2025 Kia Telluride vs 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The big question when looking at the 2025 Kia Telluride versus the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid boils down to upfront savings versus long-term fuel economy. If sticking to a budget is priority number one, the Telluride wins immediately, starting at a compelling MSRP of $36,390 compared to the Highlander Hybrid's hefty $47,020—a $10,630 gap. However, the Highlander Hybrid claws back costs through efficiency, achieving an impressive 35 MPG combined versus the Kia's 22 MPG combined. Performance enthusiasts will note the Telluride packs a punchier 291 hp compared to the Hybrid’s 243 hp. While the Kia is slightly larger at 196.9 inches long, the Toyota offers peace of mind with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) versus the Telluride's FWD base setup. Ultimately, buyers must weigh instant affordability against years of lower fuel bills.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The 2026 Highlander Hybrid’s 35 MPG combined efficiency makes it the clear winner for drivers who spend long hours on the road.
2025 Kia Telluride
The 2025 Telluride offers more usable space with 21 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Highlander Hybrid's 16 cu ft.
2025 Kia Telluride
The Telluride is significantly more powerful, boasting 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque versus the Hybrid's lower output.
2025 Kia Telluride
The Telluride offers immediate savings due to its $10,630 lower starting MSRP.
Choose the Kia Telluride if...
- You prioritize the lowest possible upfront purchase price, starting at $36,390.
- You need maximum cargo space, as the Telluride provides 21 cu ft versus 16 cu ft.
- You prefer higher standard horsepower, utilizing the 291 hp V6 engine.
Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...
- Your top concern is long-term running costs thanks to the excellent 35 MPG combined fuel economy.
- You live in areas that frequently see snow or slick conditions and want standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You prefer a slightly smaller footprint at 194.9 inches long for easier city maneuvering.
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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | P235/65R18 |
| 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 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
How much more money will I spend annually on gas with the Kia Telluride?
Given the 13 MPG difference (35 MPG vs 22 MPG), you will likely spend hundreds more annually on fuel, depending on your yearly mileage. The $10,630 price difference might take many years to offset through the Hybrid's efficiency gains.
Which crossover is better for hauling gear, the Telluride or the Highlander Hybrid?
The 2025 Kia Telluride is the better choice for cargo needs, offering 21 cubic feet behind the third row, compared to the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s 16 cubic feet.
Is the price difference worth paying for the Highlander Hybrid's All-Wheel Drive?
The Highlander Hybrid includes AWD standard, whereas the Telluride uses FWD in its base configuration. If you require AWD, you would need to upgrade the Telluride, potentially narrowing the initial $10,630 price gap.
How much slower is the 2026 Highlander Hybrid compared to the 2025 Telluride?
The Telluride produces 291 hp, significantly more than the Hybrid's 243 hp, translating to faster acceleration when merging or passing on the highway.
Do both cars use premium gasoline?
Fortunately, both the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid are designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded fuel, helping to keep operating costs predictable.
Is the Telluride much bigger than the Highlander Hybrid?
The Kia Telluride is slightly larger, measuring 196.9 inches long and 78.3 inches wide, compared to the Highlander Hybrid’s length of 194.9 inches and width of 76.0 inches.
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