Recently, Kia announced its 2024 fourth-quarter results and 2025 sales targets in a conference call. The company aims to launch up to six new or updated models. Kia has confirmed that the second-generation Telluride will be released in December 2025. Unlike the Hyundai Palisade, it will not be sold in the domestic Korean market.

Reports suggest that the new Kia Telluride model has been spotted with production-ready lamps. The second-generation Telluride, known by its codename LQ2, is expected to start production at Kia's Georgia plant in the United States in the second half of this year. Sales are scheduled to begin in the first half of next year. Mass production is set to commence by the end of 2025, with sales starting in early 2026.

Kia developed the Telluride specifically for the U.S. market. The goal was to offer a three-row SUV that combines the authenticity and robustness preferred by North American consumers at a competitive price point.

Experts attribute the Telluride's success not only to its design and price competitiveness but also to Kia's strategy of accurately understanding and addressing market needs. The new Telluride is expected to introduce a hybrid model for the first time, similar to the Palisade.

This addition to the powertrain lineup signifies more than just a new option; it marks a turning point in the model's transition towards electrification and sustainability. The current Telluride model, equipped with a 3.8 V6 Lambda engine, demonstrates impressive power and strong towing capacity. The addition of a 2.5-liter gasoline hybrid model is expected to balance performance with eco-friendliness.

The Kia Telluride hybrid is expected to share a platform with the Palisade, which could lead to a quicker certification process and improved performance. When combined with an electric motor, the total output is projected to reach around 300 horsepower.

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