Three impressive luxury features are hitting mainstream SUVs, all spotted at the 2025 LA Auto Show.
The democratization of luxury is happening. These are just a few examples:
1️⃣ Premium Interior Fit and Finish
2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy
The photo shows it but here are some facts: Full-grain Nappa leather across 80-90% of touchpoints. Genuine wood with matte or semi-gloss finishes showing authentic grain patterns. Panel gaps measuring 2-3mm—approaching Mercedes S-Class tolerances of 2mm or less. Micro-perforated seats for ventilation and quilted, colored stitching patterns we expect to see in Range Rovers.
These are the result of Hyundai optimizing manufacturing at their Alabama plant. Other advances include acoustic lamination, (reducing highway noise to 67 decibels and matching Lincoln Navigator), laser-guided panel alignment systems, and responsibly-sourced premium materials.
Price: $61,000
2️⃣ High-Performance Hybrid Powertrains
2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid (3-Row SUV)
The 2027 Telluride, planned for US production in Q1 2026, has a new 2.5L turbo-four cylinder engine with dual electric motors. It delivers 329 hp and 339 lb-ft—outperforming the old V6's 291 hp while achieving 35 MPG combined and an estimated 600-mile range.
To put that in perspective: the Telluride will get to 60 miles per hour in 5.8 seconds, only 0.2 seconds slower than the 2025 BMW X7. However it will also have efficiency comparable to the much-smaller Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
Price: Estimated at $45,000
3️⃣ Active Suspension Systems
Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid
The XC90 now offers Four-C active damping with dual-chamber air springs and road-preview cameras—comparable to the Mercedes Magic Body Control system.
The system was optimized this year, to positive reviews. It now adjusts damping forces 500 times per second, reading road conditions ahead to prepare suspension response before you hit bumps.
Volvo has massively improved interior quality in recent years (like Hyundai and Kia) and is now delivering the luxury-car ride refinement you typically find in Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Land Rover. The BMW X5 is the only competitor with comparable pricing but typical option combinations will likely make it (much) more expensive than the XC90.
Price: $63,000
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