Overview & Trim Lineups
Toyota Grand Highlander
- New 2025 base LE trim starts at ~$40,860 MSRP, fits up to 8 passengers with bench seat
- Other trims: XLE (~$45 080), Limited, and Platinum up to ~$55 495
Kia Telluride
- Starts significantly lower at ~$36,390 for the LX FWD
- Range up to ~$55K for top SX‑Prestige or X‑Pro trims
Performance & Powertrains
Toyota Grand Highlander
- 2.4 L turbo I4 (265 hp, 310 lb‑ft) with result of ~8.3 s 0–60 mph in AWD tests
- Hybrid (2.5 L + electric motors): ~245 hp, best fuel efficiency (~36 mpg combined)
- Hybrid Max: 362 hp, 400 lb‑ft, 0–60 mph in ~5.6 s, AWD standard, ~34 mpg combined
Kia Telluride
- 3.8 L V6 (291 hp, 262 lb‑ft), 0–60 mph around 6.9–7.1 s depending on variant
- No hybrid option; fuel economy around 22 city / 26 hwy mpg
Dimensions, Seating & Cargo
Size & Seating
| Vehicle | Length | Seating |
|---|---|---|
| Highlander | ~201.4″ | Up to 8 |
| Telluride | ~196.9″ | Up to 8 |
- Grand Highlander longer wheelbase (~116.1″ vs 114.2″)
Interior Room (front / second / third row legroom)
- Toyota: 41.7″ / 39.5″ / 33.5″
- Kia: 41.4″ / 42.4″ / 31.4″
Cargo Volumes (3rd row folded / max)
- Grand Highlander: ~20.6 cu ft (3rd row up), ~97.5 cu ft max
- Telluride: ~21 cu ft (3rd up), ~87 cu ft max
Interior Technology & Comfort
Toyota Grand Highlander
- Standard 12.3″ infotainment screen + 7″ gauge; higher trims get full 12.3″ digital cluster
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 7 USB‑C ports (including third row), wireless charging
- JBL 11-speaker system, head‑up display, digital rearview mirror (Limited/Platinum)
Kia Telluride
12.3″ infotainment + 12.3″ gauge cluster standard across trims
Six USB ports, wireless/Android Auto available except base trim, optional Harman Kardon 10-speaker audio
Build & Finish
- Kia generally praised for a more upscale cabin feel, quilted Nappa leather in higher trims, firmer panel quality
Safety & Driver Assistance
Toyota (Safety Sense 3.0):
- Standard: AEB with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, road sign recognition
- Available: 360° camera, parking sensors, Traffic Jam Assist (Limited/Platinum)
Kia Telluride:
- Rated IIHS Top Safety Pick+, 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating
- Includes standard highway assist, blind-spot monitoring, AEB, and more
Fuel Economy & Efficiency
- Grand Highlander non-hybrid: ~20 city / 28 hwy mpg; combined ~24 mpg
- Hybrid …: ~36 mpg combined (2.5L hybrid); Hybrid Max yields ~34 mpg
- Telluride: ~20–22 city / 24–26 hwy; ~22 mpg combined
Pricing & Value
- Grand Highlander: MSRP $40,860–$55,495 depending on trim; entry price ~ $40 860; hybrid adds ~$45–60k
- Telluride: MSRP $36,390–$55,100; lower base price, strong value especially in EX and SX trims
- Warranty: Kia offers 5/60k basic and 10/100k powertrain vs. Toyota’s 3/36k and 5/60k (basic/powertrain)
Summary & Recommendation
Choose Toyota Grand Highlander if you want:
- Hybrid or Hybrid‑Max for superior fuel economy and powerful performance
- Maximum cargo capacity (up to ~97.5 cu ft)
- Better 3rd‑row space for adults, and more standard tech features
- Toyota's reliability, resale value, and fuel-efficiency edge
Choose Kia Telluride if you prefer:
- Lower starting price
- Opulent interior feel and build quality
- Long-term confidence with class-leading warranty
- Proven V6 performance and strong IIHS crash ratings
Both excel as practical and comfortable 3‑row SUVs. If eco-friendliness and range are priorities, Toyota’s hybrid lineup is compelling; while value and warranty-conscious buyers may gravitate toward the Telluride.