Electric Cars

In 2026, the venerable Lexus LS, the pioneering flagship sedan that laid the foundation for Toyota's luxury division, will mark its concluding model year. To honor this significant milestone, Lexus is unveiling the exclusive Heritage Edition LS500. This special release, limited to merely 250 units, carries a starting price tag of $99,280, offering an elevated blend of sophistication and rarity for discerning collectors.

Lexus LS Heritage Edition: A Detailed Look at the Final Chapter

The 2026 Lexus LS Heritage Edition distinguishes itself with a suite of bespoke features. Externally, the vehicle is adorned in an exclusive paint shade dubbed 'Ninety Noir', a sophisticated hue that enhances its stately presence. Complementing this unique finish are specially designed 20-inch wheels, adding a touch of elegance and visual harmony. Under the hood, the Heritage Edition is powered by a robust twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 engine, coupled with standard all-wheel drive, ensuring a commanding and refined driving experience. Inside the opulent cabin, the commitment to luxury is immediately apparent. The interior is lavishly appointed with Rioja Red leather, a standard offering that imbues the space with warmth and sportiness. This rich leather is further enhanced by distinctive quilted stitching, underscoring the meticulous craftsmanship. As a premium offering, the Heritage Edition comes fully equipped with a suite of high-end options, including an upgraded Mark Levinson stereo system, delivering an immersive auditory experience. A notable commemorative detail is the special plaque situated on the console, featuring a silhouette of the current, fifth-generation LS, a subtle nod to its distinguished heritage. This design element is echoed on the headrests, where the same LS silhouette is elegantly embroidered, serving as a constant reminder of the model's iconic status. Each of these thoughtful touches contributes to making the Heritage Edition a truly fitting farewell to a vehicle that has profoundly shaped the luxury automotive landscape.

The introduction of the Lexus LS Heritage Edition prompts contemplation on the evolving landscape of luxury sedans. As the automotive industry shifts towards SUVs and electrification, the discontinuation of such an iconic model signals a pivotal moment. This limited-edition release not only serves as a beautiful tribute to the LS's enduring legacy but also underscores the appreciation for finely crafted, driver-focused vehicles. For enthusiasts and collectors, it represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of automotive history, a testament to Lexus's founding principles of unparalleled luxury and engineering excellence. The Heritage Edition is more than just a car; it's a celebration of a journey, a final flourish for a vehicle that began as a bold statement and matured into a symbol of refined automotive artistry.

Kia's 2027 Telluride Hybrid is making waves in the SUV market with its official pricing and impressive specifications. This redesigned three-row vehicle introduces a hybrid powertrain for the first time, replacing the older V6 engine with a more efficient and powerful turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid system. With a starting price of $48,035 for the EX FWD trim, the Telluride Hybrid aims to attract environmentally conscious consumers without compromising on performance. Its top-tier variant, the X-Line SX Prestige AWD, is priced just under $60,000, offering a premium experience with enhanced features. The vehicle's hybrid system, featuring a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine and electric motors, produces a combined output of 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, surpassing its non-hybrid counterpart and previous V6 model. This strategic move by Kia solidifies its position in the competitive SUV segment, offering a compelling option for those seeking power, efficiency, and ample space.

The introduction of the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid fills a notable gap in the three-row SUV market, where hybrid options are still relatively scarce. By offering a powerful and fuel-efficient alternative, Kia aims to capture a significant share of buyers looking for sustainable yet capable family vehicles. The hybrid model not only promises better fuel economy but also delivers superior performance, making it a well-rounded choice. The diverse range of trims available ensures that there is a Telluride Hybrid for various preferences and budgets, from the entry-level EX FWD to the luxurious X-Line SX Prestige AWD. This comprehensive approach to design, powertrain, and pricing underscores Kia's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, paving the way for the Telluride Hybrid to become a leader in its class.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid: Pricing and Performance

Kia has officially disclosed the pricing for its 2027 Telluride Hybrid, revealing a competitive starting price of $48,035 for the EX FWD model. This marks a pivotal moment for the Telluride series, as it introduces a hybrid powertrain as a replacement for its conventional 3.8-liter V6 engine. The new powertrain integrates a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors and a 1.65-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, collectively generating an impressive 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. This output represents a substantial upgrade over the previous V6 engine, which delivered 291 hp and 262 lb-ft, and also outperforms the non-hybrid 2027 Telluride's 274 hp and 311 lb-ft. With six different trims available, the pricing ascends to $59,135 for the top-of-the-line Telluride X-Line SX Prestige AWD, catering to a range of consumer demands for features and capability.

The strategic pricing and enhanced performance of the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid position it as a formidable contender in the three-row SUV segment. The base EX FWD trim, at $48,035, offers an accessible entry point to hybrid technology without sacrificing power. Moving up the ladder, the EX AWD is priced at $50,035, followed by the SX FWD at $53,035. For those seeking more advanced features and all-wheel drive, the X-Line SX AWD is available at $56,035, and the SX Prestige AWD at $58,135. The pinnacle of the lineup, the X-Line SX Prestige AWD, provides the most comprehensive package for $59,135. The optional all-wheel drive system, paired with the six-speed automatic transmission, ensures versatile driving dynamics across various terrains. Kia's decision to bolster the Telluride with a more potent and efficient hybrid system reflects a commitment to meeting modern consumer expectations for both environmental responsibility and dynamic driving experiences.

Comparative Analysis with Hybrid SUV Competitors

In the burgeoning market of three-row hybrid SUVs, the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid faces competition from several key players. Its closest rival is the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, which shares the same turbocharged 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain, delivering identical performance figures of 329 hp and 339 lb-ft. However, the Palisade Hybrid offers a slightly lower entry price of $45,760, including destination charges, making it a more budget-friendly option for consumers prioritizing initial cost. Beyond Hyundai, Toyota offers two significant alternatives: the Grand Highlander Hybrid and the Highlander Hybrid. The Grand Highlander Hybrid starts at $46,505 and also utilizes a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain, though it produces a more modest 245 hp. The smaller Toyota Highlander Hybrid is comparatively more expensive at $48,815, despite its reduced size. Mazda also enters the fray with its CX-90 plug-in hybrid, which is priced higher at $52,025 but offers a robust 323 hp from its 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain and includes all-wheel drive as a standard feature, contrasting with Kia's optional AWD on its EX trim.

The competitive landscape highlights the unique value proposition of the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid. While the Hyundai Palisade Hybrid presents a direct challenge with its similar powertrain and lower price, the Telluride's distinct design and feature set may appeal to a different segment of buyers. The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, though more affordable, sacrifices significant horsepower, potentially making the Telluride more attractive to performance-oriented consumers. Similarly, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid's higher price for a smaller vehicle might steer buyers towards the Telluride. The Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid, despite its higher cost, provides standard AWD and competitive power, appealing to those seeking advanced features. Ultimately, Kia's strategy of introducing a powerful and feature-rich hybrid variant of the Telluride, alongside its non-hybrid counterpart starting at $40,735, aims to provide a comprehensive range of choices for consumers. This diversified offering enables Kia to cater to various market needs, reinforcing its presence in the highly competitive SUV market by balancing cost, power, and efficiency across its lineup.