EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan takes a test drive in a 2026 Kia Telluride HEV X-Line SX-Prestige AWD – the South Korean manufacturer’s more powerful, and more fuel-efficient hybrid electric SUV.
This design is all-new, atop a 2.7-inch longer wheelbase topped with a 2.3-inch longer body. And this second-gen has softened angles that help make it pretty slippery for an SUV. The grill is framed by dual LED stripes with stacked headlight units. The fenders have a faceted shape, which look cool.
Inside, room in front and second rows done in supple, stitched black pleather with woodgrain accents on the dashboard, doors and center console – plus flow-through head restraints. There’s a wide curved dash display incorporating two 12.3-inch screens. Back doors open wide to roomy twin captain’s chairs. And that third-row bench seat offers OK leg room if the second row moves forward. Cargo space is solid.
Under the bonnet, a familiar 2.5-liter inline gas engine with 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, a boost from the regular Telluride’s turbocharged 2.5-liter gas engine with 274 hp. There’s two electric drive motors, one connected to the engine, the other integrated into the 6-speed transmission, with a 1.65-kWh lithium-ion battery. The Telluride HEV easily hits 60 mph in 6.3 seconds in Sport mode – and often averaged 30 mpg.
So read lots more about this – 2026 Kia Telluride HEV Ups Efficiency, Lowers Ride Height – plus more interior and exterior images by EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan. And check out lots more views of EV, PHEV and ICE vehicles at EV Rider.
The nextCaffeine & Octane Jacksonville, is set for 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, on the Southside Boulevard side of The Avenues mall. Gentle reminders – All vehicles parked in the Central Lot Features area must remain in place until the show concludes. If you cannot stay until then, please park in the exhibit lot. And please listen to C&O volunteer staff.
Past events:
First Coast Car Council’s Cruisin’ to the Creek Car Show: Last Saturday, at Trout Creek Memorial Park in Northwest St. Johns County:
The Best in Show:
This award winner is a 1943 Fordson tractor used to move Navy jet fighters on the USS Saratoga deck:
And just some of the rest…
Upcoming events:
The Hicken Power Drag Strip at 543455 U.S. 1 – here’s the schedule through the winter:
The Brumos Collection unveils its newest car – the 1926 Panhard Razor (Lame de Rasoir in French) on Friday, , at the museum at 5159 San Pablo Road S.
The original 1926 Panhard Razor/Brumos Collection
Starting at 6 p.m., Dan Webb and Craig Naff will walk guests through how this recreation came to life, starting from a single piece of metal to the slim and elegant single-seat racer it is now. The Panhard recreates the original, the body built in polished aluminum and steel to achieve an aerodynamic efficiency. Tickets are $59 each, available here – includes soft drinks, beer/wine and light refreshments.
Fall Classic Pontiac-Oakland-GMC Car Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine at 4730 U.S. 1 S. Free to spectators and $30 per show vehicle day of show.
Motore Di Elite: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, at Daytona International Speedway. This event brings together curated supercars, rare collectibles, and purpose-built race machines. Admission is $29.26 per person, kids 12 and under are free with adult ticket holder. There is a “DRIVEN: An Evening of Purpose” fundraiser benefitting the Tim Tebow Foundation featuring curated cocktails, a silent auction, and more.
Stock the Trunk Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, at Crown Point Elementary School, 3800 Crown Point Road. Advance registration for show vehicles is requested here – the registration fee is two large bags of store-bought, individually wrapped candy, which will benefit the school PTA’s Trunk or Treat event, set for 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 30.
The Barn at Maple Car Show/Farmers Market: October 17 at the venue at 545 Cathy Tripp Lane in Jacksonville.
30thannual 8 Flags Car Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, along Centre Street in downtown Fernandina Beach. Spectators are free, and $30 pre-registration for show vehicles can be done here – Corvettes are the featured marque. More information, curated car entry submission and more at motoredielite.com.
Sixth annual Dreamers Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Dreamers Barn at 15395 Yellow Bluff Road. Admission to event is $30 per adult and there is no separate registration charge for vehicles.
Fourth annual Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Immanuel Anglican Church at 915 Orchard Ave. in Keystone Heights.
Fall-O-Ween Festival: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 24 at Northside Church of God at 5252 Dunn Ave. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle – proceeds go to church Kids Ministry. Trunk-or-Treat also happening.
Good Sam Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, at Tanglewood Station at 1241 Blanding Blvd. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle.
Marietta Bullsbay Athletic Association Car Show: 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Jefferson Ballpark at 361 Bullsbay Highway. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle.
The Grand Auto Show: 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Kava & Co. at 223 9th Ave. S. in Jacksonville Beach. Free for spectators and $30 per show vehicle.
Trunk or Treat: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, at Chick-fil-A at 1925 Wells Road in Orange Park. Held by First Coast Car Council and Chick-fil-A.
Black Hammock Island Golf Cart Club Car Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 15770 Sawpit Road. Free for spectators and $30 per show vehicle.
Trunk or Treat Car Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, at Adamec Harley-Davidson at 380 Outlet Mall Blvd. in St. Augustine. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle.
Hillcrest Baptist Church Car Show: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, at the church at 7673 Collins Road.
5thSaturday Cruise In at the Creek Trunk-or-Treat: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Trout Creek Memorial Park at 65550 State Road 13 N.
Rods on the River: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 2352 State Road 13 in Saint Johns. This is a private property, but spectators are free and show vehicle registration is $30 per, or $40 for a premium spot. This is a fundraiser for 6:8 Ministries.
Ponte Vedra Auto Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 8, at 245 Nocatee Center in Ponte Vedra Beach. Free to the public and $63 per show vehicle, advance registration is requested. Show organizers say the event will feature race cars of all types. If you own an open wheel car, road racer, rally car, even a dragster, register to show it at pvautoshow.com/show-car-registration. The show features 200+ classic and collector cars all vying for the show’s awards. The show was also just named the First Place Winner in the “Best Festival” category of The Ponte Vedra Recorder’s 2026 Best of the Best awards.
Third annual Mandarin Athletic Car Show: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 8, at Mandarin Athletic Association ball park at 3740 Burnett Park Road. Free for spectators and $25 day of show for show vehicles.
Pine Royale Holiday Kickoff Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 14, at Pine Royale at 4100 Callahan Club Blvd. Free for spectators and $25 per show vehicle.
The Bimmer Social: 2 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Jacksonville Sports Car Museum at 7601 Centurion Parkway. Staker Productions and Culture Driven have partnered to showcase a BMW M Power display with food trucks, vendors and more. The outdoor showcase will host show-quality cars on display, all makes and models welcome. An exclusive indoor showcase with rare one-off builds. Spectator tickets range from $35 to $100, with access to the museum and grand hall display.
Clay County Cruzers, Callahan Cruisers and Amelia Cruizers all hold regular weekend cruise-ins, so check their Facebook pages.
Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. every second Saturday at The Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. Information: https://bit.ly/3gPRvVQ.
Cruise Fruit Cove: 1 p.m. every third Saturday of the month at the new SAUCY at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns – same site, new name.
**New cruise-in – Pine Royale Car Meet: 9 to 11 a.m. each first Saturday of the month at Pine Royale Golf Club at 4100 Country Club Blvd. in Callahan.
Mr. Chubby’s Wings Classic Cruize-In: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every third Saturday, at the restaurant at 2349 Village Square Parkway in Fleming Island – hosted by Clay County Cruzers.
Yulee Cars & Coffee: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every third Sunday, at 463939 Florida 200, behind Sonic. Free.
Cruise-in: 6 to 9 p.m. every first Monday of each month at the BRIX, 300 2nd St., in Jacksonville Beach – sponsored by the Cadillac Kings.
Cruise-in – PJ’s Cars and Coffee: 7 to 9 a.m. every first Sunday of the month at 3470 Royal Pines Drive in Middleburg
*** Morning Motor Social: On hiatus for the summer – returns in the fall, 8 to 11 a.m. every third Saturday of each month, at Park Place at Nocatee, 100 Palmetto Park Place in Ponte Vedra – free for spectators and show vehicles. Pre-register at morningmotorsocial.com.
North Florida Domestic Car Club’s cruise-in: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on each first Saturday of the month at Culhane’s Irish Pub, 9720 Deer Lake Court off Southside Boulevard.
UB Coffee & Cars: 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. every Sunday at the Urban Bean Coffeehouse Café at 2023 Park Ave. in Orange Park – sponsored by Classic Motorworks.
Duval Car, Truck and Bike Meet: noon to 5 p.m. every first Saturday at 10749 N. Main St.
Rides and Brews: 8 to 10 a.m. each first Saturday of each month at 10618 Deerwood Park Blvd. – held for car clubs and vehicles, organized by vehicle style, by the North Florida Type R/Type S community.
Mod Talk Tuesdays: 5 p.m. every first Tuesday at Tequila’s Mexican Restaurant at 10915 Baymeadows Road. For car, truck and bike enthusiasts.
Cruise-in at the Creek: 9 a.m. to noon every fifth Saturday at Trout Creek Park, 6550 Florida 13 N.
