Kia Telluride Hybrid Confirmed: What Canadian Drivers Need to Know
One of the most talked-about SUVs in recent memory is about to take a major leap forward. Kia has officially confirmed that a hybrid version of the Telluride—its flagship family SUV—is on the way to North America. This isn’t just a rumour or a far-off concept. The news was confirmed during Kia’s recent Investor Day presentation, alongside the brand’s expanding electrification roadmap.
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At Orléans Kia, where we’ve watched the Telluride become a local favourite for Ottawa-area families, this hybrid update feels like a natural (and exciting) evolution.
Here’s what we know so far—and why Canadian drivers should start paying attention now.
A Hybrid Powertrain for a Best-Selling SUV
Since launching in 2020, the Kia Telluride has earned a reputation for bold design, spacious comfort, and exceptional value. Until now, every Telluride has come with a 3.8-litre V6 engine making 291 horsepower and 355 Nm of torque. It’s a capable powerplant, but with fuel prices always top of mind for Canadians, a hybrid option couldn’t arrive soon enough.
In real-world testing, the V6 AWD Telluride averages about 10.2 L/100 km, while official estimates hover closer to 11.8 L/100 km. For comparison, rivals like the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid AWD achieve closer to 6.9 L/100 km combined—cutting fuel use nearly in half.
The upcoming Telluride Hybrid is expected to significantly improve those numbers, offering better fuel economy and possibly even stronger low-end torque from an electric motor assist.
Why Kia Is Betting Big on Hybrids
Kia isn’t stopping at the Telluride. The brand announced plans to double global hybrid sales by 2030, aiming to jump from 500,000 hybrid units in 2025 to 1 million by the end of the decade. And this is just part of a larger strategy that includes a mix of:
- EVs like the EV6 and EV9
- Hybrids and plug-in hybrids across multiple segments
- New electric trucks and vans for global markets
The Telluride Hybrid is a key piece of that strategy. It’s being introduced at a time when more Canadian buyers are looking for fuel savings—but aren’t ready to commit fully to EVs. A hybrid Telluride offers a smart middle ground: full-size space and performance with fewer stops at the pump.
What Can We Expect from the Telluride Hybrid?
Kia has yet to release full specs, but we can expect:
- Standard AWD or available AWD options
- Combined fuel efficiency under 8.0 L/100 km (projected)
- Power output equal to or greater than the current V6
- Quiet, refined driving feel thanks to hybrid tuning
- No compromise in cargo space or third-row access
If Kia follows the same path as its Sorento Hybrid or Sportage Hybrid, the Telluride will likely retain its off-road capability and long-haul comfort—making it ideal for road trips, ski weekends, and cottage hauls across Ontario and Quebec.
When Will It Arrive in Canada?
While the hybrid Telluride was confirmed for the U.S. market, it’s almost certain to make its way north. Canada remains a strong market for three-row SUVs and hybrids alike—especially in regions like Ontario, where both practicality and efficiency are prized.
Kia has not yet released a Canadian release date, but 2026 model year availability is likely.
At Orléans Kia, we’re already seeing strong demand for efficient three-row vehicles. The Telluride Hybrid, when it lands, will offer a compelling alternative to the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid or Honda Pilot Trailsport.
Not Just Hybrids: Kia’s EV Plans Continue
The hybrid announcement doesn’t mean Kia is slowing down on EVs. In fact, it’s the opposite. Alongside the Telluride news, Kia confirmed:
- A fully electric pickup truck is coming to North America
- More EVs, including the EV3, EV4, and EV5, are in development
- Kia is targeting 15 EVs and 10 hybrid models globally by 2030
This flexible approach—EVs, hybrids, plug-in hybrids—ensures that Canadian drivers get options suited to their lifestyle, climate, and driving habits.
Final Thoughts: A Smart Move for a Canadian Favourite
The Kia Telluride has already proven itself as one of the best three-row SUVs on the market. A hybrid powertrain is the natural next step—especially for Canadian families balancing space, performance, and efficiency.
At Orléans Kia, we’ll be following this model closely as more details emerge. If you’re in the market for a hybrid SUV and want to explore what Kia offers today, our team is happy to walk you through your options—and keep you in the loop when the Telluride Hybrid arrives.
Orléans Kia – 2045 Mer-Bleue Rd, Orléans, ON
(613) 824-5421
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