Kia Telluride Turbo-Hybrid: Price, Specs, Features & Review
The Kia Telluride Turbo-Hybrid is the first hybrid version of Kia’s large three-row SUV. It combines seven-passenger seating, a more powerful hybrid system, up to 35 mpg combined, and the long-distance comfort expected from a family road-trip vehicle.
It costs more than the regular gasoline Kia Telluride, but the hybrid brings a meaningful improvement in fuel economy and stronger acceleration. It is best for families who regularly use three rows, drive enough miles to value lower fuel use, and do not need the gasoline model’s higher 5,000-pound towing limit.
WheelPedia Rating: 8.7/10
The Kia Telluride Turbo-Hybrid earns an 8.7/10 WheelPedia Rating for its roomy seven-seat interior, strong hybrid performance, excellent fuel economy for its size, family-friendly technology, and useful 4,500-pound towing capacity. Its high starting price, lower cargo capacity than the gas model, and unproven long-term hybrid ownership record keep it from scoring higher.
| Rating Category | Score | Weight |
| Safety | 9.3/10 | 20% |
| Reliability and Ownership | 7.8/10 | 15% |
| Performance and Driving | 8.8/10 | 15% |
| Comfort and Practicality | 8.8/10 | 15% |
| Efficiency | 8.6/10 | 15% |
| Features and Technology | 8.9/10 | 10% |
| Price and Value | 8.3/10 | 10% |
| Overall WheelPedia Rating | 8.7/10 | — |
See how WheelPedia rates cars for the full scoring method.
Key Highlights
- First offered for the 2027 model year.
- Starts from $46,490 MSRP in the US, before destination, taxes, registration, and dealer fees.
- Turbocharged 2.5-liter hybrid system produces 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque.
- Uses a six-speed automatic transmission.
- Seats seven passengers with second-row captain’s chairs.
- Returns up to an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined in EX front-wheel-drive form.
- All-wheel-drive models are rated at up to 31 mpg combined.
- Tows up to 4,500 pounds when properly equipped.
- Provides 21.3 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row.
- Best for families seeking a spacious hybrid SUV without moving to a minivan.
Quick Specifications
| Specification | Kia Telluride Turbo-Hybrid |
| Vehicle type | Three-row midsize hybrid SUV |
| Seating capacity | 7 |
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid |
| Combined output | 329 hp / 339 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD, depending on trim |
| Best fuel economy | Up to 34 city / 36 highway / 35 combined mpg |
| Maximum towing capacity | Up to 4,500 lbs, when properly equipped |
| Cargo space behind third row | 21.3 cu. ft. |
| Maximum cargo space | 88.3 cu. ft. |
| Length | 199.2 in. |
| Wheelbase | 116.9 in. |
Expert tip:
The EX AWD is the strongest all-round Telluride Turbo-Hybrid. It keeps the hybrid’s practical 31 mpg combined rating while adding all-wheel drive for winter weather, wet roads, and family trips.
About the Kia Telluride Turbo-Hybrid
The Turbo-Hybrid is the more efficient and more powerful alternative to the regular gasoline Telluride. Its hybrid system pairs a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with electric motors for a combined 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque.
It is not a plug-in hybrid. You cannot charge it at home or drive a set number of miles on electricity alone. Instead, the system recharges its battery while driving and uses electric assistance to reduce fuel use and improve low-speed response.
Kia sells the hybrid in a focused six-version lineup, beginning with the EX. Unlike the regular Telluride, every Turbo-Hybrid has second-row captain’s chairs and a seven-passenger layout.
