2022 Toyota Highlander vs Kia Telluride

The Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride offer customers a practical ride, with three rows of seats plus capable powertrains that provide both ruggedness and comfort. But which SUV offers better value for money? With 11 trims available in the Highlander versus only four on an entry-level Telluride, deciding between these two remarkable vehicles can be difficult - this detailed comparison seeks to answer common questions faced by potential buyers while making sense of each vehicle's unique features.

 

The Powertrain

The standard engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that can make 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This is a nice amount of capability that many will appreciate. This engine works in cooperation with a direct shift eight-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. Both front-wheel and all-wheel drive are available. With all-wheel drive, a Highlander could also have a Multi-Terrain Select feature that comes with mud and sand, rock and dirt, and normal driving modes.

Driving enthusiasts searching for a reliable, efficient alternative to the V6 should consider this innovative hybrid system. Combining a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor and continuously variable transmission, it offers 243 net horsepower of performance without sacrificing fuel economy - perfect for anyone looking to take their ride up another gear while still enjoying maximum efficiency.

Hybrid Highlanders boast an array of exciting features for the driver, including a range of driving modes such as sport, eco and EV. Those with all-wheel drive take it one step further - adding trail mode to their repertoire, powered by two electric motors in front specially designed to grip the road securely plus another motor powering rear wheels so you can conquer any terrain that comes your way.

With the XSE trim, Highlanders take their performance to a whole new level. This sport-tuned suspension allows drivers an improved handling experience that’s perfect for carving turns and amping up speeds on the open roads. Those with more aggressive driving habits can enjoy pushing their vehicle further than ever before thanks to this powerful upgrade.

The Highlander's Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system is designed to provide superior control and performance with an impressive ability to send more power where it needs most. Whether you're navigating winding roads or wet terrain, the enhanced all-wheel drive can help your SUV stay firmly in command of any situation.

Kia Telluride's trims offer limited variance when it comes to what powers them. All four models come equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine, capable of generating 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque - similar performance levels as that in the Toyota Highlander non-hybrid edition. Adding further potency is an eight-speed automatic transmission which has been electronically altered for more efficiency – again akin to regular Hybrid Highland’s componentry.

Telluride customers have the option to choose from either front-wheel or all-wheel drive, with a bonus of AWD lock and snow mode for extra traction in icy conditions. Plus, this impressive vehicle comes equipped with torque vectoring cornering control as well as four adjustable driving modes – Comfort, Eco Sport and Smart – so it can adapt to your various needs when you're on the road. For an added touch of luxury, there's also self-leveling rear suspension designed precisely for those times that excess cargo may cause some cabin instability.

Towing capacity on the Telluride is 5,000 pounds. This is the same as the towing capacity on non-hybrid Toyota Highlanders. Hybrid Highlanders can tow up to 3,500 pounds, so this may be something that some buyers may want to keep in mind.

Fuel efficiency is not one of the Telluride's strengths, unfortunately. With all-wheel drive, it can earn up to 19 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway. Front-wheel-drive models fare a bit better, but not much. They have an estimated fuel economy of 20 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway.

Fuel efficiency is a key factor for many car buyers, and the Highlander gives you an edge. The standard model offers 21 mpg in town and 29 on highways - plus all-wheel drive capability around 20/27 city/hwy respectively. So if efficiency matters more to your commute than off-road performance, have confidence knowing that the Highlander has got it covered.

The new hybrid Highlander offers a serious edge over other SUVs: its fuel efficiency. With up to 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on highways, this is one SUV that won't cost you an arm and leg at the gas pump - making it ideal for any budget-conscious buyer.

Drivability

The SUVs tower impressively above the ground, standing eight inches tall. Of course, there are differences between them: although only slightly larger than its counterpart, the Telluride is two inches longer and wider than that of a Highlander - giving it an ever more commanding presence on any given road.

As one would imagine, the larger size of the Telluride translates into it having more interior space. It has 41.4, 42.4, and 31.4 inches of leg room in its first, second, and third rows, respectively. That third row isn't that roomy, but it's bigger than what the Highlander offers.

In the Toyota, third-row passengers only have 27.7 inches of leg room. This would certainly make for a tight squeeze for adults and taller children. Space in the other rows of the Highlander isn't an issue, with there being 41 inches of second-row leg room and 42 inches of first-row leg room.

Put comfort and spaciousness at the center of your ride! With a pair of captain's chairs in place of bench seating, passengers can easily spread out for maximum relaxation. The open area between them adds to their overall sense freedom - no cramped quarters here.

In terms of carrying cargo, it's a similar story. The Highlander can hold plenty, just not as much as the Telluride can. The Toyota's maximum cargo capacity, when the rear seats have been folded down, is 84.3 cubic feet. Behind its second row of seats, it has 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space, and there is 16 cubic feet of storage space in the back, behind the last row of seats.

