2024 Kia Seltos vs 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2024 Kia Seltos underwent a subtle mid-cycle refresh, featuring updated headlight and grille designs, and a new light strip connecting the smaller taillight assemblies. These minor changes collectively gave the vehicle a refreshed appearance without significantly increasing its cost. The test model showcased the new "Pluton Blue" paint, which was particularly striking. Inside, the Seltos introduced two new interior colors, "Gentle Brown" and "Midnight Green," although the test model retained the standard black interior. The most notable interior update was the large digital panel spanning two-thirds of the dashboard, integrating a fully digital instrument panel and a larger touchscreen infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold redesign that could polarize opinions, especially with its flat, wide grille. The vehicle's personality varied significantly with color and trim, with the X-Line and X-Pro models featuring distinctive grille designs and amber accent lights. The side profile was marked by angular fender sculpting and unique black plastic tabs atop each wheel well, while the rear adopted a Range Rover-like style with rounded corners and vertical taillights. Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, featuring a simple horizontal dashboard layout and a modern, buttonless appearance. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim, equipped with the optional Executive package, offered a luxurious two-tone interior reminiscent of Volvo, though the silver button labeling was difficult to read.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The base model featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with Kia's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The base LX trim came standard with all-wheel drive, while the S and EX trims offered front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. The X-Line and SX trims were equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. This turbocharged engine provided noticeable acceleration improvements, especially in 40-to-60 mph situations, although there was some turbo lag at lower speeds. The Seltos handled various road surfaces well, with responsive steering and minimal body roll.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Hybrid model added electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery pack, increasing output to 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed transmission. The Telluride Hybrid offered a smooth and quiet ride, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power. The X-Pro Prestige trim provided off-road capabilities, while the Hybrid SX Prestige trim delivered a stiffer ride with its 20-inch wheels. The Telluride's suspension managed to absorb bumps effectively, and the vehicle remained composed on winding roads.

The 2024 Kia Seltos provided up to 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 26.6 cubic feet with the seats in use. The SX trim offered a hands-free power liftgate. The Seltos featured an upright seating position with ample headroom and good rear legroom, accommodating taller occupants comfortably. The front seating area included decently sized in-door cupholders and cubbies, while the SX trim came with a removable cargo cover.

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 Hybrid SX Prestige trim featured power-adjustable second-row seats with heating and ventilation, though they took longer to slide and tilt forward. The Telluride provided up to 89.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the second-row seatbacks folded, and it could tow up to 5,000 pounds (4,500 for the Hybrid). The front seats included a large center bin with deployable cupholders, while the second row had a tray and bin that slid out from the console.

The 2024 Kia Seltos featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the base trim, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument panel and touchscreen. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with physical volume and tuning dials and climate control buttons. The SX trim offered an upgraded eight-speaker Bose premium stereo system and Digital Key 2 Touch for smartphone access.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch touchscreen for climate controls. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with dual wireless phone chargers. The SX trim and above featured a 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system, delivering powerful and clear sound quality.

The 2024 Kia Seltos included standard driver assistance features such as forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and lane-follow assist. The S trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the SX trim offered smart cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and highway driving assist.

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