2025 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban maintained its iconic status in the full-size SUV market by carefully balancing modern updates with its classic design. Chevrolet managed to refresh the Suburban's exterior with a new front fascia and rear end, along with updated lighting signatures, while keeping the profile largely unchanged. This approach ensured that loyal customers recognized the vehicle while appreciating its modern touches. Inside, the Suburban saw significant improvements, particularly with the introduction of a 17.7-inch touchscreen display, replacing the outdated 10.2-inch version. The interior upgrades extended to more sophisticated air vents and a new column shifter, enhancing the overall user experience.

In contrast, the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold design that divided opinions, especially with its wide, flat grille. The vehicle's appearance varied significantly with different colors and trims, with the X-Line and X-Pro models offering distinct grille designs and amber accent lights. The Telluride's interior was less controversial, featuring a simple horizontal dashboard and a luxurious two-tone palette in the Hybrid SX Prestige trim. The seats, covered in synthetic leather and suede, provided comfort, although the cushions were somewhat firm. The Telluride's interior materials were of high quality, with options like engineered wood and carbon fiber adding a touch of sophistication.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban offered a range of engine options, starting with a 5.3-liter V8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The 6.2-liter V8, available in higher trims, delivered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, providing a more satisfying driving experience. The Suburban also featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six Duramax diesel engine, which saw a power increase to 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. This engine was praised for its quiet and smooth operation, making it a preferred choice for those who valued efficiency and range. The Suburban's 10-speed automatic transmission handled all engines with ease, and the vehicle's steering and suspension systems were refined for a more comfortable ride.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with electric motors, resulting in a total output of 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system provided a seamless transition between electric and gas power, offering a quiet and efficient driving experience. The Telluride's suspension was tuned for comfort, with the X-Pro Prestige trim delivering a surprisingly smooth ride despite its off-road capabilities. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim, with its 20-inch wheels, had a slightly stiffer ride but managed to absorb road imperfections effectively. The Telluride's braking system required some adjustment, but overall, the vehicle offered a composed and confident driving experience.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, offering ample room for passengers and cargo. With 41.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row and a maximum of 144.7 cubic feet with all seats folded, the Suburban provided unmatched cargo capacity. The vehicle's towing capacity was impressive, with the ability to tow up to 8,300 pounds when properly equipped. The diesel engine offered excellent fuel economy, allowing for extended highway driving without frequent refueling.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid provided generous space for adults in all three rows, although the rear seats were better suited for smaller passengers. The second-row seats, especially with the Executive package, offered power adjustments and comfort features comparable to business-class airline seats. The Telluride's cargo capacity was competitive, with 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 89.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The vehicle's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, slightly less for the Hybrid model.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban made significant strides in technology, featuring a 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an 11-inch driver information display, and an available 15-inch head-up display. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google Built-in, offering a comprehensive suite of connectivity options. While the user interface was visually appealing, some aspects of the user experience, such as customizing the driver display, were less intuitive. The Bose stereo system, while improved, still left room for enhancement compared to competitors.

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 system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and dual wireless phone chargers. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though it occasionally required a firm tap to register inputs. The Telluride offered customization options through various themes and featured a 14-speaker Meridian audio system in higher trims, delivering excellent sound quality.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review, but the 2024 model received four out of five stars in overall crash safety. The Suburban came standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving technology was available on higher trims, although it was not immediately available at launch.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid also lacked crash test scores from the NHTSA and IIHS at the time of writing. However, it offered a robust set of standard safety features, including frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added features like a surround-view camera system and automatic reverse braking. The Telluride's driver attention monitor had some operational issues, but the highway driving assist was praised for its effectiveness.