When shopping for a new family SUV, there are a plethora of options to choose from. Two popular contenders in the midsize SUV segment are the 2023 Kia Telluride and the Toyota Highlander. Both models have received high praise for their impressive combination of performance, comfort, and reliability, but how do they stack up against each other?
In this comprehensive comparison, we will break down the most critical aspects of each vehicle, from performance and fuel economy to safety and technology features, to help you decide which model best fits your needs.
Performance:
Under the hood of the 2023 Kia Telluride lies a 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers a healthy 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth and responsive shifting. The Telluride’s standard front-wheel drive provides ample traction, while the optional all-wheel drive further enhances its capabilities in various road conditions.
The Toyota Highlander comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission as well. The Highlander also offers a hybrid powertrain option, which combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, generating a combined 243 horsepower. The Highlander is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.
Fuel Economy:
The 2023 Kia Telluride, with its standard V6 engine, offers an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway for the front-wheel-drive models. Opting for the all-wheel drive lowers these numbers slightly to 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
The non-hybrid Toyota Highlander achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway in its front-wheel-drive configuration. The all-wheel-drive version sees a minor decrease in efficiency, rated at 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. The Highlander Hybrid, however, boasts impressive fuel economy numbers, with 36 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.
Interior Comfort and Space:
The 2023 Kia Telluride’s interior is both spacious and comfortable, providing seating for up to eight passengers. The cabin features high-quality materials and an attractive design, giving it a premium feel. With 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 87 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, the Telluride offers ample storage for family road trips and everyday use.
The Toyota Highlander’s cabin can accommodate up to eight passengers as well, but some critics argue that the third row is somewhat cramped for adults. The Highlander’s interior is well-appointed with quality materials and a pleasing design. Cargo space is slightly less generous than the Telluride, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row and 84.3 cubic feet when both rear rows are folded down.
Safety Features:
The 2023 Kia Telluride comes with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features as standard. These include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, the Telluride boasts a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The Toyota Highlander is also equipped with a robust set of safety features, including the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite. This package consists of pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, and road sign assist. The Highlander has received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA as well, showcasing its commitment to passenger protection.
Technology:
The 2023 Kia Telluride is well-equipped in terms of technology, with standard features such as an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims and optional packages offer upgrades like a 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, wireless charging, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system with dual 10.1-inch touchscreens.
The Toyota Highlander also offers a wealth of technology features, starting with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. Optional upgrades include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a premium JBL audio system, navigation, wireless charging, and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display.
Trim Levels:
2023 Kia Telluride:
The 2023 Kia Telluride is available in four different trim levels, each offering a range of features and options to cater to various preferences and budgets.
- LX: The base LX trim comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Kia Drive Wise suite of advanced safety features.
- S: The S trim adds features such as power-adjustable and heated front seats, 20-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof, and second-row captain’s chairs for added comfort.
- EX: The EX trim builds on the S with additional features like leather upholstery, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless charging, and power-folding third-row seats.
- SX: The top-of-the-line SX trim includes a Harman Kardon premium audio system, a 360-degree surround-view camera, blind-spot view monitor, dual sunroofs, and LED taillights. The optional SX Prestige Package adds features like Nappa leather upholstery, a head-up display, and heated and ventilated second-row seats.
Toyota Highlander:
The Toyota Highlander is available in six different trim levels and three hybrid options, providing a wide array of configurations to cater to diverse needs and budgets.
- L: The base L trim includes LED headlights, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite of advanced safety features.
- LE: The LE trim adds features such as a power liftgate, LED fog lights, and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.
- XLE: The XLE trim offers upgrades like a power moonroof, SofTex-trimmed seats, heated front seats, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster display, and wireless charging.
- XSE: The sporty XSE trim comes with unique 20-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, aggressive exterior styling, and ambient interior lighting.
- Limited: The Limited trim features leather-trimmed seats, a premium JBL audio system, navigation, a hands-free power liftgate, and heated and ventilated front seats.
- Platinum: The top-of-the-line Platinum trim boasts a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic moonroof, a head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror.
Hybrid options are available for the LE, XLE, and Limited trims, offering enhanced fuel efficiency and eco-friendly performance.
Pricing:
The 2023 Kia Telluride has a starting price of $33,000 for the base LX trim, while higher trims such as the SX and SX Prestige can push the price upwards of $45,000. The Telluride’s pricing remains competitive within the segment, offering excellent value for its features and capabilities.
The Toyota Highlander starts at a slightly higher price point, with the base L trim beginning at $35,000. Higher trims like the Platinum can reach up to $48,000. The Highlander Hybrid models start at around $38,000, with the top-of-the-line Platinum Hybrid priced at nearly $51,000.
