Toyota Highlander vs. Kia Telluride: Which One’s Best for me?

The Toyota Highlander and the Kia Telluride seem related to 1 one more given that the two deliver ease and comfort and type. The Toyota Highlander is excellent on the highway. On the other hand, the Kia Telluride is known for its off-street abilities. As we delve deeper, it gets distinct that every motor vehicle has its strengths and weaknesses. The query is, which one’s very best for you?

When it’s time to getting an SUV, you expect to do a great deal of research—and you ought to! There are so several alternatives that it can be tough to feel like you’ve narrowed down your listing to the best choices. This phone calls for a beneficial useful resource like this Toyota Highlander vs. Kia Telluride comparison. Read on to learn more about these two fantastic SUVs.

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Review Summary

The Toyota Highlander has a spacious interior and numerous regular safety features. It is also amid the most fuel-productive a few-row SUVs in its course. So, if you want to preserve funds on fuel, the Toyota Highlander is your very best guess. It even has an previously mentioned-common predicted reliability rating.

The Kia Telluride has a special cabin. Its upscale supplies and eye-catching styling make it come to feel more like an pricey luxurious SUV than an inexpensive family members hauler. There are over 20 cubic feet of baggage area behind the 3rd-row seats, which is considerably much more than you’ll locate in some other 3-row SUVs. The second row slides again and forth to aid you improve passenger or cargo room as essential. So, if you want an SUV for a big household, go for Kia Telluride.

At a Glance

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Image Credit: Left – (Toyota Highlander ) BONDART PHOTOGRAPHY, Shutterstock | Right – (KIA Telluride) Mike Mareen, Shutterstock
Toyota Highlander is for people who prefer:
  • 5-liter engine
  • 295 horsepower at 6,600 rpm
  • 263 foot-pounds of torque
  • 8-speed automatic transmission
  • EPR rating of 21 mpg (city) and 29 mpg (highway)
  • 5-liter hybrid version and all-wheel drive
  • Maximum seating capacity of 8 passengers
  • 3 cubic feet of cargo volume
Kia Telluride is for people who prefer:
  • 8-liter V6 engine
  • 291 horsepower at 6,000 rpm
  • 262 foot-pounds of torque
  • 8-speed automatic transmission
  • EPR rating of 10 mpg (city) and 26 mpg (highway)
  • All-wheel drive
  • Maximum seating capacity of 8 passengers
  • 0 cubic feet of cargo volume

car and road dividerOverview of Toyota Highlander

Toyota Highlande
Image Credit: BONDART PHOTOGRAPHY, Shutterstock

Do you want an affordable SUV that is packed with functions? If yes, the Toyota Highlander is really worth a lengthy search. If you are completely ready to acquire a new SUV, carry on studying this evaluation as we go over its important functions.

Engine and Transmission

The Toyota Highlander has a V6 motor. It creates 295 horsepower and arrives with a standard 6-speed transmission. It sends power to possibly the front wheels for front-wheel travel (FWD) or all 4 for all-wheel drive (AWD).

Two engines can electrical power the SUV. Every single is mated to an eight-velocity computerized transmission.

Fuel Economy

The Toyota Highlander has an EPA ranking of 21/29 (metropolis/freeway) with its base V6 motor. The hybrid model receives up to an EPA-approximated 34/30 miles for each gallon, making it a single of the most fuel-efficient SUVs. The gasoline economic climate of your Toyota Highlander differs primarily based on the design, yr, trim, and engine size.

Interior Features

The Highlander can seat up to eight individuals, but you can also configure it to have as number of as 5 seats if you really do not require as significantly place. The 2nd-row seating can even slide ahead or backward, which helps make it easier for rear travellers to get to the again row. This SUV also has second-row bench seats or captain’s chairs. An available again seat DVD amusement program will preserve your travellers engaged on prolonged street excursions.

The inside has enough headroom and legroom, so every person can stretch out on more time excursions. Heated entrance seats will keep you warm although cold weather conditions lingers.

The Entune audio method gives navigation and site visitors updates. It even attributes Bluetooth connectivity for fingers-totally free mobile phone phone calls.

