Kia Niro EV vs Toyota Highlander
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Toyota Highlander
Overview
| Spec | Kia Niro EVWind | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Wind | XLE |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | electric | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | electric | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Kia Niro EVWind | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $39,700 (best) | $46,270 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Kia Niro EVWind | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | — | 24 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | — | 21 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | — | 28 MPG (best) |
| Combined MPGe | 113 MPGe (best) | — |
| Electric range | 253 mi (best) | — |
| Battery capacity | 64 kWh (best) | — |
| 240V charge time | 7.5 hr (best) | — |
| Fuel tank | — | 17.9 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Kia Niro EVWind | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 265 hp (best) |
| Torque | 188 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | — | 2.4 L (best) |
| Cylinders | — | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Kia Niro EVWind | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 7 seats (best) |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 63.7 cu ft | 84.3 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | — | 5,000 lbs (best) |
| Payload | — | 1,225 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,803 lbs (best) | 4,376 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 5.9 in | 8 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 in | 112.2 in (best) |
| Length | 174 in | 194.9 in (best) |
| Width | 71.9 in | 76 in (best) |
| Height | 61.8 in | 68.1 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Kia Niro EVWind | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Kia Niro EV | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wind $39,700 MSRP(Currently comparing) | XLE $46,270 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Wave $44,700 MSRP | XLE $48,020 MSRP |
| 3 | — | XSE $48,340 MSRP |
| 4 | — | Limited $50,725 MSRP |
| 5 | — | Limited $52,475 MSRP |
| 6 | — | Platinum $53,925 MSRP |
| 7 | — | Platinum $55,675 MSRP |
Kia Niro EV vs Toyota Highlander FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Kia Niro EV or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Kia Niro EV vs 2026 Toyota Highlander on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2026 Kia Niro EV or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Kia Niro EV starts lower at $39,700.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Kia Niro EV or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Kia Niro EV leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (39,700).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Kia Niro EV or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (35).
- Which has better electricRangeMi: 2026 Kia Niro EV or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Kia Niro EV leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (253).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Kia Niro EV or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on horsepower in this comparison (265).
- Which has better seats: 2026 Kia Niro EV or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on seats in this comparison (7).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2026 Kia Niro EV or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (5,000).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Kia Niro EV vs 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Toyota Highlander (5/5 NHTSA overall).