2026 Kia Telluride Review: The Family SUV That Beat Everyone
Hamza Khan·28 April 2026·12 min read
The refreshed Telluride adds ProCeed-influenced styling, a new 1.6T hybrid powertrain option and a genuinely improved interior. We test it over 1,500 km in the UAE.
Verdict
Pros: - Best space per dirham in any 7/8-seat category - New 1.6T hybrid powertrain reduces running costs significantly - 5-year Kia warranty with class-leading coverage
Cons: - HTRAC AWD cannot match Land Cruiser or Prado off-road - Exterior styling is conservative - Resale values below Toyota and Lexus
Price range: AED 157,000 – 205,000 Best for: UAE families who need genuine 8-seat space without Land Cruiser expense Not for: Off-road enthusiasts or buyers who prioritise driving dynamics
Introduction
I drove the 2026 Telluride SX with the new 1.6T hybrid powertrain for two weeks across Dubai and Sharjah. It covered 1,500 km of varied UAE use: school runs, supermarket trips, an Abu Dhabi weekend, and a camping trip to Hatta's mountain reserve.
Key Specs
| Spec | LX | EX | SX Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.8L V6 | 3.8L V6 | 1.6T Hybrid |
| Power | 291 hp | 291 hp | 230 hp |
| Economy (L/100km) | 11.8 | 11.8 | 8.2 |
| Seats | 7 | 7/8 | 7/8 |
| Price (AED) | 157,000 | 177,000 | 205,000 |
Interior Quality & Practicality
The Telluride's interior is where the AED 175,000 price becomes remarkable. The 12.3-inch curved touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instruments, Bose audio, heated/ventilated front seats, and captain's chairs in the second row — all standard on SX.
The third row accommodates adults up to 185 cm comfortably — 917 mm of legroom is the benchmark for this price segment. Folding all three rows creates a flat load floor of 2,591 litres — comparable to a compact van.
Driving Experience
The new 1.6T hybrid eliminates the only complaint I ever had about the Telluride: the V6's 11.8 L/100 km in Dubai traffic. Over my test, the hybrid averaged 8.4 L/100 km — saving approximately AED 4,600/year vs the V6 at UAE fuel prices.
The small but real downside: 230 hp vs 291 hp means the hybrid feels slightly less effortless on Abu Dhabi motorway merges. It is adequate, not abundant.
The Telluride's ride quality is tuned perfectly for UAE roads — speed humps are absorbed with minimum drama; highway cruising is genuinely quiet.
Which Trim?
EX (AED 177,000): Best value trim — all the important features without SX's premium upgrades. SX Hybrid (AED 205,000): For high-mileage drivers, the fuel saving closes the gap within 3 years.
Rivals
Hyundai Palisade (AED 152,000–189,000): More space, competitive price, less sporty exterior. Ford Explorer (AED 159,000): More engaging to drive, less overall space.
Our Verdict
The 2026 Telluride SX remains our top recommendation for UAE family buyers. The hybrid option makes it even more sensible for daily use. Nothing in this price bracket offers more space, more equipment or more value.
Recommended: Telluride EX in Gravity Grey.