2027 Kia Telluride Review - Kia's Biggest SUV Has Gone All-In On Turbos & Hybrids
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Date: 2026-07-10
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Comments and reviews: 20
james2042
On the note of the GM triplets not getting hybrids (or any gm products not getting hybrids, Barra has gone on record multiple times talking about how she knows what gm brand buyers want more than the buyers. She cites the misuse of phevs in europe as a reason to not bring them to america, especially phevs. She tries to claim that in europe, since studies have now found that most people don't charge their phevs, its senseless to make them, when in reality, the people not charging them are people who are required to buy vehicles with a plug by law, but then either never wanted a vehicle with a plug or have no means of charging one conveniently and just don't. Phev sales are extremely common over there, yet almost none of them charge. As for regular hybrids, she once again cited that they're better off just abandoning gas vehicles all together and just going full electric, vs trying to build out the parts and maintenance infrastructure for complicated hybrids. The reason GM has 0 hybrids is they really banked on being fully electric by 2030, and that plan is falling apart rapidly as EV sales are coming to a crawl following the government no longer mandating them (funny how that happens. Meanwhile toyota's plan of hybridize everything is paying dividends, as almost every toyota sold now is a hybrid. GM still manages to sell phenomenally despite the refusal to hybridize their vehicles, imagine what the marketshare would look like if they added hybrid power trains (and especially some phevs)
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On the note of the GM triplets not getting hybrids (or any gm products not getting hybrids, Barra has gone on record multiple times talking about how she knows what gm brand buyers want more than the buyers. She cites the misuse of phevs in europe as a reason to not bring them to america, especially phevs. She tries to claim that in europe, since studies have now found that most people don't charge their phevs, its senseless to make them, when in reality, the people not charging them are people who are required to buy vehicles with a plug by law, but then either never wanted a vehicle with a plug or have no means of charging one conveniently and just don't. Phev sales are extremely common over there, yet almost none of them charge. As for regular hybrids, she once again cited that they're better off just abandoning gas vehicles all together and just going full electric, vs trying to build out the parts and maintenance infrastructure for complicated hybrids. The reason GM has 0 hybrids is they really banked on being fully electric by 2030, and that plan is falling apart rapidly as EV sales are coming to a crawl following the government no longer mandating them (funny how that happens. Meanwhile toyota's plan of hybridize everything is paying dividends, as almost every toyota sold now is a hybrid. GM still manages to sell phenomenally despite the refusal to hybridize their vehicles, imagine what the marketshare would look like if they added hybrid power trains (and especially some phevs)
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mojorisin7371
While YES a V6 is far superior in reliability compared to a turbocharged four cylinder it’s negligible and the four cylinder is going to be easier to maintain and work on. Sure manufactures have to work on getting them more refined but the turbo’s do aide with this. We’re in a pay the least and charge the most society nowadays for mostly anything and auto manufacturers are definitely no exception. They know people in at least four years are going to want to buy something else, so they’re simply not building stuff to last anymore. Everything has become disposable. It’s our own problem. As long as people continue to buy the latest trends then those trends will continue. People were far more disciplined in the past and didn’t just throw their hard earned money away foolishly like they do today. People held onto most things for decades, now it’s just a few years.
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While YES a V6 is far superior in reliability compared to a turbocharged four cylinder it’s negligible and the four cylinder is going to be easier to maintain and work on. Sure manufactures have to work on getting them more refined but the turbo’s do aide with this. We’re in a pay the least and charge the most society nowadays for mostly anything and auto manufacturers are definitely no exception. They know people in at least four years are going to want to buy something else, so they’re simply not building stuff to last anymore. Everything has become disposable. It’s our own problem. As long as people continue to buy the latest trends then those trends will continue. People were far more disciplined in the past and didn’t just throw their hard earned money away foolishly like they do today. People held onto most things for decades, now it’s just a few years.
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AverageJoe__47
Your videos are a cut above.
In my recent shopping for a brand new vehicle, i have watched dozens of videos One thing that barely anyone consistently dedicates time to is going through the separate trims in terms of value. I’m sure this is a product of press fleets being majority upper trim levels, but that doesn’t help buyers
A 2-3 minute segment breaking down trim levels, including assigning a value play would be a good use of time and add value to your deliverable.
Currently comparing an Outback, where at base level it competes against different vehicle than at top trim (for example like against the crown Signia. And no one addresses this difference.
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Your videos are a cut above.
In my recent shopping for a brand new vehicle, i have watched dozens of videos One thing that barely anyone consistently dedicates time to is going through the separate trims in terms of value. I’m sure this is a product of press fleets being majority upper trim levels, but that doesn’t help buyers
A 2-3 minute segment breaking down trim levels, including assigning a value play would be a good use of time and add value to your deliverable.
Currently comparing an Outback, where at base level it competes against different vehicle than at top trim (for example like against the crown Signia. And no one addresses this difference.
