Kia Telluride vs Toyota Highlander: A Comprehensive Comparison

Compare Kia Telluride vs Toyota Highlander – When it comes to choosing a family-friendly SUV, the 2023 Kia Telluride and the 2023 Toyota Highlander are two popular contenders in the market. Both offer a spacious interior, modern technology, and impressive safety features.

In this in-depth comparison, we will delve into the key aspects of each vehicle, helping you make an informed decision about which one best suits your needs and preferences.

What is the Difference Between Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander?

The Kia Telluride and the Toyota Highlander are both popular midsize SUVs that offer comfort, space, and versatility for families and individuals.

While they share similarities in their class and purpose, there are significant differences between the two vehicles that may influence your decision when choosing between them. Let’s explore the key differences.

Pricing

When it comes to choosing the perfect SUV, pricing is a crucial factor to consider. Both the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander offer competitive pricing, but they cater to different budgets and preferences.

Let’s take a closer look at their starting prices and available trims to help you make an informed decision.

– 2023 Kia Telluride Price:

The 2023 Kia Telluride comes in various trims, each offering a distinct set of features and amenities. Here is the breakdown of the starting prices for each trim:

• Kia Telluride LX: Starting at $35,890

The base LX trim offers a solid foundation with a generous list of standard features. It provides an attractive entry point for those looking for a well-equipped SUV without breaking the bank.

• Kia Telluride X-Line: Starting at $45,685

New for 2023, the Telluride X-Line introduces off-road-inspired features and styling cues. It is a compelling option for adventure seekers and those who want an SUV with a more rugged appeal.

• Kia Telluride SX X-Pro: Starting at $50,085

The SX X-Pro trim enhances the luxury and technology offerings, appealing to drivers who seek premium amenities and advanced tech features.

• Kia Telluride SX Prestige X-Pro: Starting at $52,985

The top-of-the-range SX Prestige X-Pro provides the ultimate Telluride experience with premium materials, advanced safety features, and a host of cutting-edge technologies.

– 2023 Toyota Highlander Price:

The 2023 Toyota Highlander also comes in different trims, catering to various needs and desires. Here’s a breakdown of the starting prices for each trim:

• Toyota Highlander L: Starting at $36,420

The base L trim offers a practical and affordable option for those seeking a well-rounded SUV without excessive frills.

• Toyota Highlander XLE: Starting at $41,820

The XLE model is one of the most popular choices, offering a balance of comfort, technology, and safety features at a reasonable price point.

• Toyota Highlander Platinum: Starting at $49,075

The near-luxury Platinum trim takes the Highlander to the next level, boasting premium amenities and advanced technologies for an upscale driving experience.

– All-Wheel Drive Options:

For those looking for enhanced traction and stability, both the Kia Telluride and the Toyota Highlander offer all-wheel drive options.

On the Telluride, all-wheel drive is available at an additional cost of $1,600 for the LX, S, and EX trims, while it costs $1,950 for the SX and SX Prestige trims.

For the Highlander, all-wheel drive is available at $1,600 for the L, LE, and XLE trims, and $1,950 for the higher-end trims.

Read also: Kia Sorento vs Kia Telluride

Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency is a critical consideration for many SUV buyers, especially those seeking to reduce their environmental impact and save on fuel costs.

Let’s compare the fuel economy of the 2023 Kia Telluride and the 2023 Toyota Highlander to see how they stack up against each other.

The 2023 Kia Telluride comes equipped with a V-6 powertrain, and while it may not be the most fuel-efficient option in its class, it still offers respectable numbers.

The EPA estimates that the front-wheel-drive version of the Telluride achieves 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. For the all-wheel-drive models, the numbers drop slightly to 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.

These ratings put the Telluride in a competitive position compared to other V-6–powered rivals like the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas and the Honda Pilot.

During a real-world test on a 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, the all-wheel-drive Telluride returned 24 mpg, matching its government rating.

This demonstrates that the Telluride can deliver on its promised fuel efficiency even under real driving conditions.

While the 2023 Toyota Highlander offers a range of engine options, including a new turbocharged engine, which boasts slightly better EPA estimates compared to the previous V-6 engine.

