2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 presented a unique blend of retro and modern design elements, reminiscent of a 1980s hatchback with a touch of contemporary crossover SUV. Its profile was distinctly hatchback-like, yet larger than traditional models such as the Volkswagen GTI or Toyota Corolla. Angular lines and a character line rising from the rear wheels to the front doors created a triangular shape that defined its profile. Dark cladding around the wheels and lower body added to its crossover appeal. The front featured a visor slit with rectangular headlights and a small grille, while the rear boasted an integrated spoiler and darkened panels. The XRT model stood out with unique 18-inch alloys, pixel-patterned cladding, and a more rally car-like appearance. Inside, the Ioniq 5 leaned towards a utilitarian design with a focus on technology, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens and a rather sterile, modern EV aesthetic.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid took a bold approach with its design, potentially polarizing opinions with its flat, wide grille. The vehicle's personality shifted with color and trim, with body-colored vertical strakes that could appear jarring in lighter shades but harmonious in darker ones. The X-Line and X-Pro models replaced these strakes with rectangular grille blocks and distinctive amber accent lights. The side profile showcased angular fender sculpting and black plastic tabs atop each wheel well, while the rear adopted a Range Rover-like style with rounded corners and vertical taillights. Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, featuring a simple horizontal dashboard layout and a luxurious feel, especially in the Hybrid SX Prestige trim with its two-tone palette. The seats, covered in synthetic leather and suede, offered comfort but could be firm on longer drives. The interior materials were of high quality, with various trim options available.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive setup producing 168 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque in the base SE Standard Range trim. Other trims increased the output to 220 hp with the same torque. A dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain was available, delivering 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque. The Ioniq 5 N performance model boasted a dual-motor powertrain with up to 641 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque. The Limited and XRT trims, both with dual-motor powertrains, provided quiet and robust power, especially from a stop. The Ioniq 5's Sport mode enhanced throttle response, achieving an estimated 0-60 mph time of 5.3 seconds. The vehicle featured five regenerative braking settings, ranging from freewheeling to one-pedal driving. The Ioniq 5 XRT offered a unique driving experience with increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and terrain modes for off-road conditions.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with electric motors, producing a total of 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system was paired with a six-speed transmission, and the vehicle was available in the X-Line trim, which mimicked the X-Pro's looks without the off-road equipment. The Telluride Hybrid delivered ample power and a quiet ride, with seamless transitions between electric and gas modes. The X-Pro Prestige trim offered a comfortable ride, even with its lifted off-road suspension, while the Hybrid SX Prestige had a stiffer ride due to its 20-inch wheels. The Telluride's handling was composed and controllable, instilling confidence on winding roads. The brake pedal effort was soft, requiring some adjustment, but brake response was immediate during panic stops.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 provided spacious front seats with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat as standard. The front passenger seat offered six-way manual adjustments in the base trim and power adjustments in higher trims. Heated front seats were standard, with ventilated seats and a "Relaxation" seat for the driver available in the Limited trim. The rear seat offered 39.4 inches of legroom, accommodating two adults comfortably. Cargo space was slightly smaller than average, with 26.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 58.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. A small front trunk added 0.85 cubic feet of storage.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid offered 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, providing comfort comparable to a business-class airline seat. The middle-row seats offered significant travel, allowing for more cargo or third-row legroom. The Telluride could hold up to 22.3 cubic feet of cargo 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, or 4,500 for the Hybrid.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen under a single piece of glass. Standard technology included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The MyHyundai smartphone app allowed owners to precondition the car, monitor the state of charge, and more. The XRT and Limited trims offered a digital key and a Bose eight-speaker 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 touchscreen for climate controls. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual wireless phone chargers, and customizable themes. The SX trim and above featured a 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system, delivering powerful and clear sound.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came standard with a comprehensive list of safety features, including blind-spot monitors, parking sensors, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional features such as a surround-view camera system and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Ioniq 5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS but had no NHTSA ratings at the time of writing.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid included standard safety features such as frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered 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 particularly helpful on longer trips. No crash test scores were available from the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing.