Lexus NX Hybrid vs Kia Telluride

Not everyone needs a stout powertrain, even if it's often a prerequisite for luxury car buyers. Some might prefer frugal fuel economy backed by a badge with cachet, advanced technology, an arresting design, and/or a luxurious cabin. For that type of buyer, there’s the 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid—or NX 350h in Lexus jargon. While it has only middling power, it offers excellent fuel efficiency, as well as many of the traditional strengths that automotive luxury buyers seek.

Verdict: The NX Hybrid trades willing power for a thrifty hybrid system. The EPA says it gets 39 mpg combined. The F Sport Handling model adds more style than performance, while trading a smooth ride for a little more control. If you value thriftiness over power, the NX Hybrid is a wise choice of luxury SUV.

Family-friendly, midsize three-row SUVs are a favorite of Americans, and nearly every mainstream car company offers one. Kia has three, and the Telluride is the largest of its gas-powered models (the electric-only EV9 is slightly larger). The Telluride debuted in 2020 to critical acclaim and commercial success, and since then has received several updates but not a redesign. We took a 2025 Kia Telluride on a 1,200-mile family road trip to Northern California and Yosemite, and remain impressed with this stylish and capable Kia.

Verdict: Aging technology caused some irritation during a five-day road trip in the 2025 Kia Telluride. Otherwise, the Telluride was perfectly suited to long-distance travel–whether rolling down an Interstate, roaming a major city, or romping down trails near a national park.