Telluride Goes Hybrid: Does Kia's New SUV Outshine the EV9?

Kia has just given its popular Telluride a major upgrade—and this time, there’s a hybrid under the hood.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid combines a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with electric motors to produce 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. More importantly, the EX FWD version is rated at an impressive 35 mpg combined, with up to 637 miles of total driving range.

So here's the interesting question: Could the new Telluride Hybrid actually be a smarter buy than Kia's all-electric EV9?

The Hybrid Advantage

The Telluride doesn't ask you to change your driving habits.

You don't need to plug it in. The battery recharges through regenerative braking, meaning you can simply fill up with gas and drive.

And with 329 hp, you aren't giving up much in the performance department either.

But the EV9 Still Feels More Futuristic

The Kia EV9 plays a different game.

It's a dedicated electric SUV with up to 305 miles of EPA-estimated range, available all-wheel drive and rapid DC charging. It's quieter, smoother and feels much more like a glimpse of Kia's future.

But there's a trade-off: long-distance driving still requires more charging planning than a conventional fuel stop.

So Which One Should You Buy?

Think of it this way:

Choose the Telluride Hybrid if you want three rows, strong performance, impressive fuel economy and the freedom to drive hundreds of miles without thinking about charging.

Choose the EV9 if you have convenient home charging, want a genuinely electric driving experience and are ready to make the switch to EV ownership.

The Verdict: Don't Buy the EV9 Just Because It's Electric

Here's the part that may surprise you: the Telluride Hybrid is probably the smarter choice for the average family.

Why? It removes the biggest compromises of EV ownership while still delivering much better efficiency than a traditional gas SUV.

The EV9 is the more exciting choice. The Telluride Hybrid is the easier choice to live with.

If your life involves school runs, road trips, packed weekends and the occasional 500-mile journey, the Telluride Hybrid makes a compelling case.

Want the future? Get the EV9. Want the SUV that fits today's life? The Telluride Hybrid may be the one to beat.