Fernandina Beach Car Meet: 6 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month at Famous Quick Lube, 1707 8th St. Fernandina Beach.
Jeeps and Java: 9 to 11 a.m. each third Sunday of the month at Rummies and Yummies bakery and coffee bar at 1580 Wells Road – a free cruise-in for Jeep owners.
Duval Car, Truck and Bike meet: Free cruise-in from noon to 5 p.m. each 1st and 3rd Saturday at the shopping center at 3000 Dunn Ave.
Orange Blossom Breakfast Show: 8 to 11 a.m. every third Saturday at Orange Blossom Diner at 14329 Beach Blvd., presented by Beaches Classic Cruisers and Carl Bush. But the 3rd Sunday of the month cruise-in at Culhane’s is cancelled.
Amelia Cruizers: 3 to 6 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month, meeting at Townies Pizza, 819 T.J. Courson Road. And
Jax Beach Classic Car Cruise: 4 to 7 p.m. every fourth Tuesday at Latham Plaza, 143 2nd St. N. in Jacksonville Beach. This is a City of Jacksonville Beach sponsored event, but November’s is the last cruise of the year because Deck the Chairs takes over Latham Plaza through December.
****On summer hold due to heat – Cruisin’ Classics Cruise-in: 1 to 4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month on the back lawn of the Elks Lodge at 1855 West Road, off Beach Boulevard – Hamburgers and more on sale.
Wings & Wheels Cruise-in: 2 to 6 pm. each first Saturday at Dicks Wings & Grill at 6055 Youngerman Circle.
Rides and Coffee: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every fourth Sunday at Detail Garage, 9390 Arlington Expressway.
Callahan Cruisers: 4 to 7 p.m. every second Saturday at Hardee’s at 542309 U.S. 1 in Callahan.
Kingsland Cars & Coffee: 9 a.m. to noon every first Saturday, with expanded parking now at Tasty’s at 1607 Georgia 40 in Kingsland.
Yulee Cars and Coffee: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every third Sunday at the Sonic Drive-In at 463939 Florida 200 in Yulee.
Brunch with Cars: noon to 3 p.m. every third Sunday at Pink Salt Restaurant and Wine Bar, 1567 University Blvd. W.
Cars and Gars: noon to 5 p.m. every 1st and third Saturday at Allusion’s restaurant and bar at 5045 Soutel Drive.
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice cruise-in: noon to 3 p.m. every fourth Saturday at the business at 18111 Golden Eagle Way on Fleming Island.
Apex Auto Car Show and Cruise-in: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every third Saturday of the month at Apex Automotive, 9962 San Jose Blvd.
Cars, Bikes and Burgers: 7:30 to 11 p.m. every last Friday of each month at Steak ‘n Shake at 10661 San Jose Blvd.
**UPDATED** Clay County Cruzers’ events: 2 to 5 p.m. every first Saturday at Callahan’s Irish Bistro, 2141 Loch Rane Blvd. in Orange Park; 1 to 4 p.m. the second Saturday of each month at Big Dawg’s at 1330 Blanding Blvd. in Orange Park; 2 to 5 p.m. every third Saturday at Cheers Park Avenue, 1138 Park Ave. in Orange Park; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Gator’s Dockside, 8316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.
**NEW LISTING – Here’s the Pharoah’s of St. John’s cruise-in and show listing for 2026:
Oakleaf Classic Car Cruise-In: 5 p.m. every fourth Friday at Trinity Oakleaf, 710 Oakleaf Plantation Parkway in Orange Park, with food truck – Clay County Cruzers.
Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine events:
The regular monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday. Both cruise-ins are at 4730 U.S. 1 S. Dixie Highway in St. Augustine. And the museum is open Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cars and Coffee Fleming Island: 8 a.m. every fourth Sunday of the month at 2310 Village Square Parkway, Fleming Island.
New cruise-in: 6 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Mission BBQ, 8440 Blanding Blvd. in Jacksonville, hosted by Modern Mustangs of Jacksonville.
New cruise-in: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every fourth Saturday at the Rockin’ 50’s Eatery at 3501 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd. in St. Augustine.
Show and Tell: 6 to 9 p.m. every fourth Thursday at Advance Auto Parts at 10014 Atlantic Blvd.
Azalea City Cruisers: Monthly cruise-in from 5 to 8 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Velchoffs Corner, 105 N. 2nd St. in Palatka.
Historic Springfield Main Street Cruise: 3 p.m. every fourth Saturday between 8th and 17th streets at Main Street in Jacksonville’s Springfield community.
