2026-2027 Kia Hybrids Earn U.S. News & World Report Awards

Three Kia models have been named winners in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 “Best Hybrid and Electric Car” awards. The 2027 Telluride HEV, 2026 Niro HEV, and 2026 Sportage PHEV each earned top honors in their respective categories, recognized for their performance, value, and versatility.

Award-Winning Kia Models

The 2027 Kia Telluride HEV secured the title of Best Midsize Hybrid SUV, while the 2026 Kia Niro HEV was recognized as the Best Subcompact Hybrid SUV. Completing the trio, the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV received the award for Best Compact Plug-in Hybrid SUV.

Editors from U.S. News & World Report evaluated 138 vehicles across 19 categories to determine the winners. The selection process involved a composite score based on the vehicles’ standings in U.S. News Best Car Rankings, along with gas mileage, range, and energy consumption data provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Alex Kwanten, managing editor of Autos at U.S. News & World Report, noted that the winning Kia models, including the Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Telluride Hybrid, and Niro, were distinguished by their fuel efficiency. He added that these vehicles also offer spacious interiors, appealing design, comprehensive features, ease of ownership, and competitive pricing.

Introducing the 2027 Telluride HEV

The 2027 Telluride HEV marks the introduction of a hybrid powertrain for the Telluride model line. This second-generation SUV was specifically developed for the U.S. market, aiming to combine efficiency with robust performance.

Its turbo-hybrid system integrates a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with a 1.65-kWh lithium-ion battery and dual electric motors. This configuration delivers a combined output of 329 horsepower and 339 lb.-ft. of torque.

The 2027 Telluride HEV EX FWD trim achieves an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 35 mpg, with city/highway/combined ratings of 34/36/35 mpg. This trim also offers a total driving range of up to 637 miles. Other trims, such as the EX AWD, SX FWD, X-Line SX AWD, SX Prestige AWD, and X-Line SX Prestige AWD, have varying EPA estimates ranging from 30-33 mpg combined.

Kia's Electrified Vehicle Strategy

These awards highlight Kia's focus on expanding its lineup of electrified vehicles to meet diverse consumer needs. Eric Watson, vice president of sales operations for Kia America, stated that these recognitions reflect the brand's efforts to deliver high-quality electrified options.

Kia America, headquartered in Irvine, California, offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles through its network of nearly 800 dealers across the U.S. The company has also been recognized as one of TIME World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2025.

For consumers considering a hybrid or plug-in hybrid SUV, the recognition received by the 2027 Telluride HEV, 2026 Niro HEV, and 2026 Sportage PHEV from U.S. News & World Report provides an independent assessment of their performance, efficiency, and overall value in the competitive electrified vehicle market. These Kia hybrid awards 2026 underscore the brand's offerings in the segment.