2026 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid was a bold statement in automotive design, aiming for high style with its RX 500h F Sport Performance model. The front end was particularly controversial, featuring a large, black trapezoidal grille that replaced the traditional spindle design. This grille was flanked by slim headlights and air intakes, creating a face that some found over-stylized. The hood's downward bend into the grille added to the unconventional look, while the Lexus L logo sat prominently at the top. The side profile was less aggressive but still stylish, with flat wheel flares and a character line that suggested motion. The floating roofline and rear spoiler added a sporty touch, complemented by 21-inch wheels and dark trim accents. Inside, the RX 500h offered a choice of Dark Graphite or Rioja Red leather, with sporty elements like a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminum pedals. The interior was modern, featuring digital screens and soft-touch materials.

In contrast, the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold reinterpretation of its design, which divided opinions among potential buyers. The grille, spanning the entire width of the front end, had a flat, faceless look that was polarizing. The vehicle's personality shifted with different color and trim levels, with body-colored vertical strakes that could appear jarring in lighter shades but blended harmoniously in darker ones. The X-Line and X-Pro models replaced these strakes with rectangular grille blocks and distinctive amber accent lights. The side profile continued the bold theme with angular fender sculpting and black plastic tabs atop each wheel well, which some found unnecessary. The rear view adopted a different style, with rounded corners and vertical taillights reminiscent of a Range Rover. Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, featuring a simple horizontal dashboard layout and a modern, buttonless appearance. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim offered a luxurious two-tone palette, though the labeling on some buttons was difficult to read. The seats, covered in synthetic leather and suede, provided comfort, though the cushions were somewhat firm for long drives.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid delivered a unique approach to power, matching some luxury crossover-SUV rivals with its 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Instead of a turbocharged V6, it utilized a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system. The engine produced 271 horsepower, while two electric motors contributed the remaining 95 hp. The front motor was positioned between the engine and the six-speed automatic transmission, and the rear motor was part of an eAxle providing all-wheel drive. This setup allowed for a seamless transition from electric to gas propulsion, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. The RX 500h featured adaptive dampers, rear-axle steering, and a firmer suspension, though it wasn't particularly sporty. The steering was direct but lacked feel, and the all-season tires offered limited grip. The SUV leaned in turns, but the dampers' Sport setting helped mitigate this at the cost of ride comfort. A Custom mode allowed drivers to adjust settings, but for a truly sporty experience, other models like the BMW X3 were recommended.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid, on the other hand, was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The Hybrid version added electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery pack, increasing output to 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a six-speed transmission and was not available in the off-road-capable X-Pro trims. The Telluride Hybrid offered a quiet and smooth ride, with a seamless transition between electric and gas power. The X-Pro Prestige trim provided comfort even with a lifted off-road suspension, while the Hybrid SX Prestige had a stiffer ride with its 20-inch wheels. The Telluride was composed on winding roads, though not particularly sporty. The brake pedal effort was soft, but brake response was immediate during panic stops. Overall, the Telluride Hybrid offered a comfortable and confident driving experience.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable interior, with front-seat occupants enjoying eight-way power-adjustable sport seats with heating and cooling. The seats were thickly bolstered for support but spacious enough for larger frames. The rear seats offered good legroom, though fitting three adults was a tight squeeze. The RX 500h had 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row up, expanding to 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down, which was small for the class.

In contrast, the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid offered ample space for adults in all three rows, though the rearmost row was better suited for smaller passengers. The second row featured power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation in the Hybrid SX Prestige trim, providing comfort comparable to business-class airline seats. The middle-row seats had significant travel fore and aft, allowing for more cargo or third-row legroom. The Telluride could hold up to 22.3 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row, expanding to 48.7 cubic feet with the seatbacks folded. The Hybrid models lost only about one cubic foot of cargo space. The Telluride also offered a large center bin, deployable cupholders, and additional storage options throughout the cabin.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen, along with a standard head-up display. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Lexus Intelligent Assist for voice commands. The touchscreen was responsive, but the steering wheel's touch-sensitive pads were frustrating to use. Lexus provided a three-year Drive Connect subscription with real-time traffic information.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch touchscreen for climate controls. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though it occasionally required a hard tap to register inputs. The Telluride offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual wireless phone chargers, and customizable screen themes. A 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system was available on higher trims, delivering powerful and clear sound.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid came with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more. It received a five-star rating from the NHTSA but scored poorly in the IIHS's updated moderate front overlap test. The RX offered additional safety options like automatic parking and a surround-view camera system.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid's safety features included frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims offered a surround-view camera system and automatic reverse braking. The Telluride's driver attention monitor had some operational issues, but the highway driving assist was effective on long trips. At the time of writing, crash test scores were not available from the NHTSA or IIHS.