2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid vs 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid presented a more conventional design compared to its predecessor, with a blockier shape that gave it a visual heft reminiscent of a compact Ford Explorer. This sixth-generation compact SUV maintained a rugged appearance with black plastic elements hinting at its off-road potential. The hybrid version closely mirrored its gas-powered sibling, with only subtle badges distinguishing it. Inside, the Forester Hybrid featured a modernized dashboard with a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a digital instrument panel exclusive to the hybrid model. While hard plastics were prevalent, soft-touch materials covered areas frequently in contact, ensuring comfort and durability. The front seats offered ample support, and the top trim's ventilation and heated rear seats added to the comfort.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid showcased a bold design that could polarize opinions, particularly with its flat, wide grille. The vehicle's personality varied with color and trim, with the X-Line and X-Pro models offering distinctive grille styles and amber accent lights. The side profile featured angular fender sculpting and unique black plastic tabs, while the rear adopted a Range Rover-like style with rounded corners and vertical taillights. Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, with a simple horizontal dashboard and a luxurious two-tone palette in the Hybrid SX Prestige trim. The seats, covered in synthetic leather and suede, were somewhat firm, but the surrounding materials were of excellent quality. The interior offered various trim surfaces, including engineered wood and carbon fiber.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine paired with a parallel hybrid system, producing a combined 194 horsepower. The all-wheel-drive system used a traditional driveshaft, promising better traction off-road. While acceleration was adequate, the hybrid transmission made it feel slower, with the engine emitting a monotone groan at higher speeds. The hybrid system functioned smoothly, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power. The ride was firm, with larger wheels contributing to some jostling over moderate road undulations. Off-road, the Forester Hybrid excelled with its X-Mode drive programming and hill descent control, offering a balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with electric motors, delivering 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system was paired with a six-speed transmission, and while not available in the off-road X-Pro trims, it was offered in the X-Line trim. The Telluride Hybrid provided ample power and a quiet ride, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power. The ride was luxuriously smooth, with the X-Pro Prestige trim offering comfort despite its off-road suspension. The Hybrid SX Prestige had a stiffer ride due to its larger wheels, but the suspension managed to absorb bumps effectively. On winding roads, the Telluride was composed, with a soft brake pedal effort that required some adjustment.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid offered an unobstructed forward view, thanks to its thin front roof pillars. The front seats provided ample space, and the cockpit had an open, airy feel. The rear seats offered generous legroom and headroom, enhanced by a panoramic sunroof. Storage options included a wireless charging pad, cup holders, and door pockets, while rear passengers had USB ports and air vents. The Forester Hybrid's cargo space was 27.5 cubic feet, with a hands-free power liftgate and power remote seatback releases for convenience.

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 second row featured power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation in the Hybrid SX Prestige trim, offering comfort comparable to business-class airline seats. The middle-row seats had significant travel, allowing for more cargo or third-row legroom. The Telluride's cargo capacity was 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Hybrid models lost only about one cubic foot of cargo space. The Telluride could tow up to 5,000 pounds, with various storage options for personal items throughout the cabin.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid came equipped with an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen featuring built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Starlink infotainment system was praised for its user-friendly interface, with large on-screen buttons and easy-to-navigate menus. Physical buttons flanking the screen allowed for no-look temperature adjustments, while the X-Mode off-road drive menu offered simple terrain-related controls. The Forester Hybrid also included a WiFi hotspot and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system in higher trims.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid featured 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, with dual wireless phone chargers. While the system was generally easy to use, some delays and hard taps were noted. 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 in higher trims, delivering powerful and clear sound.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it received four stars. The IIHS awarded the non-hybrid model top scores in most categories, earning it a Top Safety Pick award. The Forester Hybrid came standard with Subaru's EyeSight suite of advanced safety features, including frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The systems functioned smoothly, with the adaptive cruise control being particularly praised.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing. Standard safety features included 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, but the highway driving assist was effective on longer trips.