2025 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Toyota Highlander
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Kia Telluride launches with undeniable curb presence and a robust 291 hp engine, contrasting sharply with the efficiency-focused 2025 Toyota Highlander. The Telluride thrills with higher peak power and a lower entry price point of $36,390, making its 291 hp feel instantly accessible. Conversely, the Highlander prioritizes mileage, achieving a superior 25 MPG combined, significantly beating the Telluride's 22 MPG combined rating, despite having 26 fewer horsepower at 265 hp. While both are substantial crossovers—the Telluride measures 196.9 inches long versus the Highlander's 194.9 inches—the Highlander leans into torque dominance with 310 lb-ft versus the Telluride's 262 lb-ft. This contest pits raw power and budget savings against fuel economy and low-end pulling strength in the midsize crossover segment.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Highlander wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 25 MPG combined versus the Telluride's 22 MPG combined.
2025 Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride offers more usable interior space with 21 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft.
2025 Kia Telluride
Enthusiasts will prefer the 2025 Kia Telluride's higher peak output of 291 horsepower for more spirited acceleration.
2025 Kia Telluride
The Telluride holds a significant value advantage by starting at $36,390, undercutting the Highlander's $40,320 MSRP by nearly $4,000.
Choose the Kia Telluride if...
- Your primary concern is budget, as the Telluride undercuts the Highlander by $3,930 starting MSRP.
- You need maximum utility, demonstrated by its 21 cu ft of cargo capacity versus 16 cu ft in the competition.
- You prioritize maximum horsepower, as the Telluride delivers 291 hp compared to the Highlander's 265 hp.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- Fuel economy is paramount, given the Highlander’s excellent 25 MPG combined rating.
- You need strong low-end pulling power, thanks to the Highlander's superior 310 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer a slightly narrower and shorter vehicle, as the Highlander is 76.0 inches wide compared to the Telluride's 78.3 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Telluride | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.9" | 194.9" |
| Width | 78.3" | 76.0" |
| Height | 68.9" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 112.2" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.8 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/26 MPG | 22/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 376.0/488.8 mi. | 393.8/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.8 gal. | 17.9 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 | 8.0 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. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.6 in. | 59.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.9 in. | 57.2 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. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.2 in. | 58.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 58.0 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P245/60R18 | P235/65R V |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| 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. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Telluride and 2025 Toyota Highlander.
Which crossover is cheaper to purchase initially?
The 2025 Kia Telluride is the clear winner on initial outlay, with an MSRP of $36,390. This saves buyers $3,930 compared to the 2025 Toyota Highlander, which starts at $40,320.
How do the performance figures compare between these two models?
The Telluride boasts more horsepower, putting out 291 hp versus the Highlander's 265 hp. However, the Highlander counters with superior torque, generating 310 lb-ft to the Telluride's 262 lb-ft.
Is the Toyota Highlander significantly more fuel-efficient for daily driving?
Yes, the Highlander offers better running costs with a combined 25 MPG rating, beating the Telluride's 22 MPG combined. This efficiency difference persists on the highway, where the Highlander achieves 29 MPG versus the Telluride's 26 MPG.
Which vehicle offers better cargo space?
The 2025 Kia Telluride provides substantially more room for gear, offering 21 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats. The 2025 Toyota Highlander provides 16 cubic feet in the same configuration.
Are both vehicles heavy drinkers, requiring premium fuel?
Fortunately, both the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2025 Toyota Highlander operate efficiently on regular unleaded gasoline, keeping refueling costs reasonable.
What is the difference in overall size between the two SUVs?
The Kia Telluride is slightly longer at 196.9 inches compared to the Highlander’s 194.9 inches, and it is noticeably wider at 78.3 inches versus 76.0 inches for the Toyota.
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