Price and Trims
The following figures are 2027 US base MSRPs, excluding destination, taxes, options, and dealer-installed accessories.
| Trim | Starting MSRP | Drivetrain | EPA-Estimated Combined MPG | Key Reason to Choose |
| EX | $46,490 | FWD | 35 mpg | Best efficiency and lowest entry price |
| EX AWD | $48,490 | AWD | 31 mpg | Best overall blend of efficiency and all-weather traction |
| SX | $51,490 | FWD | 33 mpg | More technology and premium cabin features |
| X-Line SX | $54,490 | AWD | 31 mpg | Rugged styling, roof rails, and Terrain Mode |
| SX Prestige | $56,590 | AWD | 31 mpg | Luxury-focused equipment and comfort features |
| X-Line SX Prestige | $57,590 | AWD | 31 mpg | Most premium and most distinctive hybrid Telluride |
The EX AWD is the recommendation for most buyers because it retains strong hybrid efficiency while giving families added confidence in poor weather. The EX FWD makes the most financial sense for drivers in warm climates who mainly travel on paved roads.
Engine, Performance, and Driving Experience
The Telluride Turbo-Hybrid’s 329-hp hybrid system produces 55 more horsepower than the regular gasoline Telluride. Its 339 lb-ft of torque also gives it more pull when accelerating with a full cabin or passing at highway speeds.
A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. The hybrid system is tuned for smooth daily driving rather than sporty behavior, but it feels more responsive than many large three-row SUVs.
All-wheel drive is optional on the EX and standard on X-Line, SX Prestige, and X-Line SX Prestige models. The X-Line adds Terrain Mode settings for snow, mud, and sand, but it is still a family SUV rather than a serious off-road vehicle.
0–60 MPH Performance
Kia does not publish an official 0–60 mph time for the Telluride Turbo-Hybrid. Independent tests have recorded figures ranging from about 6.6 to 7.0 seconds, depending on trim, test conditions, and timing method.
That makes the hybrid quicker than the regular gasoline Telluride. It is not a performance SUV, but its acceleration is more than sufficient for a fully loaded family vehicle.
Fuel Economy
| Model | EPA-Estimated City / Highway / Combined Fuel Economy |
| Telluride Turbo-Hybrid EX FWD | 34 / 36 / 35 mpg |
| Telluride Turbo-Hybrid EX AWD | 30 / 32 / 31 mpg |
| Telluride Turbo-Hybrid SX FWD | 32 / 34 / 33 mpg |
| Telluride Turbo-Hybrid X-Line SX AWD | 30 / 32 / 31 mpg |
| Telluride Turbo-Hybrid SX Prestige AWD | 30 / 32 / 31 mpg |
| Telluride Turbo-Hybrid X-Line SX Prestige AWD | 30 / 32 / 31 mpg |
The EX FWD is rated for up to 35 mpg combined and has an EPA-estimated total driving range of up to 637 miles. Real-world fuel use will change with weather, highway speed, passenger load, wheel size, cargo, and towing.
The hybrid is the better Telluride choice for high-mileage families. The regular gasoline model may still be the better fit for buyers who need maximum towing capacity or want a lower starting price.
Interior, Comfort, and Technology
The Telluride Turbo-Hybrid has a spacious, family-focused interior with three rows and standard second-row captain’s chairs. The captain’s-chair layout improves access to the third row, but it limits seating to seven rather than the eight available in some gasoline Tellurides.
Standard and available features include:
- Dual 12.3-inch displays with navigation
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Five-inch climate-control display
- USB-C outlets in all three rows
- 115V cargo-area outlet
- Power sunroof on EX
- Available dual sunroofs
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Available heated and ventilated second-row seats
- Available heated outboard third-row seats
- Available Meridian 14-speaker premium audio system
- Available head-up display
- Available digital rearview mirror
- Available digital key
- Available dual wireless phone chargers
- Available ambient interior lighting
The EX already gives buyers a useful amount of comfort equipment. The SX and SX Prestige trims add more luxury features, but their higher prices make sense only if your family will actually use them.
Dimensions, Cargo, and Practicality
| Dimension | Measurement |
| Length | 199.2 in. |
| Width | 78.3 in. |
| Height | 69.9–70.5 in., depending on trim |
| Wheelbase | 116.9 in. |
| Ground clearance | 7.4 in. |
| Cargo space behind third row | 21.3 cu. ft. |
| Cargo space behind second row | 47.7 cu. ft. |
| Maximum cargo space | 88.3 cu. ft. |
| Seating | 7 passengers |
The third row is more usable than in many midsize SUVs, but it still works best for children or shorter adults on long trips. With all seats in use, the cargo area is large enough for groceries, backpacks, and soft luggage, but it is smaller than the regular Telluride’s cargo area.
Families who regularly carry seven people and a large amount of gear should compare the Kia Carnival MPV Hybrid. Buyers who need three rows only occasionally may find the Kia Sorento Hybrid easier to park and less expensive.
Exterior Design
The Turbo-Hybrid follows the redesigned Telluride’s upright, squared-off shape, vertical lighting, broad grille, and wide stance. It looks more like a traditional SUV than a soft-edged crossover.
- EX models have the cleanest appearance and focus on comfort and value.
- SX models add more premium details and equipment.
- X-Line SX adds a matte-black grille, black exterior trim, high-utility roof rails, fog lights, and a more rugged look.
- SX Prestige and X-Line SX Prestige add the most upscale cabin and exterior details.
The X-Line is mostly a styling and light-capability package. Choose it for its look, standard AWD, and Terrain Mode rather than expecting X-Pro-style off-road equipment.
Safety Features and Ratings
The 2027 Telluride has earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. IIHS does not list a separate Turbo-Hybrid result on its model page, so buyers should review the current IIHS Telluride safety ratings and confirm how the rating applies to their selected hybrid configuration.
Standard and available driver-assistance features include:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Junction-turning detection
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Lane Following Assist
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Smart Cruise Control
- Driver Attention Warning
- Rear Occupant Alert
- Rear parking sensors
- Available surround-view monitor
- Available Remote Smart Parking Assist
- Ten airbags, including a front-center airbag
Driver-assistance systems can help reduce risk, but they do not replace an attentive driver. Check the feature list on the exact trim before buying.
Reliability, Warranty, and Ownership
The Telluride Turbo-Hybrid is a first-year model with a new hybrid system. There is not yet enough long-term ownership data to make firm reliability conclusions. Kia’s warranty provides useful protection, but it is not proof of future reliability.
| Coverage | Length |
| Basic limited warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Powertrain limited warranty for original owners | 10 years / 100,000 miles |
| Hybrid battery limited warranty | 10 years / 100,000 miles |
| Hybrid-system component coverage | 10 years / 100,000 miles |
| Anti-perforation warranty | 5 years / 100,000 miles |
| Roadside assistance | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Follow the scheduled maintenance plan, use the correct fluids, and keep service records. Buyers planning to tow should also confirm trailer equipment, payload limits, and towing instructions before purchase.
Pros and Cons
What We Like
- Strong 329-hp hybrid powertrain
- Up to 35 mpg combined
- Spacious seven-seat cabin
- Useful 4,500-pound towing capacity
- Strong available technology and comfort features
- Standard captain’s chairs improve third-row access
- Long hybrid battery warranty
- Quicker acceleration than the gasoline Telluride
What We Don’t Like
- Higher starting price than the gasoline Telluride
- Seats seven only; no eight-passenger bench option
- Cargo room is slightly lower than in the gas model
- Towing limit is 500 pounds lower than the gasoline model’s maximum
- AWD versions lose much of the EX FWD’s fuel-economy advantage
- First-year hybrid system has no long-term ownership record
- Upper trims approach luxury-SUV pricing
Competitors
The Telluride Turbo-Hybrid should be compared with other spacious three-row hybrid SUVs.
- The Hyundai Palisade Hybrid is its closest mechanical alternative and is worth comparing for equipment, seat layouts, and local pricing.
- The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is a strong choice for families prioritizing fuel economy and cargo space.
- The Honda Pilot is worth considering for families who value a practical cabin and more rugged light-trail ability.
- The Mazda CX-90 suits drivers who want a more engaging driving experience or plug-in-hybrid availability.
