2025 BMW X5 vs 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2025 BMW X5 had a refined and graceful evolution, maintaining its distinctive proportions while incorporating intriguing details. The cab-rearward profile and rounded fender arches were complemented by arrow-shaped lighting elements in the headlights and taillights, which added a three-dimensional shape. The front fascia was somewhat busy, but the signature twin-kidney grille remained reasonably sized. The optional M Sport Package enhanced the sporty appearance with darkened Shadowline trim and larger wheels. The Silver Anniversary Edition celebrated the X5's 25th anniversary with unique trim options and an off-road package, showcasing the array of customization possibilities. Inside, the X5's interior evolved gradually, retaining the BMW aesthetic with a curved dashboard display and quality materials, though it appeared plainer compared to some competitors.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold reinterpretation that polarized opinions, particularly with its flat, wide grille. The vehicle's personality shifted with color and trim, with body-colored vertical strakes that blended better in darker shades. The X-Line and X-Pro models replaced these strakes with rectangular grille blocks and amber accent lights. The side profile featured angular fender sculpting and black plastic tabs, while the rear resembled a Range Rover with rounded corners and vertical taillights. Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, with a simple horizontal dashboard and a modern, buttonless appearance. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim offered a luxurious two-tone palette, though the labeling on buttons was hard to read. The seats, covered in synthetic leather and suede, were somewhat firm, but the surrounding materials were of excellent quality.

The 2025 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the RWD X5 sDrive40i and AWD X5 xDrive40i, both powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds. The AWD-only X5 M60i xDrive featured a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, reducing the 0-60 mph time to 4.2 seconds. Both models shared an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The X5 plug-in hybrid, the xDrive50e, combined the inline-six with a larger electric motor and a 19.2-kWh battery, delivering 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds and up to 39 miles of all-electric range. The Silver Anniversary Edition included the xOffroad Package, enhancing off-road capabilities, though it compromised on-road dynamics.

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, increasing output to 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed transmission. The Telluride Hybrid was not available in the off-road-capable X-Pro trims but was offered in the X-Line trim. The Hybrid provided ample power and a quiet ride, with seamless transitions between electric and gas modes. Both Telluride models prioritized comfort, with the X-Pro Prestige trim offering a smooth ride despite its off-road suspension. The Hybrid SX Prestige had a stiffer ride with 20-inch wheels but maintained a quiet interior. The Telluride handled well on winding roads, though it wasn't particularly sporty, and the brake pedal required some adjustment.

The 2025 BMW X5 was a two-row, five-seater SUV with generous passenger space, though not class-leading. It offered slightly less first-row legroom than some competitors but provided more headroom. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, though the lack of real leather upholstery was noticeable at the high price point. The X5 offered 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 72.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. The split tailgate was a unique feature, providing a backstop and bench. The X5's towing capacity was 7,200 pounds, competitive for its class.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid provided ample space for adults in all three rows, though the third row was better suited for smaller passengers due to low seat cushions. The Hybrid SX Prestige featured power-adjustable second-row seats with heating and ventilation, though they were slow to move for third-row access. The middle-row seats offered significant travel, allowing for more cargo or legroom. The Telluride could hold 22.3 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row, expandable to 48.7 cubic feet with the seats folded, and up to 89.3 cubic feet with the second row down. The Hybrid models lost only about one cubic foot of cargo space. The Telluride's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, or 4,500 for the Hybrid.

The 2025 BMW X5 featured a curved dashboard display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, running BMW Operating System 8. The iDrive infotainment system was intuitive, offering multiple control options, including a rotary controller, touchscreen, voice recognition, and gesture control. The instrument cluster layout was distinctive and easy to read. The X5 included augmented reality navigation and digital key connectivity, allowing a smartphone to replace the key fob.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch climate control touchscreen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though it occasionally required a hard tap to register inputs. The climate control screen was difficult to use while driving, but physical temperature control buttons were available. The Telluride offered customizable infotainment themes and a 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system on higher trims, delivering excellent sound quality.

The 2025 BMW X5 included standard driver aids such as lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning. The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package added Highway Assistant, a hands-free system for speeds up to 85 mph. The Parking Assistant setup included Reversing Assistant, with an optional Parking Assistance Professional Package offering additional features. The X5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid's safety ratings were not available at the time of writing. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. Higher trims offered additional features like a surround-view camera system and automatic reverse braking. The driver attention monitor had some operational issues, but the highway driving assist was effective on long trips.