Kia Terminates V6 Production as 2027 Telluride Launches with Exclusive Hybrid Powertrain
Kia America fundamentally altered the trajectory of its best-selling three-row SUV today at the Los Angeles Auto Show, confirming that the next-generation 2027 Telluride will abandon the 3.8-liter V6 engine entirely. The automaker announced that all trims, from the base LX to the rugged X-Pro, will now utilize a standard hybridized powertrain, mirroring a strategy recently employed by the Toyota Camry and Sienna. This decision marks the end of the Lambda II engine era for Kia’s flagship SUV, a powerplant that had been a staple of the model since its debut in 2019. Steven Center, COO of Kia America, stated that the shift is driven by tightening federal emissions standards and consumer demand for extended driving range without charging cables.
The new propulsion system centers on a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 44.2-kW electric motor, a setup tuned to deliver a combined output of 305 horsepower and 358 lb-ft of torque. While this represents a modest 14-horsepower increase over the outgoing V6, the torque figure sees a substantial jump of nearly 90 lb-ft, addressing previous criticisms regarding the vehicle’s passing power on steep grades. Engineers at the reveal confirmed that this powertrain calibration allows the 2027 Telluride to maintain its 5,000-pound towing capacity, a critical metric for the segment. Preliminary internal testing suggests the new hybrid architecture will achieve a combined EPA rating of 34 mpg, a massive improvement over the previous model’s 22 mpg average.
Visually, the 2027 Telluride adopts a more monolithic, upright stance that draws sharp comparisons to luxury competitors like the Range Rover, particularly in the X-Pro trim displayed on the show floor. The wheelbase has been extended by 2.4 inches to accommodate the battery packaging under the second-row seats without compromising cargo volume, which now totals 89 cubic feet with rear rows folded. Inside, the cabin eliminates physical gauge hoods entirely, utilizing a single 30-inch curved panoramic display that integrates the instrument cluster and infotainment system. Kia has also replaced the traditional gear lever with a column-mounted shift-by-wire selector to free up storage space in the center console.
Market availability for the 2027 Telluride is scheduled for late spring 2026, with manufacturing continuing at Kia’s facility in West Point, Georgia. Pricing will see a slight adjustment due to the standard hybrid technology, with the entry-level LX trim expected to start at approximately $41,500, representing a $3,000 premium over the outgoing internal combustion model. Industry analysts suggest this gamble on standard hybridization places the Telluride in direct contention with the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, while potentially alienating buyers who prefer the simpler mechanics of a naturally aspirated V6.
