2025 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The central conflict when comparing the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid revolves around upfront cost versus long-term running expenses. The Telluride starts at a competitive MSRP of $36,390, significantly undercutting the Hybrid's $44,210 price tag—a difference of $7,820 right off the bat. However, the Telluride only achieves a combined 22 MPG, while the Grand Highlander Hybrid boasts an impressive 36 MPG combined, a 14 MPG advantage that will yield substantial savings over thousands of miles. Power is another sticking point; the naturally aspirated Kia delivers 291 hp, noticeably eclipsing the Toyota's 245 hp output. For buyers prioritizing immediate savings and a bit more pep in their step, the Kia shines. If long-term efficiency and an extra 5.2 inches in height are more important, the larger, greener Toyota starts to make its case, despite the higher initial investment.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The Grand Highlander Hybrid's exceptional 36 combined MPG makes it far cheaper to run daily than the Telluride's 22 MPG rating.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
While similar in footprint, the Grand Highlander Hybrid's increased height of 72.1 inches and superior fuel economy are better for hauling families reliably.
2025 Kia Telluride
The 2025 Kia Telluride offers a superior 291 horsepower, giving it a distinct performance edge over the hybrid's 245 horsepower.
2025 Kia Telluride
The Telluride wins on upfront value, starting $7,820 cheaper than the Hybrid while still offering respectable power and capability.
Choose the Kia Telluride if...
- You want the lowest possible starting MSRP, as the Telluride comes in at $36,390.
- You prefer more raw power, benefiting from the Telluride's 291 hp engine.
- You don't mind refueling more often, given its 22 combined MPG rating.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid if...
- Long-term running costs are critical, thanks to the excellent 36 combined MPG.
- You need the slight advantage in space provided by its 72.1-inch height and standard AWD.
- You are willing to pay the $7,820 premium for superior fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Telluride | Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.9" | 201.4" |
| Width | 78.3" | 78.3" |
| Height | 68.9" | 72.1" |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 116.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.8 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm | 245 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm | — |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/26 MPG | 37/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 36 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 376.0/488.8 mi. | 636.4/584.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.8 gal. | 17.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.9 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.6 in. | 60.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.9 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.2 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 58.0 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P245/60R18 | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Telluride and 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid.
Is the higher price of the 2025 Grand Highlander Hybrid worth it over the Kia Telluride?
That depends on your driving habits. The Hybrid costs $7,820 more initially, but its 14 MPG advantage (36 MPG vs. 22 MPG) means you will recoup some of that difference through fuel savings over several years of ownership.
Which SUV is faster between the two?
The 2025 Kia Telluride is definitely the quicker vehicle, producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Highlander Hybrid is tuned for efficiency, offering only 245 horsepower.
Does the Kia Telluride have better cargo space than the Toyota?
They are very close, but the Telluride technically offers slightly more space at 21 cubic feet behind the third row compared to the Grand Highlander Hybrid's 20.6 cubic feet.
What is the major drivetrain difference affecting driving feel?
The Telluride comes standard with FWD and an 8-speed automatic transmission, suggesting traditional gear shifts. Conversely, the Grand Highlander Hybrid utilizes an AWD system paired with a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which provides smoother, less distinct acceleration.
How much more fuel-efficient is the Hybrid in city driving?
The efficiency gap is largest in stop-and-go traffic; the Grand Highlander Hybrid is rated at 37 city MPG, crushing the Telluride's 20 city MPG rating.
Are the dimensions very different for parking and garages?
The Grand Highlander Hybrid is longer (201.4 inches vs. 196.9 inches) and significantly taller (72.1 inches vs. 68.9 inches), which might make it feel bulkier in tight parking situations than the Telluride.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool