The 2027 Telluride Is Kia’s First Hybrid Built in America

Three Wins, One SUV

Kia is celebrating a trio of milestones following the rollout of the all-new 2027 Telluride at its Georgia plant. These include the start of production for the reworked midsize crossover, the five-millionth vehicle to roll off the Georgia assembly line, and the plant’s first hybrid vehicle, which also marks the first Kia hybrid assembled in the United States.

Given the rising demand for hybrids in the U.S., this move could strengthen Kia’s competitiveness, as locally built models would avoid import tariffs. It also aligns with broader plans to assemble more Kia hybrid models stateside, including at Hyundai Motor Group’s Georgia facility. Expanding U.S. hybrid production would help the Korean automaker better compete with brands that already have well-established hybrid lineups, such as Toyota.

A New Heart Under the Hood

The Telluride had long been offered exclusively with a gasoline engine until the 2027 model year, when Kia introduced a 2.5-liter turbocharged hybrid powertrain producing 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The automaker estimates that the Telluride Hybrid EX FWD can deliver a total driving range of up to 637 miles – an impressive figure for a vehicle of its size, comparable to rivals like the Honda Pilot.

Based on the online configurator, the all-new, second-generation Telluride is offered in 12 derivatives, starting at $39,190, excluding destination charges. Gas-only models are powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 274 horsepower. All-wheel drive (AWD) is available on select trims as a $2,000 option.

The 2027 Telluride is expected to go on sale in the U.S. in Q1 2026. It will continue to serve as the brand’s largest gas-powered SUV, alongside other large offerings such as the Carnival – an MPV – and the EV9 for buyers seeking an all-electric option.

Marking the Moment

Speaking about the milestone, Sean Yoon, President and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America, said, “Reaching five million vehicles and introducing, not only the first HEV assembled in Georgia, but Kia’s first US-assembled HEV, is a testament to both Kia’s storied history and our direction going forward.”

Kia’s Georgia plant also assembles the Sorento and Sportage, though their hybrid variants have traditionally been imported from South Korea. The facility likewise builds the brand’s entries into the all-electric segment – the EV6 and EV9.

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