Matchup
Tesla Model Y L vs Kia Telluride
The 2027 Model Y L Premium AWD against the 2027 Telluride X-Line SX-Prestige AWD, through ten physics labs and every official rating we could find.
Last checked Oct 3, 2026. Every figure links to its source.
The short answer
- In the trims shown, the Telluride costs $7,195 less: $56,435 against $63,630 for the Model Y L, destination included. PublishedTeslaPublishedKia
- At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the Model Y L costs about $2,547 a year less to run: $812/yr against $3,359/yr. DerivedEPADerivedEPA
- Our packing test fits 8 large suitcases in the Telluride and 5 in the Model Y L. Simulatedfrom TeslaSimulatedfrom Kia
- The Model Y L gets to 60 mph 3.2 s sooner: 4.2 s against 7.4 s. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
Who each one suits
The Telluride is the more practical family hauler: $7,195 less in these trims, seven seats against six, 49.0 cu ft behind the second row against 38.0, 8 large suitcases against 5, 5,000 lb of towing against 3,500 and +9.6 in of knee room for a 5-ft-11 rear passenger against +3.7. It’s a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+; the Model Y L isn’t rated yet.
The Model Y L costs about $2,547 a year less to run at 15,000 miles ($812 against $3,359), gets to 60 mph in 4.2 s against 7.4 and passes from 50 to 70 mph in 1.7 s against 5.0. It gives a 5-ft-11 rear passenger more head room (+4.7 in against +2.3), and its hood hides 11 ft of road against 26.
At a glance
| Model Y L | Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price, this trim | $63,630PublishedTesla | $56,435PublishedKia |
| Powertrain | Induction front + permanent-magnet rear motor · Dual motor AWD | 2.5 L turbocharged four with port and direct injection · AWD with electronically controlled rear coupling |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 4.2 sTestedCar and Driver | 7.4 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 170 ft (51.8 m)TestedCar and Driver | 170 ft (51.8 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| EPA combined | no data | 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| EPA efficiency | 114 MPGePublishedEPA | no data |
| EPA range | 328 mi (528 km)PublishedEPA | no data |
| Cargo behind the second row | 38.0 cu ft (1,076 L)PublishedTesla | 49.0 cu ft (1,388 L)TestedCar and Driver |
| Large suitcases, packed | 5Simulatedfrom Tesla | 8Simulatedfrom Kia |
| Seats | 6PublishedTesla | 7Published |
| Crash ratings | No safety rating yet · new for 2027 | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ |
Acceleration
The Model Y L gets to 60 mph 3.2 s sooner: 4.2 s against 7.4 s.
| Model Y L | Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 496 hp (370 kW)PublishedCar and Driver | 274 hp (204 kW)PublishedKia |
| Torque | 405 lb-ft (549 Nm)PublishedMotorTrend | 311 lb-ft (422 Nm)PublishedKia |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 4.2 sTestedCar and Driver | 7.4 sTestedCar and Driver |
| 0–60 mph, our simulation | 4.1 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 7.4 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Passing, 50–70 mph | 1.7 sTestedCar and Driver | 5.0 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Quarter mile | 12.2 sTestedCar and Driver | 15.6 sTestedCar and Driver |
Braking and stopping distance
No meaningful gap between the Model Y L and the Telluride on what we can measure here.
| Model Y L | Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 170 ft (51.8 m)TestedCar and Driver | 170 ft (51.8 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| Braking 60–0 mph, tested | 121 ft (36.9 m)TestedMotorTrend | no data |
| Wet road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 354 ft (108.0 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 354 ft (108.0 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Dry road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 273 ft (83.1 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 273 ft (83.1 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Packed snow from 30 mph, 1 s reaction | 164 ft (50.0 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 164 ft (50.0 m)Simulated, estimated inputsfrom Car and Driver |
Rollover
It takes a 13 mph sideways slide into a curb to roll the Model Y L; the Telluride goes over at 12 mph.
| Model Y L | Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| Sideways slide that trips it into a roll | 13 mph (21 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs | 12 mph (19 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Static stability factor (half-track ÷ CoG height) | 1.39Simulated, estimated inputs | 1.21Simulated, estimated inputs |
Efficiency and running costs
At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the Model Y L costs about $2,547 a year less to run: $812/yr against $3,359/yr.
| Model Y L | Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA combined | no data | 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| EPA efficiency | 114 MPGePublishedEPA | no data |
| EPA range | 328 mi (528 km)PublishedEPA | no data |
| Fuel or charging, 15,000 mi a year | $812/yrDerivedEPA | $3,359/yrDerivedEPA |
| Steady 75 mph, our simulation | 30 kWh/100 mi (18.8 kWh/100 km)Simulatedfrom MotorTrend | 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km)Simulated, estimated inputsfrom Car and Driver |
| Drag coefficient | 0.22PublishedC/D Japan | 0.39EstimateEPA |
Grip, snow and maneuvering
In our simulation the Model Y L corners at up to 0.87 g against 0.81 g for the Telluride.
