2026 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander offered a range of trims tailored to different powertrain choices. The standard non-hybrid version was available in LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims, while the hybrid variant replaced the Platinum with the Nightshade trim. The Hybrid Max option, which we tested in the top-spec Platinum trim, combined a 2.4-liter turbo-four engine with a hybrid system for enhanced performance. The exterior design was functional rather than flashy, with a wide, flat-bottomed grille and a boxy silhouette. The Nightshade trim attempted a moody aesthetic with black accents, but overall, Toyota prioritized practicality over style. Inside, the Hybrid Max Platinum's brown interior was more utilitarian than luxurious, featuring leather and Ultrasuede seats with bronze accents. The cabin felt spacious and airy, thanks to ambient lighting and a panoramic glass roof.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold design that could polarize opinions, particularly with its flat, wide grille. The vehicle's personality shifted with different color and trim options, with body-colored vertical strakes that either stood out or blended in, depending on the shade. The X-Line and X-Pro models featured distinctive grille blocks and amber accent lights. The side profile was marked by angular fender sculpting and unique black plastic tabs atop each wheel well, while the rear view adopted a Range Rover-like style with rounded corners and vertical taillights. Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, with a simple horizontal dashboard layout and a modern, buttonless appearance. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim, equipped with the Executive package, offered a luxurious two-tone palette reminiscent of Volvo. The seats, covered in synthetic leather and suede, were firm but comfortable, and the surrounding materials were of excellent quality for the class.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander featured a variety of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower in the non-hybrid version. The hybrid model had a 2.5-liter inline-four engine with 245 hp, while the Hybrid Max powertrain combined the 2.4-liter turbo-four with a hybrid system to deliver 362 hp. Most models came with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The Hybrid Max had full-time all-wheel drive, providing stability and agility. Despite its power, the Grand Highlander was not a performance vehicle, with a Sport mode that offered little change in throttle or transmission response. The Multi-Terrain Select system in the Hybrid Max allowed for different settings to maximize traction, but it was not recommended for serious off-roading.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid version added electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery pack, increasing output to 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid was paired with a six-speed transmission and was not available in the off-road-capable X-Pro trims. The Telluride Hybrid offered a quiet ride, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power. Both Telluride models were tuned for comfort, delivering a smooth ride. The X-Pro Prestige trim, with its off-road suspension, was surprisingly comfortable, while the Hybrid SX Prestige had a stiffer ride due to its 20-inch wheels. On winding roads, the Telluride was composed and controllable, though not particularly sporty.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander provided ample interior space, with three-zone climate control and heated front seats standard on most trims. The third row offered over five inches more legroom than the standard Highlander, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The second row was adjustable, making it easy to access the third row. The Grand Highlander featured practical storage solutions, including a dash shelf and a cubby in front of the shifter. Cargo space was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to nearly 98 cubic feet with the second row stowed. The vehicle could tow up to 5,000 pounds with the gas or Hybrid Max powertrains.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid offered ample space for adults in all three rows, though the rear seats were better suited for smaller passengers. The second row featured power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation in the Hybrid SX Prestige trim. The middle-row seats had significant travel, allowing for more cargo or third-row legroom. The Telluride could hold up to 22.3 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row, expanding to 89.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. The Hybrid models lost only about one cubic foot of cargo space. The Telluride could tow up to 5,000 pounds, or 4,500 for the Hybrid.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The infotainment system was responsive, though some menus were confusing. The Platinum trim featured a digital rearview camera mirror and a 360-degree camera system, providing a clear view of the surroundings. A 10-inch head-up display showed speed, road signs, and navigation. The vehicle included seven USB-C ports, two 12-volt outlets, and a wireless charging pad on most trims.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch touchscreen for climate controls. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though it occasionally required a hard tap to register inputs. The Telluride offered customization options for the screen's appearance, including themes from various brand collaborations. A 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system was available on the SX trim and above, delivering powerful and clear sound.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was standard across all trims. Traffic jam assist was available on the top trims, while Proactive Driving Assist was best turned off. The Grand Highlander received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and mostly top "Good" scores from the IIHS.

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