Maximum cargo capacity in the Kia Telluride is 87 cubic feet. It has 46 cubic feet of space behind its second row, which is not as much as the Highlander offers. However, it has more space in the back. Behind its third row of seats, it has 21 cubic feet of storage space. This will make it the more practical choice for some potential buyers.

Taking the wheel of a three-row SUV is an experience like no other! You can immerse yourself in comfort with features such as automatic climate control and heated or ventilated front seats. On Kia's Telluride, you'll get two temperature zones plus auto defogging capabilities; while Toyota's Highlander boasts thrice the chill factor with its own second row controller pad. Bask in total luxury when you choose one of these great options today.

Both models can be upgraded with heated second-row seats and ambient lighting. The Telluride is available with ventilation in its second row and a heated steering wheel. Further, these SUVs can have auto-dimming rearview mirrors to make it easier to see other vehicles at night. A higher trim of the Highlander could have a digital rearview mirror that displays a live video feed using a rear-facing camera at the back of the vehicle.

One of the great things about these two vehicles is that they're packed with high-tech components. The Highlander comes standard with five USB ports and is available with wireless charging. It can either have an eight-inch or a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa. The larger touchscreen is automatically equipped with navigation. Navigation isn't available on the lower trims, but it can be added on to mid-level trims, even if they have the smaller touchscreen. Lower trims have six speakers, while higher trims could have up to 11 JBL speakers to enhance audio quality.

Each 2022 Kia Telluride has a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, so this gives it an advantage over the Highlander. Again, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, but the Kia does not have Amazon Alexa. It, too, starts out with a six-speaker sound system, and its higher trims have ten Harman Kardon speakers. The Telluride can either have a total of six or seven USB ports, and most of its trims have wireless charging.

Safety

The safety of drivers is a top priority for the Highlander and Telluride models, which come equipped with an advanced suite of driver-assist technologies to assist them on their journeys. Accidents can be unpredictable, but pre-collision warnings alert you when potential collisions may be around the corner while automatic emergency braking helps reduce risk if unexpected situations arise. Lane keep assist also ensures your car stays firmly in its designated lane - helping make every journey as safe and secure as possible.

One difference is that the Telluride comes standard with blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Not only that, it also has mitigation abilities that go along with those monitoring systems. In other words, the Telluride doesn't just warn drivers about vehicles that drivers may not be able to see; it can hit the brakes or correct steering so that a driver hopefully doesn't hit a vehicle that he/she wasn't aware of. On the Toyota, blind spot and rear cross-traffic monitoring are standard on all the trims except the base model, but there isn't a corresponding mitigation component.

Further, the Telluride has some additional programs. One of them is called Safe Exit Assist. It lets passengers know when it's safe to open the doors and exit the vehicle after it's been parked. This can be useful after parallel parking on busy city streets. Another one is called Driver Attention Warning and helps to ensure that people are focused on the roads.

This dynamic duo of vehicles offers drivers a wealth of state-of-the art technology to make the everyday drive extraordinary! With features like a surround view monitor, head up display and blind spot view monitor, you're sure to have extra peace of mind on busy roads. Adaptive cruise control takes it one step further - not only does this feature provide convenience but works in tandem with navigation info so your car automatically adjusts its speed for any sharp turns or curves ahead.

Which Has the Best Value?

Kia Telluride offers an incredible combination of power, performance and features at a reasonable price. Drivers looking for value can choose from the base $33,390 trim to their top-of-the-line SX model around $43,300 - no wonder it's become such a popular choice on our highways.

The L trim of the Highlander is the most budget-friendly one available. It costs $35,855. There are modest price increases when moving up through the lineup, with hybrids costing about $1,500 more than their non-hybrid counterparts. The nicest trim available is the Platinum. It costs approximately $48,000, and the Hybrid Platinum has a price of $49,510.

When it comes to the two popular SUV models, the Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride offer a close comparison. Both vehicles feature great interior features, modern design aesthetics, and excellent capability but when value is considered there's no contest - The Telluride wins hands down! With its abundant roominess & comprehensive safety/technology package included as standard equipment this model has proven itself far more economical than its counterpart.

 

Which Is Better?

Those looking for a spacious three-row SUV that offers advanced features and doesn't break the bank should consider the Kia Telluride. It's packed with cutting edge equipment, boasts an incredibly comfortable interior, and provides unbeatable value all around - truly giving you more bang for your buck.

However, if a buyer is specifically looking for a vehicle that is efficient, then the Highlander would be the better choice. It comes in multiple hybrid trims that do a relatively good job of conserving fuel.

Another point working in favor of the Highlander is that it's offered in some more unique trims. The XSE has sport suspension, several higher trims can be upgraded with dynamic torque vectoring AWD, and the Bronze Edition, for instance, has some exterior details that help it to stand out in a crowd.