2026 Kia Telluride.
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The Kia Telluride will be all-new for the next model year. And once again, it will be closely related to the Hyundai Palisade. And let’s hope it does look a bit more interesting than the illustration above…
The production version of the current Kia Telluride was unveiled just a couple of months after the current Palisade. That means we could see the real thing very, very soon. Since the second-generation Palisade was introduced early last December.
Just like the recurrent generation, the Telluride and Hyundai Palisade will share many things. Basically, everything you can’t see will be the same in both. While, for the second generation, both designs might be even more similar than they currently are.
The new Palisade uses an updated version of the current platform. And, at least for the Korean market, has given up on the good old V6. Which is not replaced by a 2.5 Liter Turbo. With a new Hybrid power train being an option.
These will probably be the same powertrains offered in the 2026 Telluride as well.
The Hybrid Telluride is rumored to use a 2.5 Liter engine with around 300HP. Gas mileage is expected to average between 25 and 30MPG. Which to me isn’t a fantastic improvement over the current V6 22MPG average. Especially if the Hybrid is not standard but ends up being an expensive option. You also don’t get the smooth V6 power.
I think replacing the fantastic V6 engines with high-powered 4-cylinder turbos is not such an improvement. Since the average MPG in daily driving is usually almost the same.
I personally think Honda is right to keep their creamy smooth V6 on their large models like the Pilot and Passport. In a sea of 4-cylinder Turbo engines, they will soon stand out as much more refined options.