2025 Kia Telluride vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2025 Kia Telluride presented a sophisticated and stylish exterior, with a range of trim levels from the base LX to the luxurious SX Prestige. Prices varied from $36,390 to $51,390, excluding the destination charge. The X-Line package, available on most trims, added features like AWD, increased ground clearance, and a distinctive blacked-out look, with prices starting at $46,485. The X-Pro trim further enhanced the Telluride's capabilities with all-terrain tires and increased towing capacity. Our test model, the SX Prestige X-Pro, boasted a striking Midnight Lake Blue paint and Terracotta Nappa leather interior, elevating its MSRP to $56,240. The Telluride's design stood out in a crowded SUV market, though the X-Line and X-Pro treatments somewhat muted its personality.

Inside, the Telluride's cabin offered a luxurious feel with its black-over-Terracotta color scheme, simulated wood trim, and metallic accents. The dual-screen display added a modern touch, though some controls were difficult to read in daylight. Despite some lower-quality plastics, the interior was well-appointed, with features like a dual-screen display and user-friendly controls. The Telluride managed to balance style and functionality, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a distinctive and upscale SUV experience.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, took a more conservative approach to design, drawing inspiration from the popular RAV4. Its exterior, painted in Storm Cloud, resembled a larger version of the RAV4, offering seating for up to eight and ample cargo space. The interior prioritized function over form, with a focus on practicality and comfort. The Platinum trim added a touch of luxury with leather and artificial suede upholstery, though some hard plastics detracted from the overall feel. The climate system was straightforward, but the infotainment interface left room for improvement with its small volume knob and lack of a tuning knob.

The Grand Highlander's interior provided generous space and comfort, with heated and ventilated seats in the front and second rows. However, the long rear doors posed challenges for families with small children, and the sharp door corners could potentially cause damage to neighboring vehicles. The second-row captain's chairs offered flexibility, and the third-row seats were reasonably comfortable for adults. With nearly 100 cubic feet of cargo space, the Grand Highlander excelled in practicality, making it a strong contender for families seeking a spacious and versatile SUV.

The 2025 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard on most trims, while AWD was available or standard on others, featuring a center locking differential. The Telluride offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with AWD models adding a Snow mode. Despite some competitors switching to turbocharged four-cylinders, the Telluride's V6 provided smooth and ample power, achieving 20.2 mpg over a 1,200-mile road trip, aligning with its EPA rating.

The Telluride's X-Pro package, with its all-terrain tires, excelled off-road but sacrificed some on-pavement grip. The SUV handled various terrains with ease, though brake pedal behavior in traffic was occasionally problematic. Overall, the Telluride delivered a pleasurable driving experience, with its V6 engine offering reliable performance and respectable fuel economy.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max emphasized performance with its turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and electronic AWD, producing 362 horsepower. This setup provided quick acceleration and avoided the droning common in CVTs. However, the Hybrid Max's fuel economy was lower, rated at 27 mpg, compared to the standard hybrid's 36 mpg. It also offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, surpassing the standard hybrid.

During testing, the Hybrid Max achieved 26 mpg on a balanced city and highway route, and 23.3 mpg on a mountainous loop. The powertrain's acceleration was impressive, with electric motors eliminating turbo lag. The Grand Highlander offered a soft, isolating ride, though road undulations could cause some discomfort. Handling was secure but limited, with early tire squeal and understeer in curves. Visibility was excellent, aided by cameras, though the front camera's frequent screen takeover was a minor annoyance.

The 2025 Kia Telluride's interior was thoughtfully designed, with features like heated and ventilated second-row seats, USB-C charging ports, and smartphone storage sleeves. The driver's seat offered a lumbar massage function, enhancing long-distance comfort. Second-row passengers enjoyed reclining captain's chairs, ample legroom, and a glass roof panel. The third-row seat, while folded for luggage during the trip, was accessible and comfortable for adults. The Telluride provided 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 87 cubic feet with seats folded, offering ample room for most needs.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered comfortable seating across all three rows, with nearly 100 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. However, unlined storage areas could contribute to cabin noise. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, adding an upscale touch. The second-row captain's chairs allowed for easy third-row access, and the rearmost seats were comfortable for adults. Cargo space behind the third row measured 20.6 cubic feet, expanding to 97.5 cubic feet with seats folded, providing ample room for family road trips.

The 2025 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a 10-inch head-up display in the SX Prestige trim. The system included a Blind Spot View Monitor and a blue light filter for eye comfort. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the voice recognition system was basic. Despite these limitations, the Harman Kardon audio system delivered impressive sound quality, and the SiriusXM subscription provided entertainment in areas with limited cell service.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to music accounts. Toyota Connected Services provided features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and digital voice assistant. The system was user-friendly, though the inability to view multiple screens simultaneously and low-contrast font were drawbacks. The Platinum trim included a head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, and surround-view camera, with the JBL audio system exceeding expectations.

The 2025 Kia Telluride came equipped with Kia's Drive Wise ADAS, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Highway Driving Assist provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with standard safety features and driver-assistance technologies. Proactive Driving Assist was included, though it was often turned off due to irritation. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS due to headlight performance and frontal-impact protection.