Introduced in 2018, the Kia Telluride is the brand’s third highest-selling model in the U.S. In the coming months, Kia will fully redesign the midsize SUV for its second generation, rolling out some substantial changes. Here are seven features that we expect to differentiate the next-gen Kia Telluride from today’s SUV:
Hybrid Powertrain
The biggest feature differentiating the next-gen Kia Telluride would be hybrid technology, which we expect to be an option. A 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine developing 262 PS (258 hp) and 36.0 kgf·m (260 lb.-ft.) of torque would work with an electric motor generating 54 kW (72 hp) and 264 Nm (195 lb.-ft.) of torque. The latter would store energy in and reutilize it from a 1.65 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, as seen in the new Hyundai Palisade.
The hybrid powertrain would produce 334 PS (329 hp) of total power. A 6-speed automatic transmission would send drive to the wheels. Kia would give customers a mechanical all-wheel drive system option in the first-ever Telluride Hybrid to ensure all-weather capability.
V2L
The Kia Telluride Hybrid should open up new possibilities with a vehicle-to-load bi-directional charging function. Customers would be able to power external devices using the energy stored in the traction battery pack. For example, they would be able to use portable kitchen appliances like a coffee machine to relax during a long journey or a camping trip. For work, a useful case would be a passenger charging their laptop through an internal socket to work on the move.
Digital Key 2.0
While the 2025 Telluride’s NFC-based Digital Key 2.0 Touch requires users to hold their smartphone against the door handle, the next-gen Telluride’s Digital Key 2.0 would not. Digital Key 2.0 utilizes even Bluetooth and Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology and allows a passive entry for more convenience. The vehicle automatically unlocks as the user walks towards it.
Column-mounted Gear Shifter
Instead of a traditional gear selector, the next-gen Kia Telluride, including the Hybrid variant, should have a column-mounted gear shifter, freeing up space in the center console. The current model does fall short of storage space for small items, so that would certainly be a welcome improvement.
New Instrument Cluster & Infotainment System
The next-gen Kia Telluride should have a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both featuring the ccNCÂ (connected car Navigation Cockpit) software that supports OTA updates.
The new software has a slick and better-organized user interface that significantly elevates aesthetics and functionality. Another welcome improvement in the infotainment system would be wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto compatibility, giving customers more convenience.
Dynamic Body Care Seats
Kia will likely offer an option for Dynamic Body Care captain seats option in the 7-seat version of the next-gen Telluride, including the Telluride Hybrid. These seats feature a one-touch relax mode, adjustable leg rests and armrests, a wing-out headrest, and massage, ventilation, and heating functions.
Preview ECS
The next-gen Kia Telluride and its hybrid variant are likely to be available with Electronically Controlled Suspension With Road Preview (Preview ECS) for a smoother ride and enhanced handling. Preview ECS utilizes the visual data from a single-lens forward-facing camera and the road surface data from the navigation system to recognize speed bumps or potholes ahead and adjust the damping in advance.
Featured Image Source: YouTube/NYMammoth
I got my Master’s in Business Management & Administration and have been an International Automotive News Editor since 2014. I’ve traveled to global motor shows and automotive events, driven various types of vehicles, and focused on hybrid and electric cars in the last 4 years.
