2026 Subaru Forester vs 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2026 Subaru Forester continued to build on its reputation for utility and safety with a redesigned Wilderness model. This version was easily recognizable with its lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, exclusive wheel designs, and distinctive anodized copper accents. The Wilderness badges added to its rugged appeal, though the look was polarizing. Some found the design more fitting on the Forester than other Subaru models. Inside, the Forester Wilderness was designed for adventure, featuring water-resistant artificial leather and all-weather floor mats to handle mud and grime. Copper accents and Wilderness emblems on the head restraints reinforced its adventurous spirit.

In contrast, the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold reinterpretation that divided opinions, particularly with its flat, wide grille. The vehicle's personality shifted with color and trim, with lighter shades appearing jarring and darker ones more harmonious. The X-Line and X-Pro models replaced the vertical strakes with rectangular grille blocks and amber accent lights. The side profile featured angular fender sculpting and unusual black plastic tabs, while the rear adopted a Range Rover-like style with rounded corners and vertical taillights. Inside, the Telluride Hybrid's interior was less controversial, offering a simple, modern dashboard layout. The SX Prestige trim with the Executive package added a luxurious touch, though the silver button labeling was hard to read.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. While it lacked the turbocharged option available in the Outback Wilderness, the Forester's lighter weight helped mitigate the power deficit. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) kept the engine responsive, with eight programmed ratios and paddle shifters for manual control. The Wilderness model featured a shorter final-drive ratio for better low-speed responsiveness off-road, and its towing capacity increased to 3,500 pounds. The Active Torque Split AWD system with X-Mode Dual Mode traction settings enhanced its off-road capabilities. The Forester Wilderness boasted increased ground clearance, improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, and more underbody protection. Despite its off-road prowess, the Forester Wilderness delivered a comfortable and quiet ride on pavement, though fuel efficiency was modest at 22.7 mpg during testing.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with electric motors, producing 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid system provided a seamless transition between electric and gas power, with the engine remaining quiet even under stress. The Telluride Hybrid offered a smooth and comfortable ride, with the X-Pro Prestige trim excelling in off-road settings. The Hybrid SX Prestige had a stiffer ride due to its 20-inch wheels, but the suspension effectively absorbed bumps. The Telluride's handling was composed and controllable, instilling confidence on winding roads. The brake pedal effort was soft, requiring adjustment, but brake response was immediate during panic stops. The Telluride Hybrid's fuel efficiency was not specified, but its power and quiet operation were notable.

The 2026 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, with a classic two-box design maximizing passenger and cargo space. The Wilderness model's heated front seats were comfortable, with the driver's seat offering 10-way power adjustment. However, the lack of a heated steering wheel and rear seats was a drawback. The panoramic sunroof lacked tint, causing solar heating issues. Rear seat comfort was good, with ample legroom and improved safety features. The Forester Wilderness offered 27.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 69.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The boxy design made the most of the available space, and Subaru offered numerous accessories to enhance cargo-carrying capabilities.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid provided ample space for adults in all three rows, though the rearmost row was better suited for smaller passengers. The Hybrid SX Prestige's second-row seats were power-adjustable with heating and ventilation, offering business-class comfort. The middle-row seats had significant travel, allowing for more cargo or third-row legroom. The Telluride Hybrid offered 22.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 89.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Hybrid models lost only about one cubic foot of cargo space. The Telluride's towing capacity was up to 5,000 pounds, or 4,500 for the Hybrid. The interior featured ample storage for personal items, with a large center bin, deployable cupholders, and door pockets.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness offered a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the infotainment screen was cluttered, and the voice recognition system struggled with complex commands. The Wilderness model featured a 180-degree forward view camera system, though the camera's distorted view made it difficult to trust. The Harman Kardon premium audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch climate control touchscreen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual wireless phone chargers, and a native navigation system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though it required a firm 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 with excellent sound quality.

The 2026 Subaru Forester featured the EyeSight package, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Additional features included active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Automatic Emergency Steering. Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection was also available. The Forester received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid's safety features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, parking proximity sensors, highway driving assist, and rear passenger sensors. Higher trims offered a surround-view camera system, blind-spot camera system, and automatic reverse braking. The driver attention monitor had operational issues, but the highway driving assist was effective. Crash test scores were not available at the time of writing.