2025 Kia Telluride vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Kia Telluride ignites the road with a spirited 291 hp V6 engine, offering traditional power and immediate responsiveness for those who crave engagement behind the wheel, despite its 22 combined MPG rating. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid dazzles with its remarkable efficiency, achieving an exceptional 34 combined MPG, significantly outpacing the Telluride’s fuel economy by 12 MPG. While the Kia commands a lower starting MSRP of $36,390 compared to the Toyota’s $44,710, the hybrid sacrifices power, delivering only 245 hp. The Telluride's bulk is slightly smaller at 196.9 inches long versus the Highlander's 201.4 inches. Buyers face a choice between raw power delivery and substantial running cost savings over the long haul.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid wins for commuters due to its stellar 34 combined MPG, translating to fewer stops at the pump.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The Grand Highlander Hybrid offers superior overall utility with a slightly taller 72.1-inch height and better fuel economy for long family trips.
2025 Kia Telluride
The 2025 Kia Telluride appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher 291 hp output and robust 262 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride offers significantly better initial affordability, boasting an MSRP that is $8,320 less than the hybrid competitor.
Choose the Kia Telluride if...
- You prioritize a stronger conventional engine with 291 horsepower for spirited driving.
- Your budget requires a lower initial outlay, starting at just $36,390 MSRP.
- You prefer the predictability and feel of a standard 8-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid if...
- Maximum fuel economy is crucial, leveraging the 34 combined MPG rating.
- All-Wheel Drive capability is a mandatory requirement for your driving conditions.
- You need slightly more vertical space, indicated by the 72.1-inch height compared to Car 1's 68.9 inches.
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 | 36/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 34 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 376.0/488.8 mi. | 619.2/550.4 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 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 | Inside Mounted |
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 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid.
How much more does the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid cost initially?
The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid has a significantly higher starting MSRP of $44,710, making it $8,320 more expensive than the 2025 Kia Telluride's $36,390 base price.
Which vehicle offers better pure acceleration based on power figures?
The 2025 Kia Telluride is expected to accelerate better, producing 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, substantially more than the Grand Highlander Hybrid's 245 hp.
Can the Telluride match the hybrid's efficiency on the highway?
No, the Kia Telluride is rated at 26 MPG Highway, falling well short of the Grand Highlander Hybrid’s 32 MPG Highway rating, showing a clear gap in fuel efficiency.
What are the main differences in size between these two crossovers?
The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is longer (201.4 inches vs. 196.9 inches) and notably taller (72.1 inches vs. 68.9 inches), suggesting more interior volume, despite having slightly less cargo space listed (20.6 cu ft vs. 21 cu ft).
Are both vehicles compatible with regular unleaded fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid specify regular unleaded fuel, avoiding the need for premium gasoline.
How does the drivetrain affect the driving feel?
The Kia Telluride is noted as Front Wheel Drive with an 8-speed automatic, providing a conventional setup, whereas the Toyota utilizes All Wheel Drive paired with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
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