2025 Kia Telluride vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$36,390 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the refreshed 2025 Kia Telluride and the all-new 2026 Toyota Highlander can feel like a tough call, especially when balancing immediate cost versus long-term ownership features. The biggest initial shock is the price: the Telluride starts at a significantly lower MSRP of $36,390 compared to the Highlander's $45,270, creating an $8,880 gap. While both are midsize crossovers, the Telluride offers more raw power with 291 hp versus the Highlander's 265 hp. However, Toyota claws back ground in efficiency; the Highlander achieves a combined 24 MPG on regular unleaded, slightly edging out the Telluride's 22 MPG rating. Furthermore, the Highlander comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, while the base Telluride is FWD. Cargo space is also a notable factor, with the Telluride boasting 21 cubic feet versus the Highlander’s 16 cubic feet.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Highlander

The 2026 Highlander wins for commuters due to its better combined 24 MPG and standard All-Wheel Drive, offering efficiency and security.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Telluride

The 2025 Telluride is better for families because it offers significantly more standard cargo capacity at 21 cu ft compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Telluride

Enthusiasts will favor the Telluride for its higher peak output of 291 hp, making it the more spirited driver.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride is the clear value champion, undercutting the Highlander's MSRP by nearly $9,000 while providing more standard horsepower.

Choose the Kia Telluride if...

You prioritize immediate savings, as the Telluride's $36,390 MSRP is substantially lower than the competition.
You need maximum usable space, evidenced by its 21 cu ft of standard cargo capacity.
You prefer a more powerful engine, as the 291 hp output surpasses the Highlander's 265 hp.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

You live in an area requiring better traction, given the standard All-Wheel Drive on the base model.
You prioritize fuel economy, where the Highlander's 24 combined MPG beats the Telluride's 22 MPG.
You want the higher torque figure, as the Highlander produces 310 lb-ft versus the Telluride's 262 lb-ft.

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	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	2.4 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	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	21/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	376.0/488.8 mi.	375.9/501.2 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	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

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	P235/65R V
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.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Telluride and 2026 Toyota Highlander.

What is the main reason the 2026 Highlander is so much more expensive than the 2025 Telluride?

The primary sticker price difference is $8,880, with the Highlander starting at $45,270 and the Telluride at $36,390. This higher initial cost for the Highlander likely reflects its standard All-Wheel Drive configuration and the fact that it is an entirely new model generation.

Which car is technically faster in a straight line?

The 2025 Kia Telluride has a slight advantage in peak power, delivering 291 horsepower compared to the 2026 Toyota Highlander's 265 horsepower. However, the Highlander counters with more torque at 310 lb-ft.

Is the fuel economy difference worth the price gap?

The Highlander wins narrowly on fuel economy, achieving 24 combined MPG versus the Telluride’s 22 combined MPG. Whether this difference justifies the nearly $9,000 price difference depends entirely on your annual mileage.

How does the size of these two crossovers compare?

They are very close in overall dimensions, with the Telluride being slightly longer at 196.9 inches versus the Highlander’s 194.9 inches. You’ll notice the space difference more in the trunk, as the Telluride offers 21 cu ft of cargo room compared to 16 cu ft in the Highlander.

Do both vehicles use the same fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2026 Toyota Highlander are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, which is a nice common ground for easy fueling.

What about the transmission differences?

Both vehicles utilize an 8-speed automatic setup. The Telluride uses a standard 8-speed automatic, while the Highlander specifies an 8-speed shiftable automatic, suggesting slightly more driver control options.