the electric EV9.

• Space: The gearshift changes to a twist knob on the steering column, fully opening the center console for enormous storage space and dual wireless charging.
• Displays: A single, curved panoramic display runs across the dashboard, replacing the hooded gauges of the 2026.
• Special Touches: The Hybrid introduces a "Relaxation Mode" with power leg rests for the front seats and an Eggplant and Cream interior color combination.
• Seating: Although the 2026 gas car comes with an 8-passenger bench, the 2027 Hybrid is mainly a 7-passenger configuration to fit the battery pack, but it introduces heated third-row seats as a new luxury feature.

2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid: Pricing & Trims

• EX Hybrid: $48,035

• SX Hybrid: $53,035

• X-Line SX Hybrid: $56,035

• SX-Prestige Hybrid: $58,135

• X-Line SX-Prestige Hybrid: $59,135

Hybrid Exclusives

While both the 2026 gas and 2027 hybrid models are luxurious, the 2027 Hybrid is the only way to get these specific interior "firsts" for the Telluride:

• "Eggplant & Cream" Color Scheme: A premium, hybrid-only interior design package that sports rich eggplant and creamy hues, as if it were a custom-designed luxury vehicle.
• Relaxation Mode Front Seats: Available only on the top-of-the-line hybrid models, these seats come with power-operated leg rests that allow the driver and passenger to recline completely, like a lounge chair.
• Heated Third-Row Seats: While the 2026 gas model holds the heat in the front seats, the 2027 Hybrid model brings warmth to the very back row.
• Column-Mounted Shifter: By relocating the gear shift to the steering column, the Hybrid model eliminates the cumbersome console stick in favor of a floating bridge design, providing you with an enormous open storage space for luggage and accessories between the front seats.
• 7-Passenger Exclusive: Due to the placement of the battery pack, the Hybrid model is available mostly with second-row captain's chairs, making it the "VIP" version over the 8-passenger bench seat commonly found in gas-powered models.

Final Verdict

The Change from traditional gas to Hybrid has shown great changes to the 2027 Kia Telluride. Be it long road trips or commuting, the new Telluride is built for everything. If you are more interested or convinced to drive one yourself, feel free to visit Safford Kia Manassas.