Two seriously impressive hybrid SUVs are making waves in 2027, and the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid vs Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid is a comparison that has plenty of shoppers talking.
At Kia of Port Charlotte, serving drivers across Port Charlotte, North Port, and Venice, Florida, we have a strong opinion on this one. The Telluride Hybrid arrives as the first-ever Telluride hybrid model, bringing a whole lot of substance to back up its bold debut. Let's get into the details.
329 horsepower is a bold number for a hybrid SUV, and the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid backs it up with a turbocharged hybrid engine and electric motor combo that delivers smooth, responsive acceleration while achieving an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined. X-Line Multi-Terrain Mode AWD adds serious off-road capability without sacrificing everyday drivability.
The Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid brings a Lineartronic CVT and Symmetrical AWD to the comparison, and Subaru's AWD reputation is well-earned. Still, the Telluride Hybrid's powertrain was engineered to perform across a wider range of driving scenarios, as comfortable on Florida highway traffic as on unpaved terrain.
The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid delivers a total driving range of up to 637 miles, keeping families on the road significantly longer between fill-ups. That range is powered by an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined, a genuinely strong number for a three-row SUV.
The Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid estimates 481 miles per tank and delivers 25% better city MPG over its gas counterpart, which is impressive for a compact SUV. Yet, the Telluride Hybrid's range exceeds the Forester's by over 150 miles, a gap that adds up quickly for drivers navigating Florida's longer highway corridors.
The 2027 Telluride Hybrid packs impressive technology across all trim levels, with the X-Line SX Prestige taking things further with features such as:
Ambient interior lighting and Dynamic Welcome and Escort Lighting add a genuinely premium feel to every arrival and exit.
The Forester Wilderness Hybrid brings a strong tech package of its own, including a Harman Kardon 11-speaker audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.
The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid seats seven passengers across three rows, giving families the room they actually need for everyday life, long drives, and everything in between. The Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid fits only five passengers.
The 2027 Telluride Hybrid wins by a long shot, offering up to 88.3 cubic feet in cargo capacity behind the first row. The Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid offers roughly 69 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats fold forward, well-suited for smaller groups and active lifestyles.
Plus, Kia engineers deliberately positioned the hybrid battery components to preserve cargo space rather than reduce it, so passengers and gear ride together without compromise.
Yes! Backing all of this up is Kia's industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile Hybrid Powertrain Limited Warranty, a level of coverage that is rare in the hybrid SUV segment.*
While the 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid is an impressive model, the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid simply operates at a different scale, one that grows with family needs year after year. It makes a strong case for anyone shopping the hybrid SUV segment, and Kia of Port Charlotte is ready to answer every question along the way.
Reach out at any time; we love talking Telluride, and we are here to help drivers across Port Charlotte, North Port, and Venice, FL, find the right vehicle.
*Source: Kia