Kia Telluride Hybrid: What to Know About Kia’s New 3-Row SUV

The SUV for Families Who Love Adventure – and Saving Money

Kia’s flagship three-row SUV gets a full redesign for 2027, and for the first time, it can be a hybrid. The new setup puts out 329 horsepower while using less gas than the V6 it replaces. For Indianapolis families running carpool laps around I-465 or heading south on U.S. 31 for weekend trips, that’s a pretty big deal.

• The hybrid system pairs a 2.5-liter turbo engine with an electric motor for 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque combined.
• EPA estimates put the EX FWD hybrid at 35 MPG combined, with AWD versions still rated at 31 MPG combined.
• Hybrid pricing starts at $46,490 MSRP for the EX FWD and runs up to $57,590 for the loaded X-Line SX Prestige AWD.

A Hybrid First for the Flagship Telluride

The Telluride has been a hit since it launched, but until now it only came with a V6 gas engine. Kia changed that with the full second-generation redesign. The 3.8-liter V6 is gone, replaced by two turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder powertrains. One runs on gas alone. The other adds an electric motor and a small lithium-ion battery to make a true hybrid setup.

This hybrid feels quick around town thanks to instant torque from the electric motor, and it doesn’t ask drivers to plug in. Power flows through a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available on most trims.

Does Kia Telluride Come in a Hybrid?

Yes. For 2027, Kia made the Telluride a hybrid for the first time. Combined 329 horsepower beats the gas-only version’s 274 hp, which is the fun twist here. The hybrid is both more powerful and easier on gas at the pump. Towing capacity does drop a bit, from 5,000 pounds on the turbo gas to 4,500 pounds on the hybrid when properly equipped.

Power and Fuel Economy Numbers Worth Knowing

The fuel economy gap is the easiest thing to spot on paper. The Kia Telluride Hybrid in EX FWD form posts EPA estimates of 34 city, 36 highway, and 35 combined MPG. Going AWD drops those to 30/32/31, and the SX FWD comes in at 32/34/33. That’s a big jump from the gas Telluride, which tops out at 22 MPG combined with FWD.

Total driving range on the EX FWD hybrid stretches up to 637 miles per tank, enough to get from Indianapolis to Nashville and most of the way back without refueling.

Trim Levels Compared

Hybrid buyers have five configurations to pick from. Each step up adds tech, style, or off-road gear depending on the model. Here’s how they stack up.

Kia Telluride Hybrid Built for Indianapolis Drivers

Hoosier weather likes to throw curveballs. One week it’s 70 degrees, the next there’s freezing rain on I-69. AWD-equipped hybrid trims handle all of it without breaking a sweat. X-Line trims add Terrain Mode (Snow, Mud, and Sand) for when winter storms blow through Marion County or weekend trips lead out to Brown County State Park.

Inside, you get dual 12.3-inch displays on most trims, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an available 14-speaker Meridian audio system. Optional Highway Driving Assist 2 takes some of the work out of the long stretch up I-65 to Chicago or southbound runs to Louisville.

2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid Features for Daily Life

Captain’s chairs in the second row turn the cabin into a seven-passenger setup with walk-through access to the third row. Cargo room sits at 21.3 cubic feet behind the third row and grows to 47.7 cubic feet behind the second row in the hybrid, plenty of space for soccer gear or Costco runs. Wireless charging pads, ten standard airbags, and a 360-degree camera on SX trims and up round out the family tech. Stay Mode is a nice touch too. It uses the hybrid battery to run climate, lights, and stereo for up to an hour without firing the engine, handy for tailgates outside Lucas Oil Stadium.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Kia Telluride Hybrid cost?

The hybrid starts at $46,490 MSRP for the EX FWD and runs up to $57,590 for the X-Line SX Prestige AWD. Tack on another $1,545 for destination. SX, X-Line SX, and SX Prestige pricing should be confirmed with your local dealer.

Is the Kia Telluride Hybrid available with AWD?

Yes. AWD is optional on the EX and standard on the X-Line SX, SX Prestige, and X-Line SX Prestige. X-Line trims also include Terrain Mode for snow, mud, and sand.

How many people can the Kia Telluride Hybrid seat?

The Telluride Hybrid seats up to eight with a second-row bench, or seven if you go with captain’s chairs.

Can the Kia Telluride Hybrid tow?

Yes. The hybrid is rated for up to 4,500 pounds of towing when properly equipped, enough for most jet skis, fishing boats headed to Geist Reservoir, or small campers.

When can I see one at a dealer near Indianapolis?

The 2027 Telluride Hybrid started arriving in showrooms in March 2026. Availability at Indianapolis-area dealers depends on inventory, so it’s worth a call ahead to confirm.

Test Drive the Kia Telluride Hybrid at Ray Skillman Southside Kia

We know the new Kia Telluride Hybrid is a big step forward for our three-row lineup, and we want to put you behind the wheel so you can feel it yourself. At our showroom on U.S. 31, we’ll walk you through trim options, run the numbers on financing, and answer questions about how the hybrid fits your daily driving. Whether you’re shuttling kids around Greenwood, heading downtown for a Colts game, or planning a family road trip down to the Smokies, our team will help you match a trim to your routine. Stop in for a test drive and see why so many Indianapolis-area families have made us their go-to Kia dealer.