Kia Unleashes 2027 Telluride X-Pro: First Test Reveals Turbo, V-6, Hybrid Showdown!

The automotive industry is witnessing a significant shift towards electrified powertrains, fostering a growing impatience among drivers accustomed to instant torque and rapid acceleration. This sentiment became particularly evident during the first test of the 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro in its X-Pro SX Prestige trim, which featured the base 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This configuration, while offering decent power, presented noticeable turbo lag and languid transmission shifting, challenging the expectations set by modern hybrid and electric vehicles.

For those seeking more immediate response, Kia and its sister brand Hyundai have thoroughly revamped their popular three-row SUVs, the Telluride and Palisade, respectively. A notable addition is a sophisticated hybrid powertrain option. This system integrates the 2.5-liter turbo-four engine with two electric motors: a smaller 17-hp/75-lb-ft starter/generator geared to the flywheel, and a more robust 72-hp/195-lb-ft motor positioned between the engine and transmission. When these components work in harmony, they deliver a combined output of 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, enabling the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 6.6 seconds. This hybrid setup significantly improves the driving experience, providing the back-shoving sensation many drivers now crave.

Historically, both the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade were powered by a 3.8-liter V-6 engine, which produced 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, allowing them to reach 60 mph in 6.9 to 7.2 seconds. While Hyundai continues to offer a base 3.5-liter V-6 with 287 hp and 260 lb-ft, Kia has opted for a different strategy. In its non-hybrid configuration, Kia enhances the output of the 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbo engine to 274 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. This approach aims to provide competitive performance, particularly with the additional torque, without resorting to a larger V-6.

When directly comparing Kia's boosted turbo-four with Hyundai's 3.5-liter V-6, the stopwatch reveals an interesting dynamic. At the dragstrip, both vehicles run neck and neck up to 50 mph, after which the Kia turbo-four incrementally pulls ahead, maintaining a slight lead through the quarter mile. Despite this objective speed advantage, the subjective "backside" feel in daily driving might differ. Achieving these optimal dragstrip times often requires specific techniques, such as standing on both pedals and patiently waiting for engine revs to build to around 2,400 rpm before releasing the brake, with results varying by as much as 0.5 seconds even under controlled conditions. Furthermore, both the Kia and Hyundai base-engine models generally fall behind most other larger three-row competitors in terms of acceleration, with the exception of the base turbo-four-powered Toyota Grand Highlander, which takes 8.3 seconds to hit 60 mph. For performance enthusiasts, the Ford Explorer ST remains a top choice, achieving 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds.

Beyond performance, the 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro continues to impress with its head-turning design, a spacious and accessible interior, and a class-leading technology stack. However, the driving experience is somewhat tempered by the aforementioned laggy powertrain and certain handling compromises. Additionally, some users have reported issues with overheating phone chargers, indicating areas where further refinement could enhance the overall ownership experience.