Kia Telluride goes hybrid, a new powertrain promises more muscle and a longer driving range
Kia has revealed the updated Telluride for the North American market at the Los Angeles show, and this time the big family SUV arrives as a hybrid. The move shakes a segment long ruled by large naturally aspirated V6 engines. Production begins in Georgia and sales start in the first quarter of next year.
Kia’s engineers paired a 2.5 litre four cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and a six speed automatic gearbox. The combined system delivers 329 horsepower and 460 newton metres, giving the Telluride a stronger character than before. A battery pack of 1.65 kilowatt hours supports the hybrid system, while electronic torque vectoring distributes drive with greater precision.
The full package promises roughly 960 kilometres between refuelling stops. Combined fuel consumption settles at about 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres.
Alongside the hybrid, Kia introduces a new base powertrain. It uses a 2.5 litre four cylinder turbo engine with 274 horsepower and 422 newton metres, slightly less top end power but more torque than the old V6. This version works with an eight speed automatic.
Both setups send power to the front wheels, and all wheel drive appears on the equipment list as an optional extra.
Kia also outlined details of the tougher X Pro specification. Ground clearance rises to 231 millimetres and the suspension gains longer travel. All wheel drive models come with a lockable centre differential. Off road tyres, recovery points and terrain focused electronic modes add further capability. Cameras show the ground immediately ahead of the nose to help judge obstacles.
The shift to hybrid power fits a wider pattern. Large sport utility vehicles are edging toward electrification while retaining the reassuring qualities of a combustion engine. Most rivals still rely on traditional six cylinder units. Kia’s decision feels slightly provocative, a subtle reminder that a familiar V6 is no longer essential for relaxed performance and family comfort on the open road.
