2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was available starting at $41,995, including destination charges, for the base LE trim with front-wheel drive. Buyers could upgrade to higher trims like XLE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum, with all-wheel drive as an optional feature. The test vehicle was a top-tier Platinum trim with AWD, priced at $54,718. Changes for 2023 were minimal, with a new Cypress Green paint and standard power-folding mirrors on Limited and Platinum trims. The Highlander Hybrid's design was criticized for being overly styled, with exaggerated features that some found visually overwhelming. Inside, the cabin continued this theme with large elements and mismatched textures, which detracted from the overall quality feel. Despite these design critiques, the Highlander Hybrid was notably quiet on the road, thanks to acoustic front window glass in higher trims.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold design that could polarize opinions, particularly with its flat, wide grille. The vehicle's personality varied with color and trim, with body-colored vertical strakes that could be jarring in lighter shades. The X-Line and X-Pro models featured different grille designs and distinctive amber accent lights. The side profile was bold, with angular fender sculpting and unique black plastic tabs on the wheel wells. The rear design was reminiscent of a Range Rover, with rounded corners and vertical taillights. Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, featuring a simple horizontal dashboard and a modern, buttonless appearance. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim offered a luxurious two-tone interior, though some button labels were hard to read. The seats were covered in synthetic leather and suede, with excellent material quality throughout the cabin.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. The AWD version added a third electric motor for the rear wheels. The Highlander Hybrid was designed for efficiency, with a Predictive Efficient Drive system to optimize fuel economy, though it fell short of its EPA rating, achieving 28.7 mpg instead of the expected 35 mpg. The SUV's performance was lackluster, with limited high-speed passing power and a soft suspension that made it feel disconnected from the road. It was best suited for city and suburban driving, offering a quiet and smooth ride but lacking excitement.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with electric motors, delivering 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system was mated to a six-speed transmission, providing a smooth and quiet driving experience. The Telluride Hybrid excelled in comfort, with a luxuriously smooth ride and minimal wind noise at highway speeds. It handled well on winding roads, offering confidence and control, though it wasn't particularly sporty. The brake pedal required some adjustment, but overall, the Telluride Hybrid provided a more engaging and powerful driving experience compared to the Highlander Hybrid.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid could accommodate seven or eight passengers, though the third row was best for occasional use. The interior featured three-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. The third row was difficult to access and uncomfortable for adults. The Highlander offered 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. Storage solutions were somewhat impractical, with unlined areas and a complex center console design.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid provided ample space for adults in all three rows, though the third row was better suited for smaller passengers. The second row featured power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, offering comfort comparable to business-class airline seats. The Telluride's cargo capacity was slightly larger than rivals, with 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 89.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The interior offered practical storage solutions, including a large center bin and deployable cupholders.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates, and various connected service plans. The test vehicle featured a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system. While the technology was generally easy to use, some controls were not intuitive, and the graphics could be improved for better visibility.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch climate control screen. The system included native navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual wireless phone chargers. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though it occasionally required a hard tap to register inputs. The Telluride offered customizable themes and a 14-speaker Meridian audio system, delivering excellent sound quality.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. These included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, providing peace of mind for safety-conscious buyers.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid featured a range of standard advanced safety features, including frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims offered additional features like a surround-view camera system and automatic reverse braking. While the Telluride's driver attention monitor had some operational issues, the highway driving assist was particularly effective on long trips. At the time of writing, crash test scores were not yet available from the NHTSA or IIHS.