Kia unveiled the second-generation Telluride at the LA Auto Show with a turbocharged hybrid powertrain producing 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. The V6 is gone. In its place: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with a 1.65 kWh lithium-ion battery and a six-speed automatic. Combined fuel economy sits around 35 mpg, with an estimated range of 600 miles per tank. The outgoing V6 managed 20-22 mpg. That's not an incremental improvement. That's a generational leap.
A non-hybrid 2.5-liter turbo is also available, making 274 hp and 311 lb-ft through an eight-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive comes standard on both powertrains, with AWD optional. Towing capacity reaches 5,000 lbs on the turbo, dropping to 4,500 lbs on the hybrid due to the six-speed gearbox.
Bigger Footprint, Same Mission
The new Telluride grew 2.3 inches longer and 3 inches in wheelbase, with an inch more height. Three-row seating remains, and the cabin gets twin 12.3-inch displays in a rectangular layout, a column-mounted shifter, and a redesigned steering wheel. The interior feels more premium than the outgoing model, which already punched above its price class.
X-Pro Goes Proper Off-Road
The X-Pro trim gets a dedicated grille design with exposed tow hooks, higher-profile roof rails, off-road tires, and 9.1 inches of ground clearance. More importantly, it picks up an electronic limited-slip differential with center diff lock and electronic dynamic torque vectoring control (E-DTVC). Self-leveling rear suspension is optional. Kia is clearly targeting buyers who want Telluride practicality with legitimate trail capability.
The standard trims stick with the cleaner partially blanked grille and body-colored accents. GT-Line adds sport styling, while X-Line brings a rugged aesthetic without the full off-road hardware.
The Telluride has been one of Kia's most successful models since launch, consistently selling at or above MSRP. The second generation keeps what worked (three-row utility, value positioning, strong presence) and fixes what didn't (the thirsty V6, the lack of electrification). Sales begin Q1 2026. Pricing hasn't been announced, but expect a modest increase over the current model's $37,000-$51,000 range.
