2025 Toyota 4Runner vs 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner showcased a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul, maintaining its rugged off-road SUV persona. The exterior featured a bulkier, industrial look with horseshoe-shaped grilles and deep beveled creases on the side body panels, giving it a broad-shouldered stance. Paying homage to its predecessors, the 4Runner retained the slanted rearmost window and sliding rear window for easier cargo access. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Toyota Tacoma's design, with beveled styling and a mix of hard plastics and light cushioning for durability and comfort. The materials were of higher quality than those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, though not as refined as a Land Rover Defender.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid took a bold design approach, potentially polarizing opinions with its flat, wide grille. The vehicle's personality varied with color and trim, with body-colored vertical strakes that blended better in darker shades. The X-Line and X-Pro models replaced these strakes with rectangular grille blocks and featured distinctive amber accent lights. The side profile was bold, with angular fender sculpting and black plastic tabs atop each wheel well. The rear view, with rounded corners and vertical taillights, resembled a Range Rover. Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, featuring a simple horizontal dashboard layout and a modern, buttonless appearance. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim offered a luxurious two-tone palette, though some buttons were difficult to read.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The base model came with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available. The i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain, based on the same engine, delivered 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, offering stronger power at lower speeds, ideal for off-roading. The 4Runner was quieter and more composed on pavement, with improved handling and reduced body roll. Off-road capabilities remained impressive, with nine trims offering varying levels of off-road prowess. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter models were the most capable, with approach angles between 18 and 33 degrees and ground clearance between 8.1 and 10.1 inches.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Hybrid variant added electric motors, increasing output to 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed transmission. The Telluride Hybrid was quieter, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power. Both Tellurides prioritized comfort, with a smooth ride and minimal wind noise. The X-Pro Prestige trim offered off-road capabilities, though not to the level of a 4Runner. The Telluride was composed on winding roads, with a soft brake pedal effort that required adjustment.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was five inches longer than its predecessor, with a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase. Front seats offered ample space for taller passengers, but the middle row was less accommodating. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models, though cramped. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls. Storage included door pockets, a dashboard tray, and a center armrest bin. Cargo capacity was 44.8 cubic feet, reduced to 42.6 cubic feet in the Hybrid due to battery placement. A sturdy roof rack supported up to 800 pounds.

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 Hybrid SX Prestige trim featured power-adjustable second-row seats with heating and ventilation. The middle row offered significant seat travel, allowing for more cargo or legroom. Cargo capacity was 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.7 cubic feet with seats folded. The Telluride offered up to 89.3 cubic feet of cargo space, with the Hybrid losing only about one cubic foot. Towing capacity was up to 5,000 pounds, or 4,500 for the Hybrid.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 14-inch option available. Both supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charging pad offered. Hybrid models included a digital instrument panel. Off-road models had external camera views and automatic camera activation. A 14-speaker JBL audio system was available, along with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring and control were possible via a smartphone app, with a digital key function.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen, with a 5-inch climate control screen. The LX and S trims had a smaller 4.2-inch panel. The system included native navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual wireless phone chargers. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though some delays and hard taps were noted. The climate control screen was difficult to use while driving, but physical temperature buttons were available. The Telluride offered customizable themes and a 14-speaker Meridian audio system on higher trims.

As of this writing, crash test results for the 2025 Toyota 4Runner were unavailable. However, the Tacoma pickup on which it was based was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. The 4Runner included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with features like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. A blind-spot monitor was optional.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid also lacked crash test scores at the time of writing. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims offered a surround-view camera system and automatic reverse braking. The driver attention monitor had operational issues, but the highway driving assist was effective.