The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid has claimed 'Favorite Family Vehicle' at the Midwest Automotive Media Association's Fall Fest, Kia announced on November, 2026. Automotive journalists voted after evaluating vehicles on public roads.
The winning Telluride HEV X-Line SX-Prestige AWD gives the redesigned SUV its second category victory this year. The gasoline-powered X-Pro earned the same honor at MAMA's Spring Rally. For buyers, the hybrid's fuel economy and packaging deserve attention alongside the trophy.
What powers the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid?
The 2027 Telluride HEV combines a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, electric assistance and a 1.65 kWh battery for 329 hp and 339 lb-ft (460 Nm). A six-speed automatic handles gear changes. The full-hybrid system recovers braking energy and reuses it to reduce gasoline demand.
Owners refuel with regular 87-octane gasoline, and the HEV requires no plug-in charging. For households without home charging, that removes charger installation from the purchase calculation.
How much family space does the Telluride Hybrid offer?
The Telluride Hybrid seats seven across three rows and measures 199.2 inches (5,060 mm) long, with a 116.9-inch (2,969 mm) wheelbase. Its 78.3-inch (1,989 mm) body width makes garage access another buying consideration, especially when passengers need room to open doors. Measure the available clearance before ordering.
Kia lists these family-use measurements:
- Third-row legroom: 32.1 inches (815 mm).
- Cargo behind the third row: 21.3 cubic feet (603 liters), including underfloor storage.
- Maximum towing capacity: 4,500 pounds (2,041 kg), subject to Kia's loading requirements.
The cargo figure with every row upright matters for airport runs: folding seats to fit luggage reduces passenger capacity.
Which Telluride Hybrid trim offers better running costs?
The award-winning X-Line SX-Prestige AWD returns an EPA-estimated 31 mpg combined, while the EX FWD reaches 35 mpg. Both supply the same 329 hp. The $11,100 starting-price gap buys a different drivetrain and equipment package, making trim selection a larger upfront expense than the annual fuel difference below.
| Measurement | EX FWD | X-Line SX-Prestige AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $46,490 | $57,590 |
| Price including destination | $48,035 | $59,135 |
| EPA combined economy, US mpg | 35 | 31 |
| Converted consumption, L/100 km | 6.7 | 7.6 |
Destination adds $1,545. Prices exclude taxes, registration, options and dealer fees.
Looking at the data, driving 15,000 miles (24,140 km) annually at an assumed $3.50 per US gallon puts fuel spending near $1,694 for the AWD winner versus $1,500 for the EX FWD. The difference totals about $194 annually. This illustration uses EPA combined ratings; weather, speed and load change actual consumption.
Pro-Tip: Choose AWD for a defined traction requirement. Test the EX FWD with your child seats and luggage before paying for the flagship's equipment. Its lower purchase price and fuel consumption merit a direct comparison.
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