Genesis GV80 vs Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2025 Genesis GV80 was a testament to sophisticated design, offering two engine options and four trims in Canada. The top Prestige trim, featuring a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged engine, was particularly noteworthy. Genesis maintained its signature design language with subtle yet impactful updates. The front fascia retained its iconic two horizontal bar headlights, now enhanced with a micro lens array, while the grille gained depth and the lower bumper adopted a more aggressive stance. The rear saw more subtle changes, with the new Storr Green colour adding a fresh touch. Inside, the GV80 exuded luxury with quilted Nappa leather seats, an available suede headliner, and unique interior accents like basalt or recycled newspaper trim. The centre console was thoughtfully designed with tactile dials for gear selection, drive modes, and infotainment control, though the latter seemed redundant given the touchscreen's ease of use.

In contrast, the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold design that divided opinions. Its grille, spanning the entire front width, was particularly polarizing. The vehicle's personality shifted with colour and trim, with body-coloured vertical strakes that blended better in darker shades. The X-Line and X-Pro models replaced these strakes with rectangular grille blocks, both featuring distinctive amber accent lights. The side profile showcased unique faceted fender sculpting and black plastic tabs atop each wheel well, which some found unnecessary. The rear view, with rounded corners and vertical taillights, drew comparisons to a Range Rover. Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, featuring a simple horizontal dashboard layout and a modern, buttonless appearance. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim offered a luxurious two-tone palette, though some found the silver and cream-coloured buttons difficult to read. The seats, covered in synthetic leather and suede, were firm, potentially uncomfortable on long drives, but the surrounding material quality was excellent.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 retained its powertrain options, with a standard 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The top trim featured a more powerful twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. All trims in Canada came with standard all-wheel drive, capable of sending up to 100% of torque to the rear wheels, optimizing fuel economy. The GV80 offered a satisfying acceleration experience, with a burly engine sound at wide-open throttle. While the Sport mode tightened suspension and throttle response, the vehicle was best suited for cruising rather than sporty driving. The brakes were firm and linear, ensuring confident stops, and the interior remained quiet even on rough roads.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid variant added electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery pack, increasing output to 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed transmission. The hybrid powertrain was not available in the off-road-capable X-Pro trims but was expected in the X-Line trim. The Telluride Hybrid offered ample power and a quiet ride, with seamless transitions between electric and gas modes. Both Telluride models prioritized comfort, delivering a smooth ride, with the X-Pro surprisingly comfortable despite its off-road suspension. The Hybrid SX Prestige had a stiffer ride due to its 20-inch wheels, but the suspension managed to absorb bumps effectively. The Telluride was composed on winding roads, though not particularly sporty, and the brake pedal required some getting used to.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 was well-equipped with power-adjustable heated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and three-zone climate control. The top trim added four-zone climate control and ventilated front and second-row seats. However, the seats were uncomfortably rigid, making long trips less enjoyable. Most trims seated five passengers, with the power-adjustable second row offering significant reclining and 990 millimetres of legroom. The third row, available in the Prestige trim, was best suited for children due to its limited 762 mm of legroom. Cargo space was expected to be similar to the 990 litres of the 2024 model, and the GV80 could tow up to 2,720 kilograms with trailer brakes.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid offered ample space for adults in all three rows, though the rearmost row was better suited for smaller passengers due to low-mounted seat cushions. The second row featured power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, comparable to business-class airline seats, though access to the third row was slow. The middle-row seats offered significant travel, allowing for more cargo or third-row legroom. The Telluride Hybrid had slightly reduced second-row legroom but still provided ample space. Cargo capacity was generous, with 631 litres behind the third row, expandable to 1,379 litres with the seatbacks folded. The Telluride could tow up to 2,268 kilograms, or 2,040 kilograms for the hybrid. Interior storage included a large centre bin, deployable cupholders, and various trays and bins for personal items.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 featured a 27-inch OLED screen combining a digital gauge cluster and infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available later. The infotainment system, while visually appealing, was hindered by complex menus. A programmable favourite button offered a workaround, but it required sacrificing other shortcuts. Standard technology included wireless charging and four USB-C ports, with a 12-inch head-up display in the top trim. The GV80 offered an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system, providing adjustable surround sound.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch climate control touchscreen. Lower trims in the U.S. had a smaller 4.2-inch instrument panel, but Canadian specifications were unconfirmed. The infotainment system included native navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual wireless phone chargers. The system was user-friendly, though it required firm taps and had occasional delays. The climate control screen was difficult to use while driving, but physical temperature control buttons were available. A 14-speaker Meridian audio system delivered powerful sound, with lower trims featuring an eight-speaker system.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 was equipped with advanced driver aids, including lane keeping assist, forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Upper trims added remote smart parking and a 360-degree camera system. The blind view monitor projected a video feed of the blind spot to the digital dash cluster. The Highway Drive Assist II system included an attention monitor, though it struggled with certain sunglasses. The NHTSA had not rated the 2025 model, but the 2024 GV80 received five stars for overall safety and side crashes, and four stars for frontal crashes and rollovers. The IIHS rated the 2024 model "Good" in crashworthiness and "Average" in crash avoidance.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid's safety ratings were unavailable at the time of writing. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, parking sensors, highway driving assist, and rear passenger sensors. Higher trims added a surround-view camera system, blind-spot camera system, side parking sensors, and automatic reverse braking. The driver attention monitor occasionally triggered at night, and the blind-spot cameras were more distracting than helpful. The highway driving assist was effective on long trips, maintaining lane position and speed smoothly.