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tjs114
I hope the small displacement turbo/large vehicle fad dies quickly. We went through this back in the late 90s/early 2000s where companies put small turbo engines in vehicles that used to have 6 and 8 cylinder engines and claimed it was for fuel efficiency and performance. Then within a few years, the companies went back to 'there's nothing better than displacement. ' I'd prefer a v6 loping along at 1000rpm to a turbo-4 screaming at 5 or 6, 000rpm at highway speeds.
Has anyone gotten an answer from Hyundai/Kia as to why they've not switched the hybrid system to their reliable 8 speed automatic instead of the 6 speed
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I hope the small displacement turbo/large vehicle fad dies quickly. We went through this back in the late 90s/early 2000s where companies put small turbo engines in vehicles that used to have 6 and 8 cylinder engines and claimed it was for fuel efficiency and performance. Then within a few years, the companies went back to 'there's nothing better than displacement. ' I'd prefer a v6 loping along at 1000rpm to a turbo-4 screaming at 5 or 6, 000rpm at highway speeds.
Has anyone gotten an answer from Hyundai/Kia as to why they've not switched the hybrid system to their reliable 8 speed automatic instead of the 6 speed
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willkent4759
Love my 2027 Kia Telluride HEV X-Line SX Prestige in Ebony Black with Black and Millstone Gray interior. So quiet, comfortable, powerful and efficient. It does not float, it glides with a grounded feel. Driving HWY at 70-72 mph, I’m getting 30-35 mph. CITY at 25-45 mph, Im getting 35-40 mpg on 15 min drives. Love the new design, rugged and sleek all-in-one, plus boxier means more interior space. I loved the first design but things evolve and change and I’m good with what Kia did here. Very happy with my purchase. National Geographic Landscapes is an awesome theme for the touchscreen.
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Love my 2027 Kia Telluride HEV X-Line SX Prestige in Ebony Black with Black and Millstone Gray interior. So quiet, comfortable, powerful and efficient. It does not float, it glides with a grounded feel. Driving HWY at 70-72 mph, I’m getting 30-35 mph. CITY at 25-45 mph, Im getting 35-40 mpg on 15 min drives. Love the new design, rugged and sleek all-in-one, plus boxier means more interior space. I loved the first design but things evolve and change and I’m good with what Kia did here. Very happy with my purchase. National Geographic Landscapes is an awesome theme for the touchscreen.
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0072sal
Great review! I really like this vehicle but I am concerned with what I am reading about regarding the hybrid.
I have read that the gas only version of the telluride has both both port and direct injection but the hybrid version only has direct injection. I dont understand why this would be the case if both variants of the vehicle has the same engine. I am worried that without port injection there will eventually be alot of carbon build up on the pistons.
Can anyone conform if what I am reading is correct and if it is has KIA done anything to prevent the carbon buildup issue
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Great review! I really like this vehicle but I am concerned with what I am reading about regarding the hybrid.
I have read that the gas only version of the telluride has both both port and direct injection but the hybrid version only has direct injection. I dont understand why this would be the case if both variants of the vehicle has the same engine. I am worried that without port injection there will eventually be alot of carbon build up on the pistons.
Can anyone conform if what I am reading is correct and if it is has KIA done anything to prevent the carbon buildup issue
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naveenthemachine
I rented a palisade and honestly I’d go with the v6. It’s gonna be more reliable and it sounds so much better. It performed perfectly fine in Alaska on highways and it had no issues with acceleration despite Alex’s objections
Otherwise in general GH wins since it’s the best seller. There’s a good reason that there’s practically a stockpile of telluride palisade hybrids compared to the grand highlander because the Publix knows the tellusade hybrids are not very good vs the Toyota
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I rented a palisade and honestly I’d go with the v6. It’s gonna be more reliable and it sounds so much better. It performed perfectly fine in Alaska on highways and it had no issues with acceleration despite Alex’s objections
Otherwise in general GH wins since it’s the best seller. There’s a good reason that there’s practically a stockpile of telluride palisade hybrids compared to the grand highlander because the Publix knows the tellusade hybrids are not very good vs the Toyota
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georgesnyder5337
Why is the Pilot excluded from the discussion That feels like a theme - you mentioned it in the initial size comparison horizontal chart, omitted it in the head/leg room chart in favor of having three identical GM variants, included it in the price comparison, and then omitted it in the final comparisons. You can option the Kia a bit beyond the Pilot in this newer variant - but I would likely be cross shopping Trailspot or Elite models with the mid versions.
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Why is the Pilot excluded from the discussion That feels like a theme - you mentioned it in the initial size comparison horizontal chart, omitted it in the head/leg room chart in favor of having three identical GM variants, included it in the price comparison, and then omitted it in the final comparisons. You can option the Kia a bit beyond the Pilot in this newer variant - but I would likely be cross shopping Trailspot or Elite models with the mid versions.
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dafightdoc8836
The 2. 0turbovin the Atlass (EA888) is smaller. It is a high maintenance engine in that VW has a short maintenance cycle on that engine. stratified charging systems are expensive. I think only MB uses it since 2017. Mercedes Benz. The harmonic balancer will leak after about 60, 000 miles. Out of warranty repair. Air exchanger goes bad around the same time. Then the PCV container. Sorry I had a couple VWs. Jetta, Tiguan.