Warranty:
Kia offers an impressive warranty package for the 2023 Telluride, which provides added peace of mind for buyers. The coverage includes a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan. Kia’s warranty is often considered one of the best in the industry, giving customers confidence in their investment.
Toyota’s warranty coverage for the Highlander is more standard in comparison. It includes a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, a 3-year/36,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a 2-year/25,000-mile maintenance plan with 24-hour roadside assistance. While Toyota’s warranty may not be as extensive as Kia’s, the brand has a strong reputation for reliability, which can alleviate some concerns.
Key Differences
When comparing the 2023 Kia Telluride and the Toyota Highlander, there are several key differences to consider that may influence your decision-making process:
Engine and Performance:
While both vehicles offer V6 engines with similar horsepower and torque figures, the Toyota Highlander also provides a hybrid powertrain option, which combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors for increased fuel efficiency.
Fuel Economy:
The non-hybrid Toyota Highlander has slightly better fuel economy compared to the Kia Telluride in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. The Highlander Hybrid, however, stands out with its impressive fuel economy of 36 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.
Interior Space:
The Kia Telluride offers a more spacious interior, particularly in terms of cargo capacity, with 21 cubic feet of space behind the third row and up to 87 cubic feet with rear rows folded. The Highlander has less cargo space, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row and 84.3 cubic feet when rear rows are folded down. Additionally, the Telluride has a more accommodating third row, making it a better option for passengers requiring extra space.
Warranty Coverage:
Kia offers a more comprehensive warranty package for the Telluride, including a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty. The Toyota Highlander’s warranty coverage is more standard, with a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 3-year/36,000-mile limited basic warranty.
Pricing:
The Kia Telluride has a lower starting price compared to the Toyota Highlander, with the base LX trim beginning at $33,000, while the Highlander’s base L trim starts at $35,000. This difference in price can be a determining factor for budget-conscious buyers.
Trim Level Options:
The Toyota Highlander offers a wider range of trim levels, with six different options and three hybrid configurations, allowing for more flexibility when it comes to customizing the vehicle to fit specific needs and preferences. The Kia Telluride is available in four trim levels, which still provide a good range of options but may not be as extensive as the Highlander’s offerings.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, both the 2023 Kia Telluride and the Toyota Highlander are strong contenders in the midsize SUV segment, offering an appealing combination of performance, comfort, safety, and technology. The Telluride stands out with its spacious interior, competitive pricing, and impressive warranty coverage, while the Highlander offers a hybrid option, slightly better fuel economy, and a wider range of trim levels to cater to diverse needs and preferences.
Ultimately, the choice between these two vehicles will depend on your personal priorities and requirements. We recommend test-driving both the 2023 Kia Telluride and the Toyota Highlander to determine which one best suits your needs and offers the most value for your investment. With either choice, you’ll be getting a reliable and well-equipped SUV designed to meet the demands of today’s modern families.
Features Breakdown
Here is an overview on the features of each vehicle:
2023 Kia Telluride:
- Performance:
- 3.8-liter V6 engine
- 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive (standard) and all-wheel drive (optional)
- Fuel Economy:
- 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway (FWD)
- 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway (AWD)
- Interior Comfort and Space:
- Seating for up to eight passengers
- 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row
- Up to 87 cubic feet of cargo space with rear rows folded
- Safety Features:
- Standard suite of advanced safety features
- 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA
- Technology:
- 8-inch touchscreen (standard), 10.25-inch touchscreen (optional)
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity
- Harman Kardon premium audio system and rear-seat entertainment system (optional)
- Warranty:
- 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
- 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty
- 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan
- Trim Levels:
- LX, S, EX, SX
Toyota Highlander:
- Performance:
- 3.5-liter V6 engine
- 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive (standard) and all-wheel drive (optional)
- Hybrid powertrain option with 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motors (combined 243 horsepower)
- Fuel Economy:
- 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway (FWD, non-hybrid)
- 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (AWD, non-hybrid)
- 36 mpg city and 35 mpg highway (Hybrid)
- Interior Comfort and Space:
- Seating for up to eight passengers
- 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row
- Up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space with rear rows folded
- Safety Features:
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite of advanced safety features
- 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA
- Technology:
- 8-inch touchscreen (standard), 12.3-inch touchscreen (optional)
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and Wi-Fi connectivity
- JBL premium audio system and rear-seat entertainment system (optional)
- Warranty:
- 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty
- 3-year/36,000-mile limited basic warranty
- 2-year/25,000-mile maintenance plan with 24-hour roadside assistance
- Trim Levels:
- L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, Platinum
- Hybrid options available for LE, XLE, and Limited trims
