2026 Lexus TX vs 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a range of trim levels tailored to different powertrains, including the TX 350, 500h hybrid, and 550h+ plug-in hybrid. The 550h+ stood out with its standard panoramic glass roof and striking Matador Red Mica paint. The exterior design retained the large spindle grille and sharp bi-LED headlights, while the rear featured LED lighting and a small roof spoiler. Inside, the TX provided two interior color options, with the PHEV adding a dark brown called Peppercorn. Ambient lighting and suede trim added warmth, but the overall material quality fell short of luxury standards. The redesigned door handles were a unique touch, though some might have preferred more attention to cabin detail.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold design that could polarize opinions, particularly with its flat, wide grille. The vehicle's personality shifted with color and trim, with body-colored vertical strakes adding to its distinctiveness. The X-Line and X-Pro models featured rectangular grille blocks and amber accent lights. The side profile showcased angular fender sculpting and black plastic tabs, while the rear adopted a Range Rover-like style with vertical taillights. Inside, the Telluride's simple horizontal dashboard and buttonless modern appearance were less controversial. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim offered a luxurious two-tone palette, though the labeling on buttons was hard to read. The seats, covered in synthetic leather and suede, provided comfort, but the cushions were somewhat firm for long drives. Material quality was excellent, with options like engineered wood and carbon fiber trim.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a range of powertrains, with the base model delivering 317 horsepower from a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The 550h+ plug-in hybrid, however, generated an impressive 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The onboard seven-kilowatt charger allowed for a full battery charge in under three hours. The TX provided various drive options, including electric-only, hybrid, and gas-only modes, with Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom drive modes to tailor the driving experience. The 550h+ offered a smooth and quiet ride, with a capable AWD system that could distribute power between the front and rear wheels. The Trail Mode enhanced traction on slippery surfaces.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The Hybrid model added electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery pack, increasing output to 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The Telluride Hybrid provided a quiet ride, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power. The X-Pro Prestige trim offered off-road capabilities, while the Hybrid SX Prestige had a stiffer ride with its 20-inch wheels. The Telluride's suspension delivered a smooth ride, and the vehicle remained composed on winding roads. The brake pedal effort was soft, but the vehicle tracked straight during panic stops.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ provided standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. The second row featured captain's chairs with a removable center console, though folding the seats flat was a bit complicated. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with the second row folded. All TX models could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid offered 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, though they took a long time to slide and tilt forward. The Telluride provided 22.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 89.3 cubic feet with the second row 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 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch color touchscreen, though some features lacked polish. The steering wheel buttons were multi-functional but not labeled, making them confusing to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occurred. The backup camera offered a clear view, and the Advanced Park system could handle parking duties. The TX provided seven USB ports and wireless charging, with an available 120-volt outlet for larger items.

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 was easy to use, though it required a hard tap to register inputs. The Telluride offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with dual wireless phone chargers. The 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system delivered powerful sound. The Telluride also featured customizable infotainment themes, including collaborations with NBA, National Geographic, Disney, Star Wars, and Marvel.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0 as standard, with features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and traffic sign recognition. The adaptive cruise control worked well, though it was slow to resume speed in stop-and-go traffic. The TX 350 and 500h earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA, while the IIHS gave the TX a mid score of "Acceptable" in its small overlap front crash test.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid offered standard safety features like frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims included a surround-view camera system and automatic reverse braking. The driver attention monitor had operational issues at night, and the blind-spot cameras were distracting. The highway driving assist was helpful on longer trips, maintaining lane centering and speed.