- The Kia Carnival MPV Hybrid is the more practical choice for large families who value interior space over SUV styling.
- The regular Kia Telluride makes more sense if you need eight seats, a lower entry price, or up to 5,000 pounds of towing.
Related Content
The Telluride Turbo-Hybrid is Kia’s larger three-row hybrid SUV. Families needing a smaller and less expensive alternative should compare it with the Kia Sorento Hybrid.
Before financing, read how car financing works and consider arranging car loan preapproval before visiting a dealership.
Should You Buy the Kia Telluride Turbo-Hybrid?
Buy the Kia Telluride Turbo-Hybrid if you want a spacious three-row SUV with seven seats, better fuel economy than a conventional gasoline SUV, and enough power for full-family driving.
Choose the EX AWD if you need all-weather traction. Choose the EX FWD if maximum fuel economy and a lower purchase price matter most. The X-Line SX is a good step up for buyers who want more technology, standard AWD, and a more rugged appearance without reaching SX Prestige pricing.
Skip the hybrid if you need eight seats, maximum cargo space, or the full 5,000-pound towing limit. The regular Telluride may be the more suitable choice in those situations.
FAQs
How much does the Kia Telluride Turbo-Hybrid cost?
The 2027 Kia Telluride Turbo-Hybrid starts from $46,490 MSRP in the US, before destination, taxes, registration, options, and dealer charges.
Is the Kia Telluride Turbo-Hybrid a plug-in hybrid?
No. It is a conventional hybrid. It does not need home charging and cannot travel a set distance on electricity alone.
How many people can the Kia Telluride Turbo-Hybrid seat?
It seats seven passengers. Every hybrid Telluride uses second-row captain’s chairs, so an eight-passenger bench layout is not available.
What fuel economy does the Kia Telluride Turbo-Hybrid get?
The EX FWD is rated at up to 34 city, 36 highway, and 35 combined mpg. AWD models are rated at up to 31 mpg combined.
How much horsepower does the Kia Telluride Turbo-Hybrid have?
Its turbocharged hybrid system produces 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque.
Can the Kia Telluride Turbo-Hybrid tow a trailer?
Yes. It can tow up to 4,500 pounds when properly equipped. Confirm the exact towing equipment, trailer weight, and payload limits before towing.
Does the Kia Telluride Turbo-Hybrid have all-wheel drive?
Yes. All-wheel drive is optional on EX models and standard on X-Line SX, SX Prestige, and X-Line SX Prestige models.
Is the Kia Telluride Turbo-Hybrid faster than the regular Telluride?
Yes. Independent testing places the Turbo-Hybrid’s 0–60 mph time at roughly 6.6 to 7.0 seconds, making it quicker than the regular gasoline model.
Is the Kia Telluride Turbo-Hybrid safe?
The 2027 Telluride has an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and offers a wide range of driver-assistance features. Buyers should check the current IIHS rating details for hybrid-model applicability.
What is the best Kia Telluride Turbo-Hybrid trim?
The EX AWD is the best choice for most buyers. It offers all-wheel drive, 31 mpg combined, strong standard equipment, and a lower price than the premium trims.
Does Kia’s hybrid battery have a warranty?
Yes. Kia covers the hybrid battery for 10 years or 100,000 miles.
Final Verdict
The Kia Telluride Turbo-Hybrid is a strong choice for families who want the space and comfort of a large three-row SUV without the fuel use usually associated with one. Its 329-hp hybrid system gives it quicker acceleration than the gasoline Telluride while returning up to 35 mpg combined.
The EX AWD is the most sensible trim for most families, while the EX FWD is the efficiency leader. Buyers who need eight seats, more cargo room, or higher towing capacity should stay with the regular Telluride or consider a minivan.
For buyers who want seven-seat family practicality, strong performance, and lower fuel costs, the Telluride Turbo-Hybrid is one of Kia’s most convincing hybrid models.
Prices, specifications, safety ratings, fuel-economy estimates, towing limits, and feature availability can change by trim, model year, and market.