2025 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Kia Telluride bursts onto the scene with robust power, boasting 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, making it the choice for drivers who crave instant acceleration. Contrast this with the hyper-efficient 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which achieves a stellar 35 combined MPG. The Telluride starts aggressively low at an MSRP of $36,390, significantly undercutting the Highlander Hybrid's $46,820 price tag by over $10,000. While the Kia offers superior passenger muscle, the Toyota redeems itself with an exceptional 13 MPG advantage in efficiency, allowing long-term savings. The Telluride provides more room to haul gear with 21 cu ft of cargo space versus the Hybrid's 16 cu ft, though the Hybrid nets standard All-Wheel Drive against the Kia's FWD setup. This comparison pits brute strength and affordability against hybrid dominance and AWD stability.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Highlander Hybrid’s class-leading 35 combined MPG offers superior cost-of-ownership for daily driving compared to the Telluride's 22 combined MPG.
2025 Kia Telluride
The Telluride offers more practical utility with greater cargo capacity at 21 cubic feet and a substantially lower entry price of $36,390.
2025 Kia Telluride
The Telluride is the clear performance victor, putting down 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque versus the Hybrid's 243 hp.
2025 Kia Telluride
The Telluride wins on upfront value, costing $10,430 less than the Highlander Hybrid while delivering significantly more horsepower.
Choose the Kia Telluride if...
- You prioritize sheer engine power, as the Telluride offers 291 hp.
- Your budget is firm, given the Telluride's $36,390 MSRP versus the Hybrid's $46,820 starting price.
- You need maximum hauling space, benefiting from the Telluride's 21 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...
- Fuel economy is paramount, exemplified by the Highlander Hybrid's 35 combined MPG.
- You require the sure-footed stability of standard All-Wheel Drive in varied conditions.
- You prefer the smooth, consistent acceleration delivered by its continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Telluride | Toyota Highlander Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2 |
| 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 | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm | 243 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 | 35/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 35 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 376.0/488.8 mi. | 598.5/598.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.8 gal. | 17.1 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.9 in. | 39.6 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 | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
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. | 58.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 58.0 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
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 | P235/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody 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 Highlander Hybrid.
What is the performance difference between the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
The Kia Telluride clearly outperforms in raw power, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque from its larger engine. Conversely, the Highlander Hybrid sacrifices some horsepower (243 hp) to focus on efficiency, utilizing its hybrid system for smooth, although less forceful, acceleration.
How does the fuel economy compare for daily commuting?
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid dominates fuel economy with a consistent 35 combined MPG rating. The Kia Telluride lags considerably at 22 combined MPG, which will result in more frequent and expensive stops at the pump over time.
Is the significant price difference justified by the features?
The Telluride saves buyers $10,430 upfront with its $36,390 MSRP, but the Highlander Hybrid includes standard All-Wheel Drive, which costs extra on the base Telluride. You must weigh the initial savings against the inherent AWD benefit of the Toyota.
Which vehicle offers more physical space for passengers and cargo?
The Kia Telluride is physically larger and provides better hauling metrics, offering 21 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Highlander Hybrid’s 16 cubic feet. While both are similarly sized crossovers, the Kia edges out the Toyota in usable rear storage.
Are either of these vehicles using premium fuel?
Fortunately, both the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid are specified to run happily on regular unleaded gasoline, keeping running costs predictable for both powerful and efficient setups.
Which transmission offers a better driving feel between the two crossovers?
Enthusiasts may prefer the traditional feel of the Telluride's 8-speed automatic transmission for more defined gear changes. The Highlander Hybrid utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) designed to keep the engine in its most efficient band.
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