Kia Telluride vs. Toyota Highlander: Choosing the Right Three-Row SUV

For Branford families, choosing the perfect three-row SUV is important. Whether you're heading to school, going on family trips, or spending the day at Hammonasset Beach, your SUV needs to be reliable and spacious. At Premier Kia, we often get asked which SUV is better-the Kia Telluride or the Toyota Highlander? Here's a detailed comparison.

 

Space and Comfort: Making Room for Everyone

The Kia Telluride is popular for its spacious interior, perfect for large families or carrying sports equipment: 

  • Plenty of legroom in all three rows. 
  • Available heated and ventilated seats, even in the rear. 
  • 87 cubic feet of cargo space when seats are folded.

The Toyota Highlander also seats up to eight people but has slightly less room in the third row: 

  • Seating for up to eight passengers (seven in higher trims). 
  • Less comfortable third-row seating for adults. 
  • 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space available.

If extra space is a priority, the Kia Telluride clearly stands out.

Performance: Handling Connecticut Roads

Connecticut driving demands a versatile vehicle. Let's see how these SUVs compare: 

  • Kia Telluride: 291-horsepower V6, towing up to 5,500 pounds, optional all-wheel drive. 
  • Toyota Highlander: 265-horsepower turbocharged engine or hybrid engine, maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

Both vehicles offer optional all-wheel drive for better handling in Connecticut's weather. The Highlander Hybrid is excellent for fuel savings, but the Telluride offers greater power and confidence for highway driving and long road trips.


 

Features and Technology: Keeping Families Connected

Modern families expect advanced technology. Here's what each SUV provides: 

  1. Kia Telluride: Standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and an optional head-up display. 
  2. Toyota Highlander: Up to a 12.3-inch touchscreen; however, wireless smartphone integration isn't standard across all models.

Both models feature essential safety technologies, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. For detailed safety ratings, you can check the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Value and Warranty: Long-Term Confidence

Here's where Kia shines. Every new Kia Telluride includes: 

  • 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. 
  • 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty coverage. 
  • Competitive pricing compared to higher-trim Highlanders.

Toyota Highlander offers a solid 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty but can't match Kia's comprehensive coverage. To learn why warranties matter, visit this guide from Consumer Reports.