Cargo Space

Cargo area is one spot exactly where the Toyota Highlander shines. With all seats in location, you have 16. cubic ft of luggage space right after the third row to perform with. It’s more than ample to fit a handful of baggage or suitcases. You can fold down the third row to open up 48.four cubic ft of cargo area if you need more area.

You are going to get eighty four.three cubic ft of overall cargo area when you fold the two rear rows. That is lots of place for these large searching outings or weekend getaways. Also, this SUV has a towing capacity of 3,500 to five,000 pounds.

Driver Assistance and Safety Features

The Highlander has a complete suite of optional active safety functions. It offers customers a degree of self-assurance handful of opponents can match. It has blind-place monitoring and rear cross-traffic warn.

All variations arrive with normal driver assistance functions. It includes automated emergency brakes and ahead-collision warnings with pedestrian detection.

Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Its interior features are refined
  • Better-than-average handling
  • It gives you a comfortable ride
  • Excellent fuel economy
  • Clear outward visibility
Cons
  • Cramped third-row seating
  • Small cargo space
  • Moves like a heavy vehicle

car and road dividerOverview of Kia Telluride

Kia Telluride
Image Credit: Steve Lagreca, Shutterstock

Kia has manufactured a massive splash in the SUV segment with the new Telluride. The Kia Telluride is an exceptional SUV on the industry. It’s attaining recognition and is commencing to contend with some wonderful cars in its class.

Right here are numerous fantastic functions of this SUV:

Engine and Transmission

A V6 motor powers the Kia Telluride. It has 291 horsepower, and the motor is paired with an eight-speed transmission.

There is an AWD option on the two lower trims. The AWD method delivers up to 50% of torque to the again wheels. It also makes use of a centre differential to transfer torque from the entrance to the rear axle.

Fuel Economy

The Kia Telluride has a mixed gas financial system rating of 23 mpg, which is about regular for the class and comparatively great for a motor vehicle of its size.

Interior Features

This SUV has a seating capability of up to eight men and women. It has heated front seats, leather-based upholstery, and ventilated entrance seats. It also has heated 2nd-row seats and a heated steering wheel with comfortable-touch surfaces and comfortable seating in all rows.

This SUV has two sets of LATCH vehicle-seat connectors. Also, the center seat has a prime tether anchor. The middle anchors are user-helpful simply because they are on rigid bases instead than straps. Even so, the tether anchors are established deep in the seatbacks and are fairly tough to access.

Cargo Space

The Telluride will come with several sensible features to make daily life less complicated for house owners of this spacious SUV. The 2nd row slides forward and backward, permitting you to maximize area for individuals or luggage as necessary. The next-row seats also fold down practically flat, which tends to make it easier to load prolonged items, this sort of as snowboards, skis, or golfing clubs.

When you fold the next and 3rd-row seats, the Telluride has up to 87. cubic toes of baggage space. That indicates there’s loads of place for your family’s luggage, tenting equipment, or other critical objects. This SUV’s towing potential is 5,000 kilos.

Driver Assistance and Safety Features

The Kia Telluride gives the newest driver support technologies to maintain you safe on the highway. The Blind-Place Collision Warning characteristic alerts you if an additional vehicle enters your blind spot. Lane Maintaining Help attributes also keep you centered in your lane. The Kia Telluride even has an Offered Lane Pursuing Assist that keeps you in your lane at freeway speeds. It controls acceleration, braking, and steering inputs.

Pros
  • Spacious, high-quality cabin
  • Easy-to-use infotainment system
  • Large cargo space
  • Smooth interior finishes
  • Plenty of safety features
Cons
  • Only one powertrain available
  • Base trims are somewhat expensive

car and road dividerHow Do They Compare?

The Toyota Highlander and the Kia Telluride are two comparable eight-passenger SUVs. Equally boast generous cargo capability, relaxed interiors, and condition-of-the-artwork features and security attributes.

Let’s appear at many variations amongst these two SUVs.

Interior Features and Technology

Edge: Kia Telluride

The Toyota Highlander has a much more upscale interior than the Kia Telluride. Nevertheless, the Telluride has more sophisticated technological innovation functions. It is acknowledged for its deluxe interior and numerous standard tech functions. So, it must appear as no shock that it beats the Toyota Highlander in this class.

