The Kia Telluride Is More Expensive With A Hybrid Powertrain

The Kia Telluride is a huge update over the outgoing model, and not just because of its stylish new looks. Kia installed new powertrains in lieu of the old V6: a turbocharged four-cylinder and one with a hybrid system attached. The automaker just announced pricing for the latter, and it's a good chunk of change more than you'd pay for the former. The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid EX is front-drive only and starts at $48,035.

Kia's new hybrid doesn't have a base trim

The price increase over the base model is due to how Kia has structured its trim levels. Gasoline models get an LX and S trim, which are placed lower in the trim structure than the EX model, which is where the hybrid lineup picks up. A non-hybrid EX, meanwhile, will run you $45,335 versus the Hybrid's $48,035 starting point. You can check out pricing for the full hybrid model range below.

The hybrid model features a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive can be yours for another $2,000 upcharge. The engine and transmission are paired with a 1.65-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. Going for the hybrid models will net you a maximum of 35 MPG combined, based on the EPA's estimates of a front-drive Telluride hybrid.

Kia is a relative loner in the hybrid three-row SUV segment

There aren't a lot of options out there for drivers looking into a three-row, hybrid SUV. The Grand Highlander, Toyota's entrant, makes less power and starts at $46,505. The CX-90 from Mazda takes the inverse approach, offering a premium SUV forpreomum money, at $52,025. Hyundai shares much of the Telluride's powertrains, including this hybrid one, and undercuts the SUV ($45,760). Options largely end there, which leaves the Telluride as a compelling argument by scarcity alone.

Of course, the incoming Telluride model has some big shoes to fill. The last model was a smash hit, and you can't throw a rock into a parking lot without hitting one of the previous Telluride models. Whether Kia is able to manage the same blend of usability, affordability, and performance will have to wait until we can test one.