Kia Telluride Named a ‘Family Vehicle’ by U.S. Auto Journalists; Hybrid Proves a Hit

[Financial News] Kia’s North America-focused large SUV, the Telluride, has earned praise from U.S. automotive journalists, including for its hybrid model. After an off-road-focused version was recognized in the first half of this year, the hybrid was named a family vehicle in the second half, affirming the model’s appeal. The award is also expected to bolster Kia’s efforts to expand sales in the U.S. by leading with large SUVs and hybrids.
According to Kia America, Inc. on the 10th, the 2027 Telluride Hybrid X-Line SX-Prestige AWD was named “Most Preferred Family Vehicle” at the fall driving event hosted by the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
MAMA is an association of U.S. automotive journalists that evaluates vehicles submitted by automakers on public roads each year and selects outstanding vehicles through a vote by its members. Earlier this year, the Telluride X-Pro was named in the same category at the “Spring Rally,” held in the spring. Different versions of the same vehicle line have thus been selected as family vehicles in succession within a single year.
Eric Watson, Kia America, Inc.’s vice president of sales, said, “This award shows that the Telluride is meeting the expectations of families looking for a comfortable, high-performing, reasonably priced three-row SUV.” He added, “Its refined design, spacious and upscale interior, and advanced technology, now joined by a hybrid powertrain, have further strengthened the Telluride’s competitiveness.”
The fully redesigned 2027 Telluride features a more spacious interior, greater cargo capacity and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Its hybrid model pairs a 2.5-liter turbo engine with an electric motor to produce up to 329 horsepower. Based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency figures, the base front-wheel-drive model has a combined fuel economy of 35 miles per gallon and a maximum range of about 1,025 kilometers.
The Telluride Hybrid is built at Kia’s plant in West Point, Georgia. With a starting price of $46,490 in the U.S., Kia is stepping up its push into the market by adding a hybrid option to the large three-row SUVs favored by American consumers.
Telluride sales in the U.S. are rising rapidly. In October, Kia sold 14,009 Tellurides in the country, up 63% from 8,571 in the same month a year earlier. That was the model’s highest monthly sales total on record. Cumulative sales from January through October also rose about 23% to 124,047, from 101,069 in the same period last year.
Buoyed by the Telluride’s strong performance, Kia continued to increase its overall U.S. sales. Last month, Kia sold 80,008 vehicles in the U.S., up 16% from the same month a year earlier. It was the highest sales total ever for that month for the sixth consecutive month. In particular, hybrid sales rose 114% year over year, while sales of electrified vehicles increased 112%.
[email protected] Kim Dong-ho Reporter