The Kia Telluride comes with a standard 10.twenty five-inch touchscreen exhibit. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander only will come with an eight-inch screen.

Engine and Transmission

Edge: Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander’s regular powertrain is a 295-horsepower, three.5-liter V6 engine. On the other hand, the Kia Telluride has a potent 291 horsepower, 3.eight-liter V6 motor. It is paired with an 8-pace automated transmission as effectively.

The two crossovers supply AWD as an alternative. It is normal with the top two trims (Limited and Hybrid Constrained) for the Toyota Highlander. Also, it is available with every trim amount, such as base LX designs in the Kia Telluride.

Fuel Efficiency

Edge: Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is the far better decision over the Kia Telluride if your aim is a gas-efficient crossover.

The Toyota Highlander has an EPA ranking of 24 mpg blended and 21/29 mpg (city/freeway). The Kia Telluride has an EPA ranking of 21 mpg blended and 20/26 mpg in the town and on the highway.

Interior Dimensions

Edge: Kia Telluride

Convenience is a big portion of car shopping. Comparing inside proportions can aid you figure out which of the two types will be far more comfortable for you.

The Kia Telluride has far more headroom than the Toyota Highlander for front and rear passengers. The Kia Telluride gives 40.9 inches of headroom, while the Toyota Highlander gives only 39.seven inches in the front row. The distinction is much less pronounced in the next row.

Also, the Toyota Highlander has 141.3 cubic toes of passenger quantity. The Kia Telluride provides 178.one cubic toes of passenger quantity.

Cost

Edge: Kia Telluride

The value of a Toyota Highlander begins from $35,205 and comes in five foundation trims. They contain XLE, LE, Restricted, Platinum, and TRD Off-Road.

The Telluride begins at $32,790 but comes in much less trim options. These trims incorporate LX, S, EX, and SX trim stages. The maximum-priced versions of these autos are close in cost.

A totally loaded Highlander tops out at $47,560, whilst the most costly Telluride has a $42,690 sticker value.

Passenger and Cargo Space

Edge: Kia Telluride

When you are purchasing a a few-row SUV, your travellers are very likely your precedence. Each SUVs have place for 7 or eight individuals, depending on the product.

The Kia Telluride has far more passenger place than the Toyota Highlander in most rows. But, the variation is minimum. When it will come to cargo place, there is nevertheless no contest right here. The Telluride has a bigger cargo place guiding its 3rd row in comparison to the Highlander. The Telluride is considerably better for hauling luggage or groceries on loved ones excursions.

What the Users Say

We’ve investigated different resources about what customers are saying about these two midsize SUVs. Here’s how the Telluride stacks up against the Highlander primarily based on what customers are expressing about them.

The Toyota Highlander is a common SUV with families because it’s trustworthy, relaxed, and useful. There is plenty of place in all 3 rows of seating for grown ups on short journeys. The experience quality is easy more than most surfaces.

Also, customers like it owing to its gasoline effectiveness. Even though owners appreciate that the Highlander has healthful cargo area, they want it experienced far more area behind the 2nd-row seats.

On the other hand, consumers say that the Kia Telluride is an extraordinary SUV. It has a lot of place for passengers and their gear. Also, it fees considerably less when compared to Toyota Highlander. It is an off-street SUV, but some customers don’t desire it due to the fact it is not fuel-productive.

car and road dividerConclusion

The Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride are excellent SUVs. Equally supply numerous rewards, but it is challenging to know which one is much better.

You’ll adore how tranquil Toyota Highlander can be after you start off rolling down the freeway. Nevertheless, the Kia Telluride will amaze you with its tech attributes after you get in. This SUV performs a lot better than the Toyota Highlander. It is the best off-road SUV that can haul huge cargo and is much more potent. Regardless, it is up to you to choose which one particular is proper for your requirements and life-style.

Sources

 


Showcased Picture credit score: Left: Toyota Highlander (Picture Credit score: Kevauto, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.) | Appropriate: Image Credit score: Steve Lagreca, Shutterstock

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