Volvo XC60 vs Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2026 Volvo XC60 B5, available in Core, Plus, and Ultra trims, was a testament to Scandinavian elegance and minimalism. The Ultra trim, especially with its Black Edition, showcased a sophisticated design with 22-inch wheels and a new Forest Lake paint that shimmered under sunlight. The interior was a highlight, featuring plush Nappa leather, premium wood trim, and a Bowers & Wilkins audio system that elevated the driving experience. Despite its nearly decade-old design, the XC60 maintained a modern appeal, though some might have found the minimalist controls a bit challenging initially.

In contrast, the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold and potentially polarizing design. Its grille spanned the entire front, and the body-coloured vertical strakes varied in appeal depending on the paint colour. The X-Line and X-Pro models offered distinct grille designs with amber accent lights. The interior was less controversial, featuring a simple horizontal dashboard and a two-tone palette in the Hybrid SX Prestige trim. The seats, covered in synthetic leather and suede, provided a comfortable ride, though the cushions were somewhat firm. The Telluride's design, especially from the rear, drew comparisons to a Range Rover, adding a touch of luxury to its robust appearance.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 B5 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not the fastest, it managed a 6.9-second sprint to 100 km/h. However, the power delivery was sometimes uneven due to turbo lag or transmission delays. Fuel efficiency was slightly below expectations, with real-world figures reaching 10.8 L/100 km on mountainous routes. The XC60's ride quality was affected by the 22-inch wheels, though the air suspension in Comfort mode mitigated most bumps. The vehicle excelled on highways, offering a smooth and comfortable ride, though it wasn't designed for off-road adventures.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine with electric motors, delivering 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid system provided a seamless transition between electric and gas power, with the engine remaining quiet even under stress. The Telluride's ride was tuned for comfort, with the X-Pro model offering a surprisingly smooth experience despite its off-road suspension. The Hybrid SX Prestige had a stiffer ride due to its 20-inch wheels, but overall, the Telluride maintained a quiet cabin and composed handling on winding roads. The brake response was immediate during panic stops, though the pedal effort required some adjustment.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 offered a comfortable interior, especially with its top-shelf front seats featuring heating, cooling, and massage functions. The rear seats, however, were less comfortable for taller passengers. The vehicle provided 613 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,410 litres with the seats folded. In-cabin storage was adequate, though the rear storage nets posed a risk of shin bumps. The XC60's compact dimensions made it easy to park, though care was needed to avoid damaging the expensive wheels.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid excelled in interior space, accommodating adults comfortably in all three rows. The second row featured power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, though access to the third row was slow. The Telluride offered 631 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,528 litres with the seats folded. The hybrid model lost only 30 litres of cargo capacity. The vehicle also boasted ample storage for personal items, with a large centre bin and deployable cupholders in the front, and additional storage options in the second and third rows.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 featured an updated infotainment system with an 11.2-inch touchscreen and Volvo Car UX software. It included a four-year subscription to Digital Services, offering Google built-in apps and Remote App Services. While the system functioned well, navigating saved radio stations was cumbersome. The optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system provided exceptional sound quality, though it came at a premium price. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a wired connection was required for the former.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch climate control screen. It included a native navigation system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual wireless phone chargers. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though it occasionally required a hard tap to register inputs. The Meridian premium audio system delivered excellent sound quality, and the vehicle featured physical temperature control buttons for ease of use.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 did not receive a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS due to an Acceptable rating in the side-impact crash test. However, it boasted a range of safety features, including forward collision warning, oncoming collision mitigation, and intersection braking assist. The Pilot Assist system, while useful, lacked sophistication compared to competitors. The XC60 earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its driver assistance tech needed improvement.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing. It was expected to include standard safety features such as forward collision warning, blind-spot monitors, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional features like a surround-view camera system and automatic reverse braking. The highway driving assist was particularly effective, though the driver attention monitor occasionally triggered false alerts.