Yes, the Telluride now has a 2027 hybrid model with 329 hp and up to 35 mpg combined on EX FWD.
The simple answer is finally yes. Kia added a Telluride Hybrid for the 2027 model year, ending years of shoppers choosing only gas Telluride trims. This matters if you liked the size, seating, and calm cabin, but hated seeing fuel economy near the low 20s.
The new hybrid is not a plug-in. You don’t charge it at home, and there’s no electric-only range to manage. It’s a regular hybrid system built to cut gas use while keeping the three-row layout that made the Telluride popular.
For shoppers, the real choice is less about “hybrid or no hybrid” and more about timing, trim, drive type, and price. The hybrid costs more than older used gas Tellurides, but it brings stronger output and better mileage on paper.
What Changed For Telluride Buyers
Previous Telluride models used a gas V6. That setup gave the SUV a smooth feel, but the fuel numbers were never the main draw. Kia’s 2027 redesign changes the powertrain menu with a turbo-hybrid option.
The hybrid lineup starts at EX, then moves through SX, X-Line SX, SX Prestige, and X-Line SX Prestige. That means shoppers wanting the lowest-priced gas LX or S don’t get a hybrid match. In plain terms, the hybrid is priced as a nicer-trim family hauler, not a bare-bones fuel saver.
Kia lists the 2027 Telluride Hybrid with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and full parallel hybrid system. The combined output is 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers put it above many people’s old idea of a slow hybrid.
Kia Telluride Hybrid Details That Matter Before You Buy
The spec sheet tells a practical story: better mileage, strong torque, and no plug. Kia’s official trim page lists five hybrid trims, 4,500 pounds of towing capacity, and EPA-estimated fuel economy of 34/36/35 mpg city/highway/combined on EX FWD. AWD hybrid trims are listed at 30/32/31 mpg in many configurations. You can verify the trim-by-trim figures in Kia’s 2027 Telluride Hybrid specs.
The best mileage comes from EX FWD. That makes sense: front-wheel drive trims usually carry less weight and have fewer drivetrain losses. If you want AWD for snow, dirt roads, or wet hills, the combined rating drops, but it still lands well above old AWD gas Telluride numbers.
Cabin space stays family-friendly. Kia lists 21.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.7 behind the second row, and 88.3 behind the first row. That’s the part many hybrid rivals get wrong: good mileage means little if the stroller, cooler, and weekend bags don’t fit.
Table 1: Telluride Hybrid Specs And Buyer Meaning
| Item | 2027 Telluride Hybrid Detail | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Type | Regular hybrid, not plug-in | No home charger or charging stops needed |
| Engine Setup | 2.5L turbo four-cylinder with hybrid system | Smaller engine, electric assist, strong torque |
| Output | 329 hp and 339 lb-ft | Good passing power for a loaded three-row SUV |
| Best MPG | 34/36/35 mpg on EX FWD | Top published fuel rating in the hybrid range |
| AWD MPG | 30/32/31 mpg on many AWD trims | Traction costs some mileage, but numbers stay solid |
| Trim Count | Five hybrid trims | More choice than a single hybrid package |
| Towing | 4,500 lb rating | Works for small campers, utility trailers, and light boats |
| Cargo Space | Up to 88.3 cu ft with rear rows folded | Keeps the Telluride useful for big errands |
| Starting MSRP | $46,490 before fees and options | Higher entry point than gas Telluride trims |
How It Compares With Older Gas Tellurides
The old Telluride’s fuel economy gap is easy to see. A 2025 Telluride FWD is rated at 22 mpg combined, while a 2025 Telluride AWD is rated at 20 mpg combined through FuelEconomy.gov’s 2025 Telluride ratings. The 2027 hybrid’s best combined rating rises to 35 mpg.
That difference adds up most for commuters and parents doing school runs, errands, practices, and weekend drives. Highway-only drivers may see a smaller payoff. City-heavy drivers usually get more value from a hybrid because electric assist helps most in stop-and-go traffic.
Used shoppers should read listings carefully. A 2024 or 2025 Telluride may have badges, black trim, captain’s chairs, or a high-end cabin, but it won’t be a factory hybrid. If a seller calls an older Telluride a hybrid, ask for the window sticker or VIN details before you drive across town.
Who The Telluride Hybrid Fits Best
The Telluride Hybrid is a smart pick for buyers who wanted a three-row SUV with nicer fuel numbers, but didn’t want a charging routine. It suits families who need real cargo space, adult-friendly second-row seats, and enough power for a packed cabin.
- Buy it if: you drive in town often, carry passengers, and plan to keep the SUV long enough for fuel savings to matter.
- Think twice if: you want the lowest Telluride purchase price, since gas LX and S trims sit below the hybrid entry point.
- Pick AWD if: you deal with winter roads, steep driveways, wet gravel, or light trail access.
- Pick FWD if: mileage is your main concern and your weather is mild.
The hybrid is not the budget Telluride. It’s the Telluride for people who want the full-size family feel with fewer fuel stops. That distinction helps set fair expectations before you start comparing monthly payments.
Table 2: Better Telluride Choice By Driver Type
| Driver Type | Better Pick | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Daily city commuter with kids | Hybrid EX FWD | Best published mpg and lower entry price among hybrids |
| Snow belt family | Hybrid AWD trim | Better traction with strong combined mileage |
| Lowest purchase price shopper | Gas LX or S | Hybrid trims start above base gas trims |
| Small trailer owner | Hybrid or gas, with proper gear | Hybrid towing rating is 4,500 lb |
| Used SUV buyer | Gas Telluride | Older model years don’t offer a factory hybrid |
What To Check At The Dealer
Before signing, ask the dealer to show the exact trim, drive type, and window sticker. The best fuel number belongs to EX FWD, not every hybrid. AWD and X-Line versions trade some mpg for traction and styling.
Check The Real Price
MSRP is only the starting point. Destination charges, dealer add-ons, accessories, paint charges, and finance terms can change the deal. Compare the out-the-door price against a gas Telluride with the same must-have features, not against a stripped base model you wouldn’t buy.
Check Seating And Cargo
Bring the gear you use every week if you can: child seats, a stroller, sports bags, or a cooler. Specs are helpful, but the right SUV should feel easy on a normal Tuesday morning, not only during a showroom walkaround.
Check Your Fuel Math
Estimate your yearly miles, your usual gas price, and how long you’ll keep the vehicle. The hybrid case gets stronger when you drive more miles, face higher fuel costs, or spend much of your time in town.
Verdict For Shoppers
Yes, Kia now offers a Telluride Hybrid, and it fixes the one complaint many shoppers had about the SUV: thirsty fuel economy. The 2027 model gives you hybrid mileage, family space, strong output, and a familiar no-plug ownership style.
The smartest move is to match the trim to your life. EX FWD is the mileage play. AWD trims make sense for tougher weather. Gas trims still work for buyers who want the lower entry price or are shopping used.
If you’ve been waiting for a three-row Kia with Telluride size and hybrid fuel economy, this is the version that finally answers that wish.
References & Sources
- Kia America.“2027 Telluride Hybrid Compare Trims & Specs.”Lists trim count, pricing, powertrain output, mileage, cargo room, and towing details for the Telluride Hybrid.
- U.S. Department of Energy and EPA.“Fuel Economy of 2025 Kia Telluride.”Shows official fuel economy ratings for the gas-only 2025 Telluride used for comparison.