Kia Telluride Hybrid in the Works: What We Know So Far About the Brand’s Big Hybrid Push

The Kia Telluride Hybrid has been one of the most eagerly anticipated models in Kia’s U.S. lineup. And now, it seems like it’s not a matter of if, but when it will arrive. While Kia has yet to make an official announcement about a hybrid version of its popular three-row SUV, all signs point to a model well into development, with a potential debut by the 2026 model year.

A Strategic Necessity for Kia’s Lineup

Since its debut in 2020, the Telluride has been a massive success. But as fuel economy standards tighten and the demand for electrified vehicles grows, the absence of a hybrid or plug-in variant in the Telluride lineup has started to feel more noticeable. A hybrid Telluride isn’t just a smart move—it’s becoming essential if Kia wants to stay competitive against rivals like the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, Ford Explorer Hybrid, and Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid.

Kia’s parent company, Hyundai Motor Group, already has experience with hybrid SUVs built on a shared modular platform. This makes it relatively straightforward for Telluride to adopt a hybrid system, especially with the successful hybrid drivetrains already in place for models like the Sorento Hybrid and Santa Fe Hybrid.

Expected Powertrain Configuration

While Kia hasn’t confirmed the specifics just yet, the Telluride Hybrid will likely feature a version of the 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four engine paired with a 44-kW electric motor and a six-speed automatic transmission. This setup is already used in the Sorento Hybrid, where it delivers 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Given the larger size of the Telluride, it’s possible that a higher-output version of this powertrain could be in the works to better suit the vehicle’s needs.

All-wheel drive is expected to be standard, and based on Kia’s hybrid platform, this will probably involve a mechanical connection rather than an e-AWD system. This setup would allow the Telluride Hybrid to maintain its off-road capability and towing performance while significantly improving fuel economy compared to the current V6-only model.

Design Tweaks and Trim Structure

The hybrid version of the Telluride will likely mirror the existing lineup in terms of trims. It’s expected that the hybrid powertrain will be available starting from mid-tier trims like EX and SX, possibly extending to the top-spec SX Prestige. Exterior changes should be minimal but look for subtle tweaks like aerodynamic enhancements, blue-accented badging, and unique wheels designed for efficiency.

Inside, the Telluride Hybrid may see some minor upgrades in materials, with a focus on eco-friendly upholstery options and more sustainable finishes, following Kia’s commitment to greener vehicle production.

Improved Efficiency Without Losing the Telluride’s Core Appeal

What makes the Telluride stand out—its bold design, spacious interior, and a long list of features—won’t be sacrificed in the hybrid version. The hybrid model is expected to maintain seating for seven or eight passengers, class-leading legroom, and the 12.3-inch dual-display dashboard setup that’s become a favorite of current Telluride owners.

It’s also likely that the hybrid will come with a digital gauge cluster that includes hybrid-specific readouts, such as power distribution, regenerative braking levels, and fuel economy tracking.

Towing capacity may take a slight hit compared to the gas model’s 5,000-pound rating, but even a capacity between 3,500 and 4,000 pounds would still be strong for the hybrid. The real benefit, of course, will be improved fuel economy, which could reach 35 mpg combined, depending on final EPA ratings and tuning.

A Key Player in Kia’s Electrification Strategy

The Telluride Hybrid is expected to play a critical role in bridging the gap between Kia’s conventional models and its all-electric future. While vehicles like the EV9 target premium buyers looking for a fully electric three-row experience, the hybrid Telluride will appeal to mainstream shoppers who aren’t quite ready to fully embrace electric ownership.

Additionally, the hybrid version will help Kia meet Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) targets without forcing buyers to downsize or settle for less capable vehicles. A three-row hybrid SUV under $45,000 seems like the perfect fit for the growing U.S. market, where consumers are increasingly looking for more sustainable options in their family vehicles.

Production and Timing Outlook

Industry insiders predict that the Telluride Hybrid will enter production in late 2025, potentially at Kia’s assembly plant in West Point, Georgia—the same facility that builds the standard Telluride. Kia has recently made investments in its North American production infrastructure to accommodate future electrified models, so this facility seems well-positioned to handle the hybrid’s manufacturing.

Though it may not appear as part of the 2025 model year lineup, a 2026 Kia Telluride Hybrid could debut in late 2025, with orders likely opening by the fourth quarter of that year. Whether Kia will follow up with a plug-in hybrid version remains to be seen, but given the platform’s flexibility, the possibility for further electrified options seems promising.

A Telling Sign of What’s Next

As the market shifts more toward electrification, the addition of a Telluride Hybrid sends a clear message: hybrid technology isn’t just for compact cars or sedans—it’s for full-size family SUVs too. With Kia’s proven track record in hybrid innovation and design, the Telluride Hybrid could end up being one of the most important vehicles in the brand’s future lineup.