The Kia Telluride does not have a fully electric version yet

Kia has not released an all-electric Telluride as of now. The Telluride, which is Kia's three-row SUV, currently comes only as a gasoline-powered vehicle or as a hybrid model. If you are looking for an electric SUV from Kia in a similar size class, the EV9 is the closest option — it is a three-row electric SUV that seats up to seven people.

Kia has announced plans to expand its electric lineup significantly over the next several years, but no official timeline or confirmation exists for an electric Telluride specifically. The company's focus has been on launching the EV6 (a midsize crossover) and the EV9 (a larger SUV) first.

Key Takeaways

  • The Kia Telluride is available as a gasoline or hybrid model, but not as a fully electric vehicle.
  • The Kia EV9 is Kia's three-row electric SUV option if you want an electric vehicle in that size category.
  • Kia has not announced a release date for an electric Telluride, though the company continues to develop new electric models.
  • The Telluride Hybrid uses a gasoline engine paired with an electric motor to improve fuel economy without requiring a plug.

The Telluride Hybrid as an alternative

If you want a Telluride with better fuel economy than the standard gasoline model, the Telluride Hybrid is currently your only option within the Telluride lineup. This model pairs a gasoline engine with an electric motor and battery system to reduce fuel consumption. The hybrid system automatically switches between the engine and motor depending on driving conditions, and the battery recharges through regenerative braking — you do not plug it in.

The Telluride Hybrid delivers better miles per gallon than the gasoline version, though the exact figures vary by model year and trim level. It still uses a traditional fuel tank, so you refuel at regular gas stations just as you would with a non-hybrid vehicle. The hybrid system adds cost to the purchase price compared to the standard gasoline Telluride.

Why Kia has not released an electric Telluride

Building a fully electric three-row SUV is more complex than building a smaller electric vehicle. A larger vehicle requires a bigger battery to achieve the same driving range, which increases weight and cost significantly. Kia has prioritized launching the EV6 and EV9 first because they represent different market segments and allow the company to test its electric platform across multiple vehicle types.

The EV9, released more recently, directly competes in the three-row electric SUV space where a Telluride EV would sit. Kia may eventually introduce an electric Telluride, but the company has not confirmed this or provided a target year. The automotive industry is still determining which vehicle types will transition to electric power first, and manufacturers are making different choices based on market demand and production capacity.

The Kia EV9 as a three-row electric option

If you want a three-row electric SUV from Kia right now, the EV9 is the vehicle to consider. It seats up to seven passengers, has a range of approximately 300 miles on a full charge (depending on battery size and driving conditions), and charges at home or at public charging stations. The EV9 is larger than the EV6 and positioned as Kia's flagship electric SUV.

The EV9 uses Kia's E-GMP platform, the same underlying technology as the EV6. It offers multiple trim levels and two battery options — a standard range and a long range — which affect both the price and the distance you can travel between charges. Unlike the Telluride Hybrid, the EV9 produces zero tailpipe emissions and has lower fuel costs because electricity is cheaper than gasoline in most areas.

Comparing the Telluride Hybrid to the EV9

The Telluride Hybrid and EV9 serve different needs. The Telluride Hybrid uses a traditional fuel tank and can refuel in minutes at any gas station, making it better for people who take long road trips frequently or live in areas with limited charging infrastructure. The EV9 requires access to a charger and takes longer to refuel (though home charging overnight is convenient for daily use), but it has lower operating costs and produces no emissions.

The Telluride Hybrid is also typically less expensive upfront than the EV9. If you drive mostly in your local area and can charge at home or at work, the EV9 may save you money over time despite the higher purchase price. If you frequently drive long distances or need maximum flexibility at gas stations, the Telluride Hybrid remains the practical choice within Kia's current lineup.

What to expect from Kia's future electric vehicles

Kia has committed to launching nine new electric vehicles by 2026, though the Telluride is not confirmed to be among them. The company is also developing electric versions of some of its existing gasoline models, but again, no official announcement has been made about an electric Telluride specifically. Kia's strategy appears to focus on expanding its EV lineup across different price points and vehicle categories rather than converting every existing model to electric.

If an electric Telluride does eventually launch, it would likely arrive several years from now. In the meantime, the Telluride Hybrid offers improved fuel economy, and the EV9 provides a fully electric three-row option. Checking Kia's official website or contacting a Kia dealer can give you the most current information about upcoming models and release timelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a plug-in hybrid Telluride?

No. Kia offers the Telluride as a standard gasoline model or as a hybrid, but not as a plug-in hybrid. The hybrid version does not require plugging in — it recharges its battery through regenerative braking while you drive.

How does the Telluride Hybrid battery charge?

The battery charges automatically through regenerative braking, which captures energy normally lost when you slow down or stop. You never plug it in. The gasoline engine also helps recharge the battery during certain driving conditions.

Can I tow with the EV9?

Yes, the EV9 has towing capacity, though it varies by trim and battery size. Check the specific model year's specifications with a Kia dealer, as towing reduces the vehicle's driving range because the battery must work harder.

What is the price difference between the Telluride Hybrid and the EV9?

Prices vary by model year, trim level, and current market conditions. Generally, the Telluride Hybrid costs less upfront, but the EV9 may have lower operating costs over time because electricity is cheaper than gasoline in most areas.

When will Kia release an electric Telluride?

Kia has not announced a release date for an electric Telluride. The company continues to develop new electric models, but the Telluride is not confirmed as one of them. Contact a Kia dealer for the most current information about upcoming vehicles.