Kia Telluride vs Toyota Highlander

The new Kia Telluride packs a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, all routed through a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission.

Families who want even greater output can opt for the Turbo Hybrid variant, which bumps things up to 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft.

The new Toyota Highlander takes a different route entirely by going all-electric. Its AWD models deliver 338 combined system horsepower, though the FWD configuration drops down to 221 horsepower.

The Highlander offers estimated driving ranges between 270 and 320 miles depending on the battery and drivetrain. The Telluride, meanwhile, gives drivers up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, making it ideal for boat days and trailer hauls across Broward County.

The Kia Telluride stands tall in the space department. With a 199.2-inch overall length and 116.9-inch wheelbase, the cabin delivers class-leading second-row legroom and improved third-row accessibility.

Maximum cargo volume reaches an impressive 86.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and there are still 22.3 cubic feet available behind the third row when all seats are occupied. The Highlander measures 198.8 inches in length and provides 45.6 cubic feet of cargo behind the folded third row.

While that is still practical, the Telluride edges ahead in total usable space. Both vehicles seat seven, though the Kia Telluride offers configurations for up to eight passengers with an available second-row bench.

Standard across every Kia Telluride trim, a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with navigation pairs with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. Higher trims unlock:

• 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system
• 12-inch head-up display
• Surround View Monitor
• Seven USB-C ports
• Dual wireless phone charger

Safety is equally loaded, with 10 airbags, Highway Driving Assist 2.0, Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, and Blind-Spot View Monitor available on SX trims and above.

The Highlander answers with a 14-inch touchscreen, Toyota Safety Sense™ 4.0, and vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology, which is a feature that allows the vehicle to serve as a portable power source for appliances and electronics.

Still, the Telluride's broader suite of standard driver-assistance features across all trims gives it a clear advantage for everyday protection.

Variety is a huge part of what makes the new Telluride so appealing. With ten distinct configurations (including adventurous X-Line and trail-ready X-Pro trims), buyers have the freedom to choose a model that matches their driving habits. The Highlander offers two grades, XLE and Limited, with more to be announced ahead of its coming launch.

Kia backs every Telluride with an industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, a level of long-term assurance that Toyota simply lacks in its current lineup.