| Model Y L | Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| Skidpad grip, tested | 0.87 gTestedCar and Driver | no data |
| Cornering grip, our simulation | 0.87 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 0.81 gSimulated, estimated inputsfrom Car and Driver |
| Pulling away on packed snow | 0.27 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 0.27 gSimulated, estimated inputsfrom Car and Driver |
| Turning circle | 41.0 ft (12.5 m)PublishedCarExpert | 39.2 ft (11.9 m)PublishedKia |
| Ground clearance | 6.7 in (17 cm)PublishedTesla | 7.4 in (19 cm)PublishedKia |
| Tires | Hankook iON evo AS SUV all-season · 255/40R20 · 275/40R20TestedCar and Driver | Kumho Majesty X Solus 265/45R21 · 265/45R21TestedCar and Driver |
Space, luggage and fit
Our packing test fits 8 large suitcases in the Telluride and 5 in the Model Y L.
| Model Y L | Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 6PublishedTesla | 7Published |
| Large suitcases, packed | 5Simulatedfrom Tesla | 8Simulatedfrom Kia |
| Carry-ons in the space left | 5Simulatedfrom Tesla | 0Simulatedfrom Kia |
| Cargo behind the second row | 38.0 cu ft (1,076 L)PublishedTesla | 49.0 cu ft (1,388 L)TestedCar and Driver |
| Cargo, seats folded | 85.6 cu ft (2,424 L)PublishedTesla | 89.0 cu ft (2,520 L)TestedCar and Driver |
| Front trunk | 4.1 cu ft (116 L)PublishedTesla | no data |
| Towing | 3,500 lb (1,588 kg)PublishedKBB | 5,000 lb (2,268 kg)PublishedKia |
| Driver head room, 6 ft 4 in driver | +2.6 in (7 cm)Simulatedfrom Tesla | +0.9 in (2 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 11 in driver | +4.7 in (12 cm)Simulatedfrom Tesla | +3.5 in (9 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 4 in driver | +7.5 in (19 cm)Simulatedfrom Tesla | +6.8 in (17 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear head room, 5 ft 11 in passenger | +4.7 in (12 cm)Simulatedfrom Tesla | +2.3 in (6 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear knee room, 5 ft 11 in behind 5 ft 11 in | +3.7 in (9 cm)Simulatedfrom Tesla | +9.6 in (24 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear head and knee, 6 ft 4 in behind 6 ft 4 in | +2.1 in head · −0.6 in kneeSimulatedfrom Tesla | −0.3 in head · +5.3 in kneeSimulated, estimated inputs |
| Front head room, published | 41.6 in (106 cm)PublishedTesla | 40.0 in (102 cm)PublishedKia |
| Rear head room, published | 41.9 in (106 cm)PublishedTesla | 38.9 in (99 cm)PublishedKia |
| Rear leg room, published | 39.7 in (101 cm)PublishedTesla | 43.0 in (109 cm)PublishedKia |
Cabin noise
No meaningful gap between the Model Y L and the Telluride on what we can measure here.
| Model Y L | Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin sound at 70 mph | 67 dBATestedCar and Driver | 66 dBATestedCar and Driver |
Visibility
From the driver’s seat the Model Y L’s hood hides the first 11 ft of road; the Telluride’s hides 26 ft.
| Model Y L | Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| Road hidden in front of the bumper, 5 ft 9 in driver | 11 ft (3.2 m)Simulated | 26 ft (8.0 m)Simulated |
| Ground visible within 33 ft ahead | 65%Simulated | 39%Simulated |
Headlights and night stopping
No meaningful gap between the Model Y L and the Telluride on what we can measure here.
| Model Y L | Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| IIHS headlight rating | no data | GoodTestedIIHS |
| Low beams, straight road (right edge) | no data | 323 ft (98.5 m)TestedIIHS |
| Fastest you can stop inside the low beams | no data | 70 mph (112 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS |
| High beams, straight road (right edge) | no data | 566 ft (172.4 m)TestedIIHS |
Crash safety
No meaningful gap between the Model Y L and the Telluride on what we can measure here.
