2025 Volvo XC90 vs 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2025 Volvo XC90 maintained its reputation for timeless elegance with a refresh that subtly modernized its classic design. The updated "Thor’s Hammer" headlights appeared stronger and more deliberate, while the grille's new asymmetrical, woven-like design added a sophisticated touch. The XC90's exterior theme resisted fleeting trends, opting for chrome trim elements that emphasized old-world elegance. Inside, the XC90 offered a comfortable and understated space with notable updates, such as a repositioned infotainment screen and a more symmetrical center console. The interior materials were characteristically Swedish, with options like quilted Nordico, perforated nappa leather, and a new herringbone weave textile made from recycled polyester.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold design 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 featured distinctive grille blocks and amber accent lights. The Telluride's interior was less controversial, offering a simple horizontal dashboard layout and a modern, buttonless appearance. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim added a luxurious two-tone palette, though some buttons were difficult to read. The seats, covered in synthetic leather and suede, were somewhat firm but surrounded by high-quality materials, including engineered wood and carbon fiber trim.

The 2025 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all with standard AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The B5 mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine delivered 247 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 added turbo- and e-supercharging for 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined a four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and an 18.8-kWh battery, producing 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque, with up to 33 miles of pure-electric range. The XC90's suspension featured Frequency Selective Damping technology, providing a comfortable and stable ride.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The Hybrid version added electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery, increasing output to 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. 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 had a stiffer ride with its 20-inch wheels. The Telluride's suspension delivered a comfortable ride, with minimal wind noise at highway speeds.

The 2025 Volvo XC90 featured a practical center console layout, with a wireless charging pad positioned below the center stack. The reorganization improved small-item storage, while USB-C charge ports were standard in the first and second rows. The third row offered 36.3 inches of headroom and 31.9 inches of legroom, making it competitive among midsize three-row SUVs. The XC90's panoramic roof provided a shared view for all passengers.

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 a reclining feature. The Telluride's cargo capacity was competitive, with up to 89.3 cu-ft of space when the second-row seats were folded. The Hybrid models lost only about one cubic foot of cargo space. The Telluride could tow up to 5,000 pounds, or 4,500 for the Hybrid.

The 2025 Volvo XC90's infotainment system featured a larger touchscreen with sharper resolution and a user-friendly interface. The system was Android-based with Google Built-In, but also supported Apple CarPlay. The XC90 offered a 10-speaker High Performance stereo as standard, with optional upgrades to a 14-speaker Harman Kardon system or a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system.

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 screen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with dual wireless phone chargers. The infotainment system was easy to use, though it occasionally required a hard tap to register. The Telluride SX trim and above featured a 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system.

The 2025 Volvo XC90 had not yet been crash-tested, but its predecessors earned top safety ratings. The XC90 featured standard advanced driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping aid, and blind-spot information. The vehicle lacked a hands-free highway-driving system.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid had not been crash-tested either, but it 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 highway driving assist was particularly helpful on longer trips.