Kia Telluride 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 TellurideLX | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | LX | XLE |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2027 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Kia TellurideLX | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $39,190 (best) | $46,270 |
| Lowest listing price | $20,470 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $33,691 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $33,995 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 4 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Kia TellurideLX | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 22 MPG | 24 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 20 MPG | 21 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 26 MPG | 28 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 19 gal (best) | 17.9 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Kia TellurideLX | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 274 hp (best) | 265 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft (best) | 310 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2.5 L (best) | 2.4 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Kia TellurideLX | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 8 seats (best) | 7 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 89.3 cu ft (best) | 84.3 cu ft |
| Towing capacity | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Payload | — | 1,225 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 4,381 lbs | 4,376 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 7.4 in | 8 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 116.9 in (best) | 112.2 in |
| Length | 199.2 in (best) | 194.9 in |
| Width | 78.3 in (best) | 76 in |
| Height | 69.5 in (best) | 68.1 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Kia TellurideLX | 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) | 2 | None reported (best) |
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 Telluride | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LX $39,190 MSRP(Currently comparing) | XLE $46,270 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | S $42,090 MSRP | XLE $48,020 MSRP |
| 3 | S $44,090 MSRP | XSE $48,340 MSRP |
| 4 | EX $43,790 MSRP | Limited $50,725 MSRP |
| 5 | EX $45,790 MSRP | Limited $52,475 MSRP |
| 6 | X-Line EX $47,290 MSRP | Platinum $53,925 MSRP |
| 7 | SX $48,790 MSRP | Platinum $55,675 MSRP |
| 8 | X-Line SX $51,790 MSRP | — |
| 9 | X-Pro SX $53,690 MSRP | — |
| 10 | SX-Prestige $53,890 MSRP | — |
| 11 | X-Line SX-Prestige $54,890 MSRP | — |
| 12 | X-Pro SX-Prestige $56,790 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Kia Telluride4 for sale
See all
Used2025 Kia Telluride
S
21,006 mi$33,691Jay Hatfield GMC of Pittsburg
Frontenac, KS
Used2025 Kia Telluride
S
21,006 mi$33,691Jay Hatfield Chevrolet of Pittsburg
Frontenac, KS
Used2025 Kia Telluride
S
39,913 mi$33,995Jay Hatfield Chevrolet
Columbus, KS
Used2020 Kia Telluride
EX
Ebony Black•Black111,245 mi$20,470Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
Kia Telluride vs Toyota Highlander FAQ
- Which is better: 2027 Kia Telluride or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2027 Kia Telluride 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: 2027 Kia Telluride or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2027 Kia Telluride starts lower at $39,190. Live Kia Telluride listings start at $20,470.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2027 Kia Telluride or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2027 Kia Telluride leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (39,190).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2027 Kia Telluride or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (35).
- Which has better horsepower: 2027 Kia Telluride or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2027 Kia Telluride leads on horsepower in this comparison (274).
- Which has better seats: 2027 Kia Telluride or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2027 Kia Telluride leads on seats in this comparison (8).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2027 Kia Telluride vs 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Toyota Highlander (5/5 NHTSA overall).