| Model Y L | Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| IIHS small overlap front | no data | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS moderate overlap front (updated) | no data | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS side (updated) | no data | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS award | no data | 2026 Top Safety Pick+PublishedIIHS |
| Curb weight | 4,673 lb (2,120 kg)TestedCar and Driver | 4,798 lb (2,176 kg)TestedCar and Driver |
Where each one wins
Tesla Model Y L
- At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the Model Y L costs about $2,547 a year less to run: $812/yr against $3,359/yr. DerivedEPADerivedEPA
- The Model Y L gets to 60 mph 3.2 s sooner: 4.2 s against 7.4 s. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- From the driver’s seat the Model Y L’s hood hides the first 11 ft of road; the Telluride’s hides 26 ft. Simulated
- The Model Y L makes 222 hp more: 496 hp against 274 hp. PublishedCar and DriverPublishedKia
- Passing from 50 to 70 mph takes 1.7 s in the Model Y L and 5.0 s in the Telluride. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- A 5-ft-11 rear passenger has +4.7 in of head room in the Model Y L and +2.3 in in the Telluride. Simulatedfrom TeslaSimulated, estimated inputs
- A 6-ft-4 driver has +2.6 in between head and headliner in the Model Y L and +0.9 in in the Telluride. Simulatedfrom TeslaSimulated, estimated inputs
- Drivers see 65% of the ground within 33 ft of the Model Y L’s nose and 39% in the Telluride. Simulated
- In our simulation the Model Y L corners at up to 0.87 g against 0.81 g for the Telluride. Simulatedfrom Car and DriverSimulated, estimated inputsfrom Car and Driver
- It takes a 13 mph sideways slide into a curb to roll the Model Y L; the Telluride goes over at 12 mph. Simulated, estimated inputs
Kia Telluride
- In the trims shown, the Telluride costs $7,195 less: $56,435 against $63,630 for the Model Y L, destination included. PublishedTeslaPublishedKia
- Our packing test fits 8 large suitcases in the Telluride and 5 in the Model Y L. Simulatedfrom TeslaSimulatedfrom Kia
- The Telluride has 11.0 cu ft more cargo space behind its second row: 49.0 cu ft against 38.0 cu ft. PublishedTeslaTestedCar and Driver
- The Telluride is rated to tow 1,500 lb more: 5,000 lb against 3,500 lb. PublishedKBBPublishedKia
- Behind a 5-ft-11 driver, a 5-ft-11 passenger gets +9.6 in of knee room in the Telluride and +3.7 in in the Model Y L. Simulatedfrom TeslaSimulated, estimated inputs
- The Telluride seats 7; the Model Y L seats 6. PublishedTeslaPublished
- The Telluride turns in a 1.8 ft tighter circle: 39.2 ft against 41.0 ft. PublishedCarExpertPublishedKia
Other trims
- Model Y L Premium AWD · on this page
Keep comparing
Sources
- Tesla: Model Y L Premium specifications and price (US) (2026-10)
- Kia America Newsroom: 2027 Telluride MSRP by trim and $1,545 destination (Kia price list; kia.com starting MSRP cross-checked) (2026-10)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2027 Tesla Model Y L (20in Wheels), id 50862 (2026-10)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2027 Kia Telluride AWD (id 50436) and Telluride Hybrid AWD (id 50437) ratings (2026-10)
- Tesla: Model Y Owner’s Manual: Dimensions (Model Y L 6-seater exterior, interior and cargo) (2026-10)
- Kia America Newsroom: 2027 Kia Telluride specifications (gear ratios, weights, interior, cargo) (2026-10)
- Car and Driver: Tested: 2027 Tesla Model Y L Reinvents the Station Wagon (Premium AWD Launch Series) (2026-10)
- Car and Driver: 2027 Kia Telluride Tested: Is the Sequel as Good as the Original? (X-Line SX Prestige AWD) (2026-03)
- MotorTrend: 2027 Tesla Model Y L First Test: Better Ride, Bigger Trade-Offs (2026-10)
- Car and Driver: Tested: 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid Is the High Point of the New Lineup (Hybrid SX Prestige AWD) (2026-04)
- Car and Driver: 2027 Kia Telluride’s Turbo Four Tests Better Than the Hyundai Palisade’s V-6 (both test cars’ data) (2026-03)
- Car and Driver Japan: Tesla Model Y L first drive (Cd 0.216) (2026-07)
- US EPA: Data on cars used for testing fuel economy, MY2026 (Hyundai Palisade and Palisade Hybrid coastdown targets) (2026-01)
- CarExpert: 2026 Tesla Model Y L Premium Long Range dimensions (turning circle, tracks) (2026-10)
- Kelley Blue Book: 2027 Tesla Model Y L specs (towing, curb weight) (2026-10)
- IIHS: 2027 Kia Telluride ratings (small overlap and side from the 2026 Hyundai Palisade) (2026-10)
- IIHS: Two additional models garner Top Safety Pick+ awards (Sep 3, 2026) (2026-09)
Badges: Published figures come from the maker, a regulator or a rating agency; Tested from an independent instrumented test; Simulated are computed by our physics from those inputs (how); Estimate means no published value exists. Confirm figures with the maker or your dealer before you buy.