Toyota highlander or kia telluride? the best suv for your family, revealed
What To Know
- The Toyota Highlander with the V6 engine has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
- The hybrid model has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
- The Kia Telluride with the V6 engine has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
In the fiercely contested realm of three-row SUVs, two formidable contenders stand head-to-head: the Toyota Highlander and the Kia Telluride. Both vehicles boast a plethora of features, advanced technologies, and spacious interiors, making them ideal choices for families and adventure seekers alike.
Power and Performance
The Toyota Highlander offers two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid system that produces a combined 243 horsepower. The V6 is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The Kia Telluride also comes with two engine choices: a 3.8-liter V6 with 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine that delivers 201 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of towing capacity, the Highlander can pull up to 5,000 pounds with the V6 engine and 3,500 pounds with the hybrid. The Telluride, on the other hand, has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with either engine.
Interior and Cargo Space
The Toyota Highlander offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin with ample seating for up to eight passengers. The front seats provide excellent support and comfort, and the second-row seats offer plenty of legroom and headroom. The third row is relatively cramped, but it’s still usable for children or occasional adult passengers.
The Kia Telluride boasts an even more spacious interior with room for up to eight passengers. The front seats are exceptionally comfortable, and the second-row seats offer generous legroom and headroom. The third row is also more spacious than in the Highlander, making it suitable for longer trips.
In terms of cargo space, the Highlander offers 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row of seats, 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and 84.3 cubic feet with all rear seats folded down. The Telluride offers slightly more cargo space, with 21.0 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 87.0 cubic feet with all rear seats folded down.
Technology and Features
The Toyota Highlander comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a six-speaker sound system. Available features include an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, a 12-speaker premium audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
The Kia Telluride comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a six-speaker sound system. Available features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, a 10-speaker premium audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
Both the Highlander and the Telluride offer a wide range of advanced safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Off-Road Capabilities
The Toyota Highlander is available with an optional all-wheel drive system that provides enhanced traction in slippery conditions. However, it’s not designed for serious off-roading.
The Kia Telluride, on the other hand, comes standard with an all-wheel drive system that includes a terrain management system with four different modes: Snow, Mud, Sand, and Sport. This system provides improved off-road capabilities, making the Telluride a more versatile choice for adventure-seekers.
Fuel Economy
The Toyota Highlander with the V6 engine has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The hybrid model has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
The Kia Telluride with the V6 engine has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The diesel model has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Price
The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $35,755 for the base L trim level. The top-of-the-line Platinum trim level starts at $50,755.
The Kia Telluride has a starting price of $34,490 for the base LX trim level. The top-of-the-line SX Prestige trim level starts at $46,690.
Verdict
The Toyota Highlander and the Kia Telluride are both excellent choices for families and adventure seekers. The Highlander offers a spacious interior, a fuel-efficient hybrid option, and a proven track record of reliability. The Telluride, on the other hand, boasts a more spacious interior, a more powerful diesel engine option, and improved off-road capabilities.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. If fuel economy and reliability are your top priorities, the Highlander is a great option. If you need a more spacious interior, a more powerful engