BMW X5 vs Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2026 BMW X5 was a testament to the brand's commitment to blending tradition with modernity. The lineup included both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models, with prices ranging from $69,750 to $132,450. Our test vehicle, the X5 M60i, was a luxurious affair, featuring Manhattan Green paint, 22-inch wheels, and Merino leather upholstery. The design elements harked back to the original X5, with wide kidney grilles and a four-element headlight array. Inside, the X5 aimed for simplicity with a panoramic curved display and minimized controls, yet it was anything but monotonous, thanks to metallic accents and carbon fiber inlays. The quality of materials and construction was evident, making the X5 feel worth its price, especially with features like ambient lighting and a panoramic Sky Lounge LED sunroof.

In contrast, the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold reinterpretation of its design, which could polarize opinions. The grille, with its flat, faceless look, was particularly divisive. The Telluride's personality shifted with color and trim, with body-colored vertical strakes that blended harmoniously in darker shades. The interior was less controversial, featuring a simple horizontal dashboard layout and a modern appearance. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim offered a luxurious two-tone palette, reminiscent of Volvo's interiors. The seats, covered in synthetic leather and suede, were somewhat firm, but the surrounding materials were of excellent quality. The Telluride's design was a mix of bold exterior styling and a more understated, comfortable interior.

The 2026 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrains, with our M60i test car featuring a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It delivered 532 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. The xDrive AWD system and Pirelli P Zero performance tires ensured smooth power delivery. Fuel efficiency varied, with the M60i rated at 19 mpg by the EPA, while other models offered better efficiency. The X5's dynamic M Adaptive suspension provided a firm ride, and the M Sport brakes and performance tires enhanced confidence. The X5 wasn't designed for off-roading, but it boasted a towing capacity of 7,200 pounds.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with electric motors, producing 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. The Hybrid was paired with a six-speed transmission and was available in the X-Line trim. The Telluride Hybrid excelled in comfort, with a smooth ride and quiet engine. The transition between electric and gas was seamless, and the Hybrid delivered ample power for most driving situations. The X-Pro Prestige trim offered off-road capabilities, while the Hybrid SX Prestige had a stiffer ride. The Telluride's handling was composed, with a soft brake pedal effort that required adjustment. The Telluride Hybrid was a comfortable and capable SUV, though not particularly sporty.

The 2026 BMW X5 accommodated five passengers in two rows, with front seats offering numerous adjustments and comfort features like heating and ventilation. The rear seats provided acceptable comfort, though taller adults might find the seat cushions lacking in support. The X5 offered ample storage, with hidden compartments and a split-opening power liftgate. Cargo space measured 33.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid offered ample space for adults in all three rows, though the rearmost seats were better suited for smaller passengers. The second row featured power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, and the middle-row seats offered significant travel for cargo or legroom adjustments. The Telluride's cargo capacity was competitive, with 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 89.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Telluride also provided numerous storage options for smaller items, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2026 BMW X5 featured a BMW Curved Display with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The iDrive 8.5 infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a cloud-based navigation system. The Bowers & Wilkins audio system delivered phenomenal sound, though the infotainment menus could be overwhelming.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual wireless phone chargers, and a native navigation system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though it occasionally required a hard tap to register inputs. The Telluride also offered customizable themes and a 14-speaker Meridian audio system for higher trims.

The 2026 BMW X5 came standard with a suite of safety features, including high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. The X5 received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid included standard safety features like frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional features like a surround-view camera system and automatic reverse braking. The Telluride's highway driving assist was particularly helpful, though the driver attention monitor had some operational issues.