Hybrids are emerging as the go-to choice for many American buyers, and it’s no surprise that Kia is expanding its partially electrified model lineup. A key vehicle in Kia’s new product plan is the HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) variant of the next-gen Kia Telluride family, set for release in 2026.
We will continue offering ICE models in the short to mid-term to meet residual demand in emerging markets while expanding and diversifying our HEV lineup from Seltos to Telluride.
Kia CEO Ho Sung Song confirming the Telluride Hybrid during the company’s annual Investor Day on April 9, 2025.
Bolder Design & Styling
The next-gen Kia Telluride will retain its familiar, boxy silhouette but with distinctive touches. As seen in our exclusive illustrations, the front-end features an imposing, concave radiator grille flanked by tall, technical-looking vertical headlamps with angular, C-shaped clusters.
The side structure stays mostly flat with a straight shoulder line, square windows, flush roof rails, and sleeker mirrors. The upright rear-end, combined with vertical tail lamps, should maximize cargo capacity, while clearly distinguishing it from the simpler first-gen model.
Revamped Interior
Inside, besides an overhauled layout, the next-gen Telluride Hybrid is set to offer premium tech such as Kia’s latest Digital Key 2.0, a new column-mounted gear shifter that creates more storage space in the center console area, dual 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside Kia’s connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) software.
Tech upgrades should include Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature, allowing the SUV’s battery to power external devices or appliances, and Dynamic Body Care seats. Additionally, a “Stay Mode” preserves battery charge by selectively using the gas engine, useful for maintaining cabin temperature when stationary without draining the hybrid battery.
2.5T Hybrid Powertrain
Powering the new Telluride will be a next-gen Hybrid powertrain which debuted on the new Hyundai Palisade Hybrid this year in South Korea. The new 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine is expected to produce around 258 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, while the electric motor should contribute an additional 72 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque.
To flexibly respond to future demand for efficient electrified vehicles, we are developing next-generation powertrains. This includes a new 2.5L turbocharged gasoline engine with improved efficiency, built on a modular platform. Based on this engine, we will deploy the next-gen hybrid powertrain with enhanced fuel efficiency, and the EREV system, which combines the advantages of EVs and internal combustion engines.
Kia CEO Ho Sung Song while discussing hybrid demand during the company’s annual Investor Day on April 9, 2025.
Together, the hybrid system could deliver up to 329 hp combined, transferring power through a six-speed automatic transmission. A mechanical AWD system is also expected to be available as an option.
We’re expecting the new hybrid system to achieve around 25 mpg in FWD and approximately 22 mpg in AWD (EPA-est., combined), noticeably better than the comparable 22 mpg and 20 mpg of the current model. With a 19-gallon fuel tank, this should translate into an impressive range of about 475 miles for the front-wheel-drive model.
ETA Is Early 2026
The second-generation Telluride is expected to celebrate its world premiere in the last quarter of 2025. Production of the next-gen Telluride will begin at Kia’s Georgia plant in December 2025, as per an ETNews report from April 2024. U.S. dealer deliveries should commence early in 2026.
Featured image: TopElectricSUV’s rendering of the next-gen Telluride
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
