Kia Telluride vs Toyota Highlander
Compare the Kia Telluride Against the Toyota Highlander
Here at Healey Kia, those in Newburgh, NY, along with the Poughkeepsie and Middletown, NY areas, can check out standout new Kia SUVs, and for those looking for a spacious choice that's a standout with the family, the new Kia Telluride is here. Of course, we know that drivers want to compare options, and we're here to help with that as you can see all the advantages of the new Kia Telluride over the Toyota Highlander when you visit us.
Price and Value
The 2026 Kia Telluride provides plenty of value over the Toyota Highlander. It starts at a lower suggested price for comparably-equipped vehicles, allowing some drivers in the area to save in a major way, while also finding that the Telluride offers more standard features across its vehicle lineup than the Highlander.
There's also a diversity of options within the Telluride lineup, too. The likes of the Kia Telluride X‑Line and X‑Pro packages found on select models blend luxury and off‑road capability at price points where the Highlander still requires costly option packages.
Performance and Capability
With the Kia Telluride, you will find a standard 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower which is able to outpace the Toyota Highlander and its turbocharged four-cylinder option that offers just 265 horsepower. With more power and a bigger engine, the Telluride also can tow 5,500 pounds when properly equipped, giving it the edge over the Highlander, which tows 5,000 pounds. Having those extra bits of power makes a world of difference when towing boats, campers, trailers and more for your favored activities.
Seating and Comfort
Interior space is a major strength for the Telluride. Its boxier design and longer body translate into more third‑row legroom and cargo capacity than the Highlander. The Telluride offers around 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and over 87 cubic feet with seats folded, outperforming the Highlander's 16 cubic feet behind the third row.
You'll find that with a wider cabin, available second-row captain's chairs, and premium materials on trims like the Telluride SX and Prestige, you get a comfortable and upscale environment for passengers across all three rows, making it better suited for families and long road trips.
Safety and Technology
While both the Telluride and Highlander have plenty of standard safety and onboard technology, the Telluride is able to stand out thanks to features like forward collision avoidance, blind‑spot monitoring, lane‑keeping assist, and smart cruise control, which all comes standard across nearly the entire vehicle lineup, which is not the case with the Toyota Highlander
The Telluride also features an available dual 12.3‑inch panoramic display, premium Harman Kardon audio, and optional head‑up display, many of which require higher trims or added packages on the Highlander.
Compare Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
2026 Kia Telluride Trim Levels
- LX: offers the standard 3.8-liter V6, 291 horsepower engine with Kia Drive Wise safety suite and seating for up to eight
- S: adds heated front seats, wireless phone charging and 20‑inch alloy wheels
- EX: you'll find leather seating, a power liftgate, and ventilated front seats onboard
- SX: this offers dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays along with Harman Kardon® premium audio and dual sunroofs
- EX X‑Line: you'll get standard AWD, increased ground clearance, and added rugged exterior styling
- EX X‑Pro: this edition comes with all‑terrain tires along with enhanced towing of 5,500 pounds and off‑road drive modes
- SX Prestige / X‑Line / X‑Pro: these editions feature Nappa leather seating, heated and ventilated second‑row seats, along with head‑up display and premium interior finishes
2026 Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
- XLE: offers a standard 2.4-liter turbo engine with 265 horsepower, Toyota Safety Sense™ and a power passenger seat
- XSE: comes with a sport‑tuned suspension, unique exterior styling and paddle shifters
- Limited: offers leather‑trimmed seats, larger infotainment display, and premium audio available
- Platinum: provides a panoramic sunroof, a head‑up display, and digital rearview mirror
Learn More About the New Kia Telluride Today
While the Toyota Highlander remains a solid option, the 2026 Kia Telluride clearly excels in value, engine power, towing capability, interior space, and standard technology. For buyers who want a more capable, spacious, and upscale three‑row SUV without paying luxury‑brand prices, the Telluride stands out as the smarter and more rewarding choice. To see it up close, come visit us at Healey Kia, serving those in Kingston and West Nyack, NY as we'd be happy to provide more details today.
-
Healey Kia
114 Route 17K
Newburgh, NY 12550
- Sales: (845) 360-9833
Loading Map...