2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid vs 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid presented a bold new look, with a redesigned front fascia that aimed to give it a more SUV-like appearance. The headlights were repositioned to accommodate a larger grille, which, while not unique, was complemented by distinctive daytime running lights that extended onto the hood. Despite these changes, the Carnival Hybrid retained its van-like silhouette, which some might find less appealing than its pre-refresh version. The rear end was tidied up with a relocated license plate housing and an optional skid plate trim piece, enhancing its SUV theme. Inside, the Carnival Hybrid maintained the premium feel of its predecessor, with high-quality materials and a navy and gray color scheme that exuded luxury. The interior was mostly free of shiny plastic, offering a glare-free and fingerprint-resistant environment.

In contrast, the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid embraced a bold and potentially polarizing design. Its grille, spanning the entire width of the front end, had a flat, faceless look that divided opinions. The vehicle's personality shifted with different color and trim options, with body-colored vertical strakes that either stood out or blended in, depending on the shade. The X-Line and X-Pro models featured rectangular grille blocks and distinctive amber accent lights. The side profile showcased unique fender sculpting and black plastic tabs atop each wheel well, adding to its boldness. The rear view, with rounded corners and vertical taillights, drew comparisons to a Range Rover. Inside, the Telluride Hybrid offered a simple, modern dashboard layout with a luxurious two-tone palette in the SX Prestige Executive package. However, the labeling on some buttons was difficult to read, and the seats, while covered in synthetic leather and suede, had firm cushions that could be uncomfortable on long drives.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid featured a powertrain similar to the Kia Sorento Hybrid, with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a single electric motor. This setup delivered a total system output of 242 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. While it had less horsepower than the non-hybrid Carnival's V6 engine, it offered more torque. Both hybrid and non-hybrid models were front-wheel drive, with the hybrid providing a similar driving experience to the V6 model, albeit with a less-linear power delivery. The Carnival Hybrid's electric motor provided noticeable torque off the line, but acceleration dipped before the turbocharger boost kicked in. The vehicle's regenerative braking system, with three levels of regeneration, allowed for efficient energy recovery. The Carnival Hybrid maintained excellent steering and suspension, offering a smooth ride even with larger wheels, and remained impressively quiet at all speeds.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid, on the other hand, was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid version added electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery pack, increasing output to 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. This setup provided ample power and a quiet ride, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power. The Telluride Hybrid's suspension was tuned for comfort, delivering a smooth ride even with its off-road-capable X-Pro Prestige trim. The vehicle's handling was composed and controllable, instilling confidence on winding roads. However, the brake pedal effort was soft, requiring some adjustment. The Telluride Hybrid's interior remained quiet over various surfaces, with minimal wind noise at highway speeds.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid offered eight-passenger seating with sliding and removable second-row seats, and fold-flat third-row seats. Optional VIP Lounge Seats provided a luxurious experience with reclining captain's chairs, but they were not removable, making third-row access challenging. The Carnival Hybrid's interior dimensions matched the non-hybrid version, offering competitive headroom and legroom across all rows. Cargo space was generous, with 40.2 cubic feet behind the third row and 145.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The interior featured a rotary shifter and a functional center console with easy-to-reach controls.

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 in the Hybrid SX Prestige trim, offering comfort comparable to business-class airline seats. However, these seats took longer to slide and tilt forward for third-row access. 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 competitive, with 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 89.3 cubic feet with the second-row seatbacks folded. The Telluride Hybrid could tow up to 4,500 pounds, slightly less than the non-hybrid version.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system was easy to navigate, but the switchgear's changing functions could be confusing. SX and SX Prestige models included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity, and over-the-air updates. A voice-recognition system was available, though it required manual activation. The Carnival Hybrid also offered a Wi-Fi hotspot, USB ports in all rows, and tech options like an 11-inch head-up display, digital key functionality, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

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 touchscreen for climate controls. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual wireless phone chargers, and a native navigation system. While the system was user-friendly, it occasionally required a hard tap to register inputs. The Telluride Hybrid also featured customizable themes for the infotainment screen and a 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system in higher trims, delivering powerful and clear sound quality.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid's safety ratings were not available at the time of publication, but the 2024 model received mixed ratings from the IIHS. The Carnival Hybrid retained its comprehensive array of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. SX and SX Prestige models added junction crossing and lane-change assist functions, as well as Highway Driving Assist 2, a 360-degree camera system, and a blind-spot camera system.

Similarly, the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid's safety ratings were not yet published. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and highway driving assist. Higher trims offered additional features like a surround-view camera system, side parking proximity sensors, and automatic reverse braking. The Telluride Hybrid's driver attention monitor had some operational issues, but the highway driving assist proved helpful on long trips.