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The 2. 0turbovin the Atlass (EA888) is smaller. It is a high maintenance engine in that VW has a short maintenance cycle on that engine. stratified charging systems are expensive. I think only MB uses it since 2017. Mercedes Benz. The harmonic balancer will leak after about 60, 000 miles. Out of warranty repair. Air exchanger goes bad around the same time. Then the PCV container. Sorry I had a couple VWs. Jetta, Tiguan.
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HokieAlum08
For a family with 2 kids, I could see how this would be a good option. But man. does Honda mop the floor with this segment when it comes to door storage and cupholders for families. Loads of places to put stuff.
For a family with 3 kids stretching from newborn to toddler to almost 5 ft tall 9 y/o though. The Pilot keeps showing up as a solid choice, minus the tech, if you're vehemently against the minivan.
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For a family with 2 kids, I could see how this would be a good option. But man. does Honda mop the floor with this segment when it comes to door storage and cupholders for families. Loads of places to put stuff.
For a family with 3 kids stretching from newborn to toddler to almost 5 ft tall 9 y/o though. The Pilot keeps showing up as a solid choice, minus the tech, if you're vehemently against the minivan.
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remiilatte
It would be really cool if you guys listed your measured leg room in addition to the stated leg room so we can see what the real world usable space is.
Also please review the hybrid. That’s the one I’m really interested in.
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It would be really cool if you guys listed your measured leg room in addition to the stated leg room so we can see what the real world usable space is.
Also please review the hybrid. That’s the one I’m really interested in.
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desertmodern7638
I don't mind the front end on the model featured. It reminds me of a 1968 Ford LTD with concealed headlights: wall-to-wall grille. The do-dads at the top of the wheel arches are an affectation I could do without, however.
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I don't mind the front end on the model featured. It reminds me of a 1968 Ford LTD with concealed headlights: wall-to-wall grille. The do-dads at the top of the wheel arches are an affectation I could do without, however.
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wil8527
4 cyl Pass. Matte paint Pass. Electric pop-out door handles Pass. Driver tracking camera on the steering column HARD pass. Who are the focus groups telling manufacturers people actually want these overcomplicated, ugly vehicles
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4 cyl Pass. Matte paint Pass. Electric pop-out door handles Pass. Driver tracking camera on the steering column HARD pass. Who are the focus groups telling manufacturers people actually want these overcomplicated, ugly vehicles
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JohnBranco-v4n
There is 8. 1 inches of ground clearance on this vehicle very respectable. Also this vehicle has auto load leveling suspension, which is a rare option for a vehicle in this class and price point.
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There is 8. 1 inches of ground clearance on this vehicle very respectable. Also this vehicle has auto load leveling suspension, which is a rare option for a vehicle in this class and price point.
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matthewnunn1076
I was under the impression all versions except the x pro have 7. 4 inches of ground clearance but the
x pro has 9. 1. Just noting since you mentioned ground clearance twice in the video.
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I was under the impression all versions except the x pro have 7. 4 inches of ground clearance but the
x pro has 9. 1. Just noting since you mentioned ground clearance twice in the video.
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Dan-cq3rw
I’m confused as to why many reviewers seem to be fine with the 4 cylinder in the Telluride, but bashed the Atlas 4 cylinder that has been around longer, has a quicker 0-60 and better mpgs
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I’m confused as to why many reviewers seem to be fine with the 4 cylinder in the Telluride, but bashed the Atlas 4 cylinder that has been around longer, has a quicker 0-60 and better mpgs
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markb3866
The rectangle grill is just plain fugly. I do like the vertical grill on it, with color bumper. And who thought the square rims was a good idea. S trim wheels are best looking rims
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The rectangle grill is just plain fugly. I do like the vertical grill on it, with color bumper. And who thought the square rims was a good idea. S trim wheels are best looking rims
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mcd5082
Front profile is a little much but side and rear look good. Not my kind of car but I respect them for being a little different even though it’s very Range Rover from the back.
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Front profile is a little much but side and rear look good. Not my kind of car but I respect them for being a little different even though it’s very Range Rover from the back.
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trenton737
Ford outsells GM triplets and only 131 units less than Telluride Palisade (2025. As of Q2 2026 Explorer Aviator is 10k units ahead of GM and 1. 7k behind Hyundai Group.
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Ford outsells GM triplets and only 131 units less than Telluride Palisade (2025. As of Q2 2026 Explorer Aviator is 10k units ahead of GM and 1. 7k behind Hyundai Group.
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Dejesusluis87
I dnt get it. How is it that the over cubic feet of the Grand Highlander and Traverse is bigger than the Palisade, but you have more leg more in the palisade
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I dnt get it. How is it that the over cubic feet of the Grand Highlander and Traverse is bigger than the Palisade, but you have more leg more in the palisade
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