2027 Kia Telluride MPG & Fuel Economy: Gas vs. Hybrid

Wondering what kind of gas mileage the 2027 Kia Telluride gets? The three-row SUV was fully redesigned for 2027, swapping the old V-6 for a turbocharged four-cylinder and adding the model's first-ever hybrid. That means two very different fuel-economy stories: the gas Telluride returns up to 22 mpg combined, while the new Telluride Hybrid is rated as high as 35 mpg combined — more than a 50% improvement. Below is the full breakdown by trim and drivetrain, plus what Colorado altitude, cold, and all-wheel drive really do to your real-world numbers.

2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid MPG by trim

The Telluride Hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with electric assist for 329 horsepower and 339 lb.-ft. of torque — more power than the gas model and dramatically better efficiency. Front-wheel-drive trims are the mileage champs; all-wheel-drive versions give up a little at the pump in exchange for Colorado-ready traction.

Kia-estimated fuel economy; official EPA ratings pending. Actual mileage varies with driving, load, weather, and elevation.

2027 Kia Telluride gas MPG by trim

The redesigned Telluride's standard engine is now a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 274 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft. of torque. It's smoother and torquier than the outgoing V-6 around town, though its EPA-style combined rating is essentially unchanged. Here's how the gas trims break down:

Kia-estimated fuel economy; official EPA ratings pending. The rugged X-Pro grades ride on all-terrain tires, which trims a couple of mpg.

What changed for 2027 — and why it matters at the pump

The 2027 Telluride is all-new from the ground up: bigger, more spacious, and more refined. Two powertrain changes drive its fuel-economy story. First, the naturally aspirated V-6 is gone, replaced by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four. Turbo engines are less affected by thin mountain air than naturally aspirated ones, so the gas Telluride holds its power better on I-70 climbs even though its mpg is similar to before. Second, and more importantly for efficiency, Kia added the Telluride's first hybrid — and it lifts combined fuel economy by more than 50% while actually making more horsepower than the gas model. If low fuel bills are a priority, the hybrid is the headline.

Gas vs. Hybrid: which one saves you more?

The Telluride Hybrid starts about $7,300 above the base gas model, but that's not an apples-to-apples number — the hybrid lineup opens at the mid-level EX trim. Compared trim-for-trim, the hybrid premium is closer to $2,700. For that, you gain roughly 13 mpg combined (35 vs. 22 on front-drive trims), which adds up quickly if you drive a lot of Front Range miles. To see the exact payback in dollars for your annual mileage, use our Telluride gas-vs-hybrid cost breakdown, or read the full gas vs. hybrid shopper's guide. If you already know you want the hybrid, our 2027 Telluride Hybrid trim guide walks through each version.

Real-world Telluride MPG in Colorado

EPA-style estimates are measured at sea level in mild conditions, so Denver drivers should set expectations for the Front Range:

• Altitude: The turbocharged gas engine handles Colorado's thin air better than the old V-6, so you'll notice less of an mpg drop climbing to the mountains than you might in a naturally aspirated SUV. The hybrid's electric motor also fills in low-speed torque that a normal engine loses at elevation.
• Cold weather: Winter blends of fuel, longer warm-ups, and cabin heating pull mpg down for every vehicle. Hybrids are especially sensitive in deep cold because the gas engine runs more to warm up — expect your best hybrid numbers spring through fall.
• All-wheel drive: AWD trims are rated a few mpg below their front-drive counterparts (for example, 31 vs. 35 combined on the hybrid). For many Colorado buyers, the winter traction is worth the small trade-off.
• Mountain driving: Long climbs to Summit County or Winter Park use more fuel; long descents let a hybrid recover energy through regenerative braking, which helps claw some of it back.

Towing and fuel economy

The gas Telluride is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped; the hybrid is rated up to 4,500 pounds. Keep in mind that towing a trailer, loading up for a ski trip, or adding a roof box will noticeably reduce real-world mpg for either powertrain — the numbers in the tables above reflect unladen driving.

5 tips to maximize your Telluride's MPG

• Keep tires at the door-jamb pressure — cold Colorado mornings drop pressure and mpg.
• Use the drive mode wisely; Eco smooths throttle response for better efficiency around town.
• Ease off hard acceleration on-ramps — steady inputs help both the turbo and the hybrid system.
• Remove roof boxes and extra weight when you're not using them.
• Stay on top of maintenance — fresh air filters, correct oil, and healthy tires all protect your mpg. Schedule service at Emich Kia to keep it running efficiently.

How the Telluride Hybrid compares to rival three-row SUVs

Among mid-size three-row SUVs, the Telluride Hybrid is one of the most efficient you can buy — trailing only the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, and ahead of the redesigned Hyundai Palisade Hybrid. Combined mpg for front-drive versions:

Competitor figures are EPA-rated; Telluride figures are Kia-estimated pending official EPA ratings. For a full head-to-head, see our Telluride Hybrid vs. Palisade Hybrid comparison.

Frequently asked questions

What is the 2027 Kia Telluride's MPG?

The gas 2027 Telluride is rated up to 22 mpg combined (20 city / 26 highway with front-wheel drive). The new Telluride Hybrid is rated as high as 35 mpg combined (34 city / 36 highway, FWD). These are Kia estimates; official EPA figures are still pending.

How much better is the Telluride Hybrid's gas mileage?

More than 50% better. The hybrid's 35 mpg combined (FWD) versus the gas model's 22 mpg is roughly a 13-mpg jump — and the hybrid makes more horsepower, too.

Does all-wheel drive lower the Telluride's MPG?

Yes, by a few mpg. Hybrid AWD trims are rated 31 mpg combined versus up to 35 for front-drive, and gas AWD trims drop to 19–20 mpg versus 22. For many Colorado drivers, the winter traction is well worth it.

Did the 2027 Telluride change engines?

Yes. The redesigned 2027 Telluride replaced the old V-6 with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder (274 hp) and added the model's first hybrid (329 hp). The turbo handles Colorado altitude well.

How much can the 2027 Telluride tow?

Up to 5,000 pounds for the gas model and up to 4,500 pounds for the hybrid, when properly equipped. Towing will reduce real-world fuel economy.

Do you have the 2027 Telluride in stock near Denver?

Emich Kia stocks the 2027 Telluride in gas and hybrid trims. Browse live inventory online or visit our Denver showroom to compare fuel-economy trims in person.