For the front-wheel-drive version, the EPA estimates are 21–22 mpg city and 28–29 mpg highway, while the all-wheel-drive model achieves 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

These numbers position the Highlander as a more fuel-efficient option in its class, especially in front-wheel-drive configuration.

However, the real fuel economy star in the Highlander lineup is the hybrid model. The front-wheel-drive hybrid variants achieve an impressive 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, making it an excellent choice for those prioritizing fuel efficiency.

In terms of fuel economy, the 2023 Toyota Highlander takes the lead, especially with its hybrid variants offering outstanding efficiency.

The new turbocharged engine in the Highlander provides slightly better EPA estimates compared to the V-6 engine found in the 2023 Kia Telluride.

However, it’s important to note that Telluride’s V-6 powertrain is still competitive in its segment and delivers good fuel economy for a three-row SUV.

Ultimately, the choice between the Kia Telluride vs Toyota Highlander will depend on individual preferences, driving habits, and priorities.

Those seeking the best fuel efficiency might lean towards the Highlander’s hybrid models, while others may find the Telluride’s V-6 powertrain to be a suitable balance of performance and efficiency for their needs.

Regardless of which SUV you choose, both the Telluride and Highlander offer compelling options in the midsize SUV segment.

Dimensions

When it comes to choosing the right SUV, dimensions play a crucial role in determining the vehicle’s practicality and comfort.

Let’s compare the dimensions of the Kia Telluride vs Toyota Highlander to see how they differ in size and interior space.

– 2023 Kia Telluride Dimensions

Exterior Dimensions:

Front Seat Dimensions:

Rear Seat Dimensions:

– 2023 Toyota Highlander Dimensions

Exterior Dimensions:

Front Seat Dimensions:

Rear Seat Dimensions:

The dimensions of the 2023 Kia Telluride and the 2023 Toyota Highlander vary, with the Telluride being slightly larger in terms of overall length and interior volume.

However, the Highlander has a slightly better turning circle and a more favorable angle of departure.

When choosing between the two, it’s essential to consider your specific space requirements and driving needs to ensure the best fit for your lifestyle.

Both SUVs provide ample interior space and cargo capacity, making them suitable options for families and individuals seeking a versatile and practical vehicle.

Read also: Kia Sportage vs Nissan Rogue

Color Options

The choice of color can be a personal expression of style and taste when selecting an SUV. Let’s explore the exterior and interior color options available for the 2023 Kia Telluride and the 2023 Toyota Highlander.

– 2023 Kia Telluride Colors

Exterior Colors:

• Midnight Lake Blue
• Dawning Red
• Dark Moss
• Glacial White Pearl
• Everlasting Silver
• Ebony Black
• Gravity Gray

Interior Colors:

• Gray/Navy, leather
• Mahogany, leather
• Black, leather
• Gray, leather

– 2023 Toyota Highlander Colors

Exterior Colors:

• Moon Dust
• Cypress
• Magnetic Gray Metallic
• Celestial Silver Metallic
• Ruby Flare Pearl
• Midnight Black Metallic
• Blueprint
• Wind Chill Pearl

Interior Colors:

• Graphite, leatherette
• Harvest Beige, leatherette
• Black, leatherette

Both the 2023 Kia Telluride and the 2023 Toyota Highlander offer a diverse range of color options, allowing buyers to find the perfect combination that matches their individual preferences and style.

Whether you prefer vibrant and eye-catching exterior colors or sophisticated and elegant interior options, these SUVs provide a variety of choices to suit various tastes.

Whether it’s the striking Midnight Lake Blue or the timeless Magnetic Gray Metallic, or the refined Gray/Navy leather or the classic Black leather, there’s a color combination to suit every driver’s taste and make their vehicle uniquely their own.

Ultimately, the color selection is a personal decision, and with such a wide array of options available for both the Telluride and Highlander, you’re sure to find a combination that perfectly complements your style and preferences.

Safety Features

Safety is a paramount consideration when choosing an SUV, and both the 2023 Kia Telluride and the 2023 Toyota Highlander come equipped with a range of advanced driver-assistance technologies.

Let’s compare their safety features to help you understand the level of protection and assistance each vehicle offers.

The 2023 Kia Telluride boasts a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technology as standard across all its models.

Additionally, several upgraded safety assists are available for those seeking an extra layer of protection. The key safety features of the Kia Telluride include:

• Standard Forward-Collision Warning and Automated Emergency Braking: This system detects potential frontal collisions and can apply the brakes automatically to mitigate or avoid accidents.

• Standard Lane-Departure Warning and Lane-Keeping Assist: The Telluride helps drivers stay within their lanes by providing warnings and steering inputs if unintentional lane departure is detected.

• Standard Blind-Spot Monitoring: This feature alerts drivers when vehicles are present in their blind spots, enhancing safety during lane changes.

• Optional Automatic High-Beams: This feature automatically adjusts the headlights between high and low beams based on oncoming traffic and surrounding lighting conditions.

• Optional 360-Degree Camera System: This advanced camera system provides a bird’s-eye view around the vehicle, aiding in parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.

• Optional Blind-Spot View Monitor: The Telluride offers a unique safety feature where a camera image of the vehicle’s blind spot is projected into the gauge cluster display, providing additional visibility.

While the 2023 Toyota Highlander adheres to the brand’s reputation for providing a standard suite of advanced driver-assistance features.

These safety technologies aim to enhance driver awareness and protect passengers. The key safety features of the Highlander include:

• Standard Automated Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection: This system not only helps prevent collisions with other vehicles but also detects pedestrians and can apply the brakes if a potential collision is detected.

• Standard Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear-Cross-Traffic Alert: This feature alerts drivers to vehicles in their blind spots and provides warnings when vehicles are approaching from the side while the vehicle is in reverse.

• Standard Lane-Departure Warning with Lane-Keeping Assist: The Highlander assists drivers in maintaining proper lane position by providing warnings and gentle steering inputs when veering out of the lane unintentionally.

• Standard Adaptive Cruise Control: This system maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead and can automatically adjust the speed to match traffic conditions.

• Standard Automatic High-Beam Headlamps: The Highlander’s high-beam headlights automatically adjust between high and low beams based on surrounding traffic and lighting conditions.

In conclusion, the 2023 Kia Telluride and the 2023 Toyota Highlander prioritize safety with a variety of standard and optional driver-assistance technologies.

The Telluride offers features like the Blind-Spot View Monitor and the 360-degree camera system, providing additional convenience and awareness.

On the other hand, the Highlander focuses on providing standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection and rear-cross-traffic alert for improved collision avoidance.

When selecting between the two SUVs, it’s essential to consider the specific safety features that align with your preferences and driving needs.

Ultimately, both the Telluride and the Highlander prioritize safety and aim to provide peace of mind for their drivers and passengers on the road.

Warranty

Warranty coverage is an essential consideration when purchasing a new SUV, as it provides assurance and protection against unforeseen issues.

Let’s compare the warranty offerings of the Kia Telluride vs Toyota Highlander to understand the level of coverage each vehicle provides.

Kia is known for providing robust warranty coverage, making it one of the best in the industry. However, it lacks complimentary scheduled maintenance, which is offered by some competitors.

The warranty coverage for the 2023 Kia Telluride includes:

• Limited Warranty: Kia offers a limited warranty that covers the vehicle for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty provides coverage for defects in materials or workmanship.

• Powertrain Warranty: The powertrain warranty is one of Kia’s strong points. It covers Telluride’s powertrain components, such as the engine, transmission, and drivetrain, for an extended period of ten years or 100,000 miles.

• No Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance: Unlike some rivals, Kia does not provide complimentary scheduled maintenance for a specific duration or mileage.

However, Toyota’s warranty coverage aligns with the industry standard, but it offers some additional benefits that provide extra value to buyers.

The warranty coverage for the 2023 Toyota Highlander includes:

• Limited Warranty: Toyota offers a limited warranty that covers the Highlander for three years or 36,000 miles, providing protection against defects in materials or workmanship during this period.

• Powertrain Warranty: The powertrain warranty covers the Highlander’s powertrain components, including the engine and transmission, for five years or 60,000 miles.

• Hybrid-Component Warranty: For the electrified Highlander hybrid models, Toyota provides a separate hybrid-component warranty that covers hybrid-specific components for eight years or 100,000 miles.

• Complimentary Maintenance: Toyota stands out by offering two years or 25,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance. This perk covers basic factory-scheduled maintenance, adding value and convenience for buyers during the initial ownership period.

