Kia Enhances Its Large SUV with Fresh Hybrid Power and Robust Appearance | Carscoops

      The 2026 Kia Telluride is set to become a more sophisticated and fuel-efficient SUV.

      Recent spy shots have captured the redesigned Kia Telluride in the U.S.

      The vehicle showcases sleek styling along with two new engine options, including a hybrid variant.

      Additionally, an off-road version is anticipated, featuring a rugged front bumper and more robust tires.

      When Kia debuted the Telluride in 2019, we noted it was “large, luxurious and ready to compete with the Explorer.” That assessment still holds, as the three-row crossover became the brand’s second best-selling model in the U.S. last year, achieving sales of 115,504 units.

      Kia aims to maintain this success by preparing to launch a redesigned crossover that shares many characteristics with the 2026 Hyundai Palisade. Several prototypes were recently spotted undergoing tests in the U.S., showcasing a design that is evolutionary yet streamlined.

      **Refined Styling and Off-Road Signals**

      At the front, there's a new egg crate grille with a sharp lower accent, paired with vertical headlights that feature bold daytime running light graphics.

      Below are two distinct bumper designs. The first is quite traditional, featuring a wide intake, a centrally located sensor, and fog lights.

      The second design appears more aggressive and will likely be intended for an off-road variant. It includes prominent black accents and what seem to be red recovery hooks. The rugged prototype also showcases larger tires and a raised suspension.

      Turning to the standard model, it displays streamlined bodywork with angular details, especially noticeable on the new side mirrors.

      In other areas, the vehicle includes flush door handles and a sleeker greenhouse with updated quarter glass. This design meets a thick angular pillar, which has black trim topped with a silver accent.

      The rear maintains an evolutionary look, with recognizable taillights that resemble the headlights. The undisguised rear bumper shows plastic cladding and contrasting silver accents, accompanied by reflectors on both the rear and sides.

      **What’s Under the Hood?**

      While Kia remains tight-lipped about specifics, the model is expected to reflect the Palisade, which has grown by 2.5 inches (64 mm) in length and an additional 2.7 inches (69 mm) between the axles. We can also anticipate two new engines.

      The current 3.8-liter V6 will be replaced by a new 3.5-liter engine that produces 287 hp (214 kW / 291 PS) and 260 lb-ft (352 Nm) of torque. This represents a slight decrease from the existing 291 hp (217 kW / 295 PS) and 262 lb-ft (355 Nm) but should result in better efficiency.

      A significant highlight is the hybrid variant, which combines a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a 1.65 kWh battery pack, and two electric motors integrated into a six-speed automatic transmission. This setup yields a combined output of 329 hp (245 kW / 334 PS) and 339 lb-ft (459 Nm) of torque.

      Apart from its enhanced power, the Palisade Hybrid is projected to achieve over 30 mpg on the highway, marking a substantial improvement over the current Telluride, which reaches a maximum of 26 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. However, it will involve some trade-offs, such as a reduced towing capacity of approximately 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg).