2027 Kia Telluride: Hybrid vs Gas for the High Desert

The 2027 Kia Telluride is the first Telluride you can get as a hybrid, which gives High Desert shoppers a real decision: the 2.5L turbo gas model or the turbo hybrid. This guide compares them for the drives we actually make, from Victorville to the Cajon Pass, out to Vegas on the 15, and onto the dirt roads around Apple Valley, Hesperia and Adelanto.

How do the 2027 Telluride Hybrid and gas Telluride compare?

Both use a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder, and the hybrid adds electric motors on top. Here is the short version, using Kia’s published numbers.

Hybrid fuel economy and range are EPA estimates for the trims named. Gas model ratings vary by trim and drive type.

Which Telluride is better for commuting on the 15 and the Cajon Pass?

If you drive from Victorville down the hill most days, the hybrid is the one that earns its keep. Kia rates the EX FWD Hybrid at 35 MPG combined with a range of up to 637 miles, which means far fewer fuel stops on a daily commute or a Vegas run. The extra electric power also helps with merging onto the 15 and climbing grades.

One thing to know: the 35 MPG figure is for the front-wheel-drive EX. AWD hybrid trims are rated at 31 MPG combined, so if you want AWD, plan around that number instead.

How much can the Telluride Hybrid tow compared with the gas Telluride?

The turbo gas Telluride tows up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, and the Telluride Hybrid tows up to 4,500 lbs. That is a 500 lb difference, which matters if your trailer is close to the limit. For a small boat, an ATV trailer or a weekend at Silverwood Lake, either one can do the job.

It is still a midsize SUV, not a heavy-duty tow vehicle. Always check the owner’s manual and the trailer’s weight before you hitch up, and ask us about the right equipment for your setup.

Can the Telluride handle dirt roads and desert trails?

For graded dirt roads, an AWD Telluride in either powertrain gives you added traction. For anything rougher, the Telluride X-Pro is the version built for it, with 9.1 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires and a heavy-duty cooling system, according to Kia. Kia positions it for towing and light off-roading, not rock crawling.

The X-Pro is built around the 2.5L turbo engine, so if desert trails are a big part of your weekends, the gas model is the one to look at.

Which Telluride fits a big family better, hybrid or gas?

Both share the same redesigned body, so cargo space is much the same either way (the full numbers are in our High Desert families guide). The real difference is seating: the gas model can seat up to eight on select trims, while the hybrid seats up to seven, so a family that needs the eighth seat will want the gas model.

Kia also says the Telluride has class-leading second-row legroom, a claim that applies only to the gas-powered 2027 model. If your teenagers live in the second row, sit back there in both before you decide.

Is the Telluride Hybrid worth it for High Desert drivers?

It depends on how you drive. Here is an honest way to sort it out.

The hybrid makes sense if:

• You commute long distances on the 15 or through Cajon Pass and want fewer fuel stops
• You take regular highway trips and like the idea of up to 637 miles of range
• Your towing stays comfortably under 4,500 lbs
• Seven seats are enough

The gas model makes sense if:

• You tow close to 5,000 lbs
• You want the eighth seat or Kia’s class-leading second-row legroom
• You want the X-Pro for dirt roads and light off-roading

The best way to settle it is to drive both back to back on roads you know. We can set that up at our Victorville showroom.

What else do High Desert shoppers ask about the Telluride Hybrid?

Is the 2027 Telluride Hybrid available now?

The hybrid is arriving at Kia dealers, and availability changes by trim. Call us or check our inventory to see which Telluride models are on the lot today.

Does the Telluride Hybrid tow less than the gas model?

Yes. The hybrid tows up to 4,500 lbs and the turbo gas model up to 5,000 lbs, both when properly equipped.

How far can a Telluride Hybrid go on a tank?

Kia lists up to 637 miles of total range on the EX FWD Hybrid. Your range will vary with trim, drive type and how you drive.

Is the X-Pro available as a hybrid?

No. The X-Pro is built around the 2.5L turbo engine with the 8-speed automatic.

Where can I compare both in Victorville?

Valley Hi Kia is at 14644 Valley Center Dr in Victorville, and we regularly help drivers from Hesperia, Apple Valley and Adelanto compare models side by side.

Want the full rundown on the redesign, including safety and tech? Read what is new in the 2027 Telluride, see how it holds up for High Desert families, or compare it in our Telluride vs. Sorento vs. Sportage guide.

Thinking about something smaller? See our 2027 Sportage guide for the gas, hybrid and plug-in models. Own an earlier Telluride? Check whether your 2020 to 2024 model is part of the Telluride seat motor recall.

More from the Valley Hi Kia blog: model guides, comparisons, hybrid and EV tips and High Desert driving advice.

Specifications and features are based on information published by Kia America and may vary by model year, trim and package. Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle’s condition. For more information, see fueleconomy.gov. Range is an estimate and will vary. Towing capacity requires proper equipment. Always follow towing instructions in the Owner’s Manual and use caution while towing. Class-leading second-row legroom claim is Kia’s, based on midsize SUV segmentation as of October 2025, and applies only to the gas-powered 2027 Telluride. Availability varies by retailer inventory.