2025 Genesis GV80 vs 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2025 Genesis GV80 was a testament to sophisticated design, offering two engine options and five trims, with the top Prestige trim featuring a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged engine. The redesign enhanced its already handsome appearance, with subtle yet impactful changes like the micro lens array in the traditional two horizontal bar headlights and a more aggressive lower bumper. The interior was equally stunning, boasting quilted Nappa leather seats, a suede headliner, and unique accents like basalt or recycled newspaper trim. The center console was thoughtfully designed with tactile dials for gear selection, drive modes, and infotainment control, though the redundant infotainment dial seemed unnecessary.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold reinterpretation that polarized opinions, particularly with its flat, faceless grille. The vehicle's personality shifted with color and trim, with body-colored vertical strakes that could be jarring in lighter shades. The interior was less controversial, featuring a simple horizontal dashboard layout and a luxurious two-tone palette in the Hybrid SX Prestige trim. The seats, covered in synthetic leather and suede, were somewhat firm but offered excellent surrounding material quality. The Telluride's design was both bold and functional, with a focus on comfort and practicality.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 retained its powertrain options, with a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The top Prestige trim featured a more powerful twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. All trims came with all-wheel drive, capable of sending up to 100% of torque to the rear wheels. The GV80 offered a satisfying acceleration experience, with a burly sound from the six-cylinder engine. The adaptive suspension and Sport mode provided a slightly sportier feel, but the vehicle was best suited for comfortable cruising. The brakes were firm and linear, ensuring confident stops, while the interior remained quiet even on rough roads.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with electric motors, producing a total of 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system offered a seamless transition between electric and gas power, with a quiet engine that didn't feel overstressed. The Telluride Hybrid delivered a luxuriously smooth ride, with the X-Pro Prestige trim offering surprising comfort despite its off-road suspension. The vehicle was composed and controllable on winding roads, with a soft brake pedal effort that required some adjustment. The Telluride Hybrid excelled in providing a comfortable and quiet driving experience.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 offered a well-equipped interior with power-adjustable heated seats, power-folding mirrors, and the new Mood Curator for a spa-like experience. The top tester included heated armrests, three-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats. However, the seats were uncomfortably rigid, making long trips less enjoyable. The second row provided almost 39 inches of legroom, while the optional third row was best suited for small children. Cargo space was expected to be similar to the 35 cubic feet of the 2024 model, with a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid provided 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, offering a business-class level of comfort. The Telluride Hybrid offered flexible seating arrangements, with captain's chairs in most models and a second-row bench available in non-Hybrid trims. Cargo capacity was generous, with up to 89.3 cubic feet available when the second-row seatbacks were folded. The Telluride could tow up to 5,000 pounds, with the Hybrid model slightly less at 4,500 pounds.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 featured a 27-inch OLED screen for the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available later. The infotainment system was visually impressive but could be cumbersome to navigate. Standard technology included wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and four USB-C ports. The top tester boasted a 12-inch head-up display and a digital rearview mirror. The 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system provided an exceptional audio experience, with adjustable surround sound settings.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch climate control screen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though it occasionally required a hard tap to register inputs. The Telluride offered customizable themes and a 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system in the SX trim and above, delivering powerful and clear sound. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with dual wireless phone chargers.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 was equipped with advanced driver aids like lane keeping assist, forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Upper trims added features like remote smart parking and a 360-degree camera system. The Highway Drive Assist system included an attention monitor, though it struggled with certain sunglasses. The GV80 had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS for 2025, but the 2024 model received high safety ratings.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid included standard safety features such as frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims offered additional features like a surround-view camera system and automatic reverse braking. The driver attention monitor had some operational issues at night, but the highway driving assist performed well. Crash test scores were not yet available from NHTSA or IIHS.