2025 Kia Telluride vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander

June 2nd, 2025 by

Why the Telluride Is the Segment Leader Among 3-Row Family SUVs

The 2025 Kia Telluride continues its reign as one of the best midsize 3-row SUVs on the market, and when stacked up against the 2025 Toyota Highlander, it doesn’t just hold its own — it outclasses the Highlander in size, tech, comfort, and all-around ownership value. While Toyota leans on reputation, the Telluride redefines expectations.

2025 Telluride
2025 Telluride
2025 Telluride

Feature-by-Feature Comparison Chart

Category 2025 Kia Telluride 2025 Toyota Highlander Winner
Starting Price ~$37,000 ~$37,000 ✅ Tie
Top Trim Price ~$55,000 (SX Prestige X-Pro AWD) ~$56,000+ (Platinum AWD or Hybrid AWD) ✅ Telluride (Better Value)
Warranty 10yr / 100,000-mi powertrain 5yr / 60,000-mi powertrain ✅ Telluride (Best in Class)
Engine (Gas) 3.8L V6 – 291 hp, smooth, naturally aspirated 2.4L Turbo – 265 hp ✅ Telluride (Power & Smoothness)
Hybrid Option No Yes – 2.5L Hybrid (~36 MPG) ✅ Highlander (Fuel Economy)
Drive Options FWD / AWD FWD / AWD ✅ Tie
Towing Capacity Up to 5,500 lbs (X-Pro trim) 5,000 lbs max (properly equipped) ✅ Telluride
Seating Capacity 7–8 passengers 7–8 passengers ✅ Tie
3rd-Row Comfort Adult-friendly – best-in-class legroom and access Cramped – more suited for kids ✅ Telluride
Interior Materials Premium feel even on mid-trims – quilted leather, open-pore wood available Functional, but lower trims use hard plastics ✅ Telluride
Cargo Behind 3rd Row 21 cu. ft. 16 cu. ft. ✅ Telluride
Interior Volume 178.1 cu. ft. total interior volume 141.8 cu. ft. ✅ Telluride (More Room)
Touchscreen 12.3” touchscreen standard on all trims 8” standard; 12.3” only on higher trims ✅ Telluride
Instrument Cluster Digital cluster available on most trims Digital only on top trims ✅ Telluride
Camera & Safety Tech 360° Camera, Blind-View Monitor, Head-Up Display available 360° camera on top trims, no blind-view camera ✅ Telluride
Infotainment Experience Fast interface, Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 9+ USB ports Good system, but wireless only on some trims ✅ Telluride
Exterior Design Bold, boxy, upscale—mini Range Rover vibes Soft, more conservative styling ✅ Telluride
Ride Quality Quiet, composed, excellent suspension tuning Slightly noisier and stiffer ride ✅ Telluride

Final Thoughts: Telluride Isn’t Just Better — It’s the Benchmark

The 2025 Kia Telluride outperforms the Toyota Highlander in nearly every category that matters to families shopping for a true 3-row SUV:

  • More room in the cabin and cargo area
  • Superior third-row comfort
  • More upscale materials and technology at every trim level
  • A towing advantage, class-leading warranty, and bolder presence inside and out

Unless hybrid fuel economy is your absolute top priority, the Telluride offers a dramatically more satisfying ownership experience, blending refinement, practicality, and long-term value like few vehicles in the segment.

Posted in Model Comparison