[ĐÁNH GIÁ XE] Kia Telluride 2026: Luxurious interior, economical hybrid, still competitive price

The appearance of the second generation Kia Telluride marks an important milestone in the Korean automaker’s brand enhancement strategy.

Exterior design: Clear personality but not really harmonious

Entering the second generation, Kia Telluride continues to play a leading role in the Korean automaker’s brand enhancement strategy. The overall design has been refreshed in a more modern and majestic direction, but not every detail has reached the level of perfection expected.

The front of the car is the most controversial area. The car has a large grille combined with an overall shape that does not bring a sense of elegance, especially on the standard versions. On the X-Pro variant, dark paint details help “mitigate” this roughness, creating a more harmonious feeling. The positive highlight lies in the amber LED daytime running lights, providing a clear identification mark when operating.

In horizontal and rear views, the Telluride exhibits better balance. The car’s rear design is reminiscent of the Range Rover’s style with square blocks, while the Kia logo is finished in a scratched metal form to create a premium feel. However, some details such as the edges on the wheel arches or the black painted wheels do not fully promote the aesthetic effect, even reducing the prominence of the design.

Interior space and amenities are beyond the segment

Entering the cabin, skepticism about the exterior is quickly replaced by admiration at the level of luxury Kia offers. Telluride 2026 possesses a quiet space thanks to a significantly improved noise and vibration suppression system (NVH). The car is equipped with a 12.3-inch central screen, supports wireless phone connection, dual wireless charging and an independent three-zone air conditioning system.

The front seats feature standard heating and ventilation, while premium versions allow heating for all three rows of seats. In particular, the second row of seats has a relaxation mode and ventilation, providing an experience similar to that of ground plane models. The use of high-quality materials and smart layout helps Telluride’s interior compete directly with luxury cars with prices many times higher.

Performance and new Hybrid engine options

For the first time, Kia introduced a Hybrid variant for the Telluride line, a combination of a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with two electric motors, producing a total capacity of 329 horsepower and 460 Nm of torque. This system not only provides instant power but also optimizes fuel consumption at 6.7 liters/100km (35 mpg) on mixed roads, with a total travel distance of more than 1,000 km. The towing capacity of the Hybrid version reaches about 2 tons, while the pure gasoline version can tow up to 2.2 tons.

For the traditional internal combustion engine version, the car has a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with a capacity of 274 horsepower. The most valuable improvement in operation lies in the electric power steering system transferred from the steering shaft to the steering wheel (R-MDPS), making the steering wheel feel more realistic and respond more accurately. Full-time four-wheel drive (AWD) is standard equipment on most high-end versions, ensuring stability on many types of terrain.

X-Pro version and multi-terrain operation capabilities

Even though it is positioned as a monocoque chassis SUV, the X-Pro version still surprises with its ability to cross light terrain and wade in water up to 980 mm deep – parameters that surpass even the original Ford Bronco Raptor or Land Rover Defender. The suspension system is fine-tuned with a longer travel to help increase elasticity when traveling on bad roads. The vehicle has built-in front and rear rescue hooks and an underbody camera system to help the driver overcome obstacles easily.

In the US market, the 2026 Kia Telluride has a starting price of 40,735 USD (1.07 billion VND) for the LX version and up to 59,135 USD (1.55 billion VND) for the highest-end Hybrid version. With this price range, Kia continues to fulfill the promise of a top-of-the-line car model: bringing value and luxury that far exceeds the customer’s investment cost.

TH (Otoxemay)