Lexus TX vs Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2026 Lexus TX presented a diverse array of packages tailored to its powertrain options. The TX 350 came standard with the Luxury package, with options for Ultra Luxury, Executive, and F Sport 3 packages. The 500h hybrid variant started with the F Sport Performance 2 package, with the possibility of upgrading to the F Sport 3 package. Higher packages offered towing capabilities, and while the base models featured 20-inch wheels, most packages boasted 22-inch wheels that filled the wheel wells impressively. The exterior design retained a large grille reminiscent of the older spindle grille shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting that spanned the vehicle's width. The interior offered three colour options: standard grey, Birch, and Peppercorn, with ambient lighting adding warmth. However, the material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastics prevalent. Redesigned door handles, which reacted to pressure rather than pulling out, were a notable change, though not necessarily an improvement.

In contrast, the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid showcased a bold design that polarized opinions, particularly with its flat, faceless grille. The vehicle's personality shifted with colour and trim, with body-coloured vertical strakes at the edges that blended better in darker shades. The X-Line and X-Pro models replaced these strakes with rectangular grille blocks, flanked by distinctive amber accent lights. The side profile featured 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, bore a resemblance 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 the silver and cream-coloured buttons were difficult to read. The seats, covered in synthetic leather and suede, were somewhat firm, but the surrounding material quality was excellent, with options for engineered wood and carbon fibre trims.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid increased output to 366 hp. The gas model featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, whereas the hybrid came with a six-speed automatic, a welcome change from the typical CVT in electrified powertrains. The TX 350 had electronically controlled full-time AWD, while the TX 500h utilized Lexus’s Direct4 AWD system, distributing torque to each axle on demand. Drivers could choose between Normal, Eco, or Sport drive modes, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity for a more immediate response. The 500h offered adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid, on the other hand, was powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid variant added electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery pack, boosting output to 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, paired with 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 delivered ample power and a quiet ride, with seamless transitions between electric and gas modes. Both Telluride models prioritized comfort, with the X-Pro offering a surprisingly smooth ride despite its off-road suspension. The Hybrid SX Prestige had a stiffer ride due to its 20-inch wheels, but the suspension effectively absorbed bumps. The Telluride handled winding roads with composure, though it wasn't particularly sporty. The brake pedal required some adjustment, but panic stops were immediate and controlled.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The TX 500h featured ventilated second-row seats by default. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom, accommodating full-sized adults comfortably. Each seat had its own cupholder and USB-C port. A one-touch button facilitated easy entry into the third row, though folding the second row flat was more complicated. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support, while the cupholders were versatile. Most climate controls were on the screen, but temperature controls remained physical dials. The TX boasted excellent cargo space, with 572 litres available with all seats in place, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row flat, and 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded. All models could tow up to 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid provided 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 in the top-trim hybrid featured power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, comparable to business-class airline seats. However, they took longer to slide and tilt forward for third-row access. The middle-row seats offered significant travel fore and aft, allowing for more cargo or third-row legroom. The Telluride Hybrid reduced second-row legroom by four centimetres. Behind the third row, the Telluride held up to 631 litres of cargo, with the volume increasing to 1,379 litres with the seatbacks folded. The cargo area featured buttons to remotely fold the second-row seatbacks flat, offering up to 2,528 litres of cargo capacity. The hybrid models lost only about 30 litres by comparison. The Telluride could tow up to 2,268 kilograms, or 2,040 kilograms for the hybrid. For smaller items, the front seats had a large centre bin with deployable cupholders, while the second row benefited from a tray and bin that slid out from the console.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch colour touchscreen that was user-friendly and responsive, though some features lacked polish. Satellite radio station input was cumbersome, requiring scanning through channels. Steering wheel buttons controlled adaptive cruise control and volume, but their multi-functional nature and lack of labels made them confusing. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard but occasionally conflicted with the native audio system. Smartphone connectivity was essential for accessing in-dash navigation and other subscription-based features. The back-up camera was clear, with an available bird’s-eye view, and the Advanced Park system could handle parking duties. The TX offered seven USB ports and wireless charging, with a 120-volt/1500-watt outlet available in the second row.

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. A native navigation system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual wireless phone chargers were included. The infotainment system was easy to use, though it required a firm tap to register inputs. The middle climate control screen was difficult to use while driving, but physical temperature control buttons were available. A 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system delivered powerful bass and clear tones, while lower trims featured an eight-speaker system.

The 2026 Lexus TX came standard with Safety System+ 3.0, which included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane tracing assist, lane centring, lane departure warning with steering assist, traffic sign recognition, and Proactive Driving Assist. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was slow to accelerate in stop-and-go traffic. The TX received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA and an "Acceptable" score from the IIHS for the small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing. Standard safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, parking sensors, highway driving assist, and rear passenger sensors and reminders. Higher trims offered additional features like a surround-view camera system and automatic reverse braking. The highway driving assist was particularly helpful on long trips, maintaining lane centring and a consistent gap to vehicles ahead.