Along with a completely new character that promises a stronger road presence and a thoroughly redesigned interior that substantially improves comfort, convenience, and connectivity, the next-gen Kia Telluride is expected to deliver solid gains in efficiency. Not one but two hybrid variants are expected in the redesigned model: HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) and EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle).
Exterior
The Telluride will retain its upright and boxy stance but adopt a more sculpted look in the second generation. Spy shots show a larger concave grille, tall mirrored/inverter L-shaped lights, and a heavily contoured bonnet.
Slim roof rails, cleaner mirrors, and vertical tail lights hint at subtle refinements aimed at enhancing practicality and road presence. Rugged trims like X-Line and X-Pro are set to return, though hybrid compatibility for these packages remains unconfirmed.
Cabin
Inside, the next-gen Kia Telluride will draw inspiration from the EV9, featuring dual-tone colour schemes, split second-row seats, and a redesigned centre console. Expect a trio of dashboard screens on the driver’s side, measuring around 30 inches combined and running the ccNC software. Premium trims should offer Nappa leather, contrast stitching, and suede-style accents. Seating options will include seven- and eight-seat layouts.
Specifications
The Kia Telluride Hybrid will use a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a front-mounted electric motor, which stores energy and draws it from a 1.65 kWh battery pack. The system is expected to produce around 329 bhp (245 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. (192 Nm) of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission will likely be standard and an all-wheel-drive system is expected as an option.
Fuel economy could match that of the related Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, rated to deliver a whopping range of 1,015 km (631 miles) in South Korea. Features exclusive to the electrified model should include Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) bi-directional charging, Stay Mode to reserve battery charge, and advanced drive assist functions such as E-Ride and Electric Torque Vectoring Control.
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.
Ho Sung Song, President and CEO, Kia (2025 CEO Investor Day on 9 April 2025)
Kia Telluride EREV
The Kia Telluride EREV, if approved, will take electrification a notch higher. Unlike in the hybrid variant, the petrol engine will only act as a generator and recharge a larger battery, while the electric motor will exclusively handle propulsion. This setup should also offer a range of around 1,000 km (621 miles), but in a cleaner and quieter way, along with an EV driving experience without needing charging infrastructure.
Kia confirmed EREV development at its 2025 CEO Investor Day, stating it plans to roll out models using the same 2.5-litre engine platform. Reports from South Korea suggest Hyundai Motor Group may build EREV-equipped vehicles, including the Telluride, at the HMGMA plant in the U.S.
Production of the next-gen Telluride (combustion model) is expected to begin towards the end of the year at Kia’s Georgia plant, with the hybrid variant available from launch. The EREV version, if approved, will follow within two years as the flagship variant.
I got to experience the updated Telluride last year, and to me, it is Kia’s best product in the current ICE lineup. Designed for North America, the next-gen Telluride or its electrified variants are unlikely to be offered in the UK. Australia and New Zealand are not expected on the list of markets either, with a Tasman-derived frame SUV rumoured to slot above the Sorento in this region.
Shrawan Raja, founder & editor of ElectricVehicleWeb.com