Read also: Nissan Rogue vs Hyundai Tucson

Specifications

The specifications of an SUV provide essential information about its performance, powertrain, and capabilities.

Let’s compare the specifications of the Kia Telluride vs Toyota Highlander to understand their engine configurations and towing capabilities.

– 2023 Kia Telluride Specs:

– 2023 Toyota Highlander Specs:

In comparison, the 2023 Kia Telluride is equipped with a larger and more powerful 3.8-liter V6 engine, generating 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.

It comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard, providing excellent traction and stability on various road conditions.

The Telluride offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, making it capable of towing medium-sized trailers, boats, or small campers.

On the other hand, the 2023 Toyota Highlander features a smaller 2.4-liter Inline 4-cylinder engine with 265 horsepower and a robust 310 lb-ft of torque.

It comes with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) as standard.

Similar to the Telluride, the Highlander also has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, making it suitable for various towing needs.

The Telluride’s V6 engine delivers slightly more power and torque compared to the Highlander’s Inline 4, which may result in a more spirited driving experience.

However, the Highlander boasts a higher payload capacity, which can be advantageous when carrying heavy cargo or additional passengers.

Ultimately, the choice between the Telluride and the Highlander will depend on individual preferences and specific needs. If towing capability is a top priority, both SUVs offer the same maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.

However, those seeking a more powerful engine may lean towards the Telluride, while those looking for higher payload capacity could opt for the Highlander.

Consider your specific requirements and driving preferences to make an informed decision between these two capable SUVs.

Pros and Cons

When considering an SUV, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each vehicle to make an informed decision.

Let’s compare the advantages and disadvantages of the 2023 Kia Telluride and the 2023 Toyota Highlander to help you determine which one aligns better with your preferences and needs.

2023 Kia Telluride Pros:

• Plush Ride and Well-Shaped Seats: The Telluride offers a comfortable and smooth ride, complemented by well-shaped seats that provide all-day comfort, making long journeys enjoyable for both the driver and passengers.

• Spacious Interior for Large Families: With its generous interior space, the Telluride can accommodate large families or groups comfortably, ensuring everyone has ample legroom and headspace.

• Abundance of Standard Tech and Safety Features: Kia equips Telluride with a wide array of standard tech and safety features, offering excellent value for the price.

• Effective and User-Friendly Driver Assistance Features: The driver assistance features in the Telluride work effectively and are easy to use, enhancing safety and convenience while driving.

Cons:

• Less Small-Item Storage in Cabin: The Telluride falls slightly short in terms of small-item storage options compared to some of its competitors.

• Slightly Jerky Acceleration under Full Throttle: Some drivers may notice a slight jerkiness in acceleration when flooring the gas pedal, which could be a minor concern for those seeking smoother power delivery.

2023 Toyota Highlander Pros:

• Comfortable and Quiet Ride: The Highlander excels in providing a comfortable and quiet ride, making it an excellent option for long-distance travel.

• Easy Visibility: The Highlander’s design and driver-friendly layout offer excellent visibility from the driver’s seat, promoting a sense of confidence and safety on the road.

• Above-Average Fuel Efficiency: Considering its three-row SUV class, the Highlander boasts above-average fuel efficiency, which can lead to potential fuel savings over time.

Cons:

• Third Row is Kids-Only: The third-row seating in the Highlander may be best suited for children or smaller passengers, as it may lack the same comfort and space as the first two rows.

• Limited Cargo Space Behind Third Row: With the third-row seats in use, the Highlander’s cargo space becomes limited, potentially challenging for carrying larger items when all seats are occupied.

Conclusion

Both the 2023 Kia Telluride and the 2023 Toyota Highlander offer compelling features and capabilities.

The Telluride impresses with its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and a wide range of standard tech and safety features.

On the other hand, the Highlander excels in delivering a comfortable and quiet ride, excellent visibility, and above-average fuel efficiency.

When making a decision, consider your priorities and preferences. If you value spaciousness and abundant tech features, Telluride might be the preferred choice.

However, if a comfortable and quiet ride, along with good fuel efficiency, are more critical to you, the Highlander could be the better fit.

Ultimately, a test drive and careful consideration of these pros and cons will help you select the SUV that best meets your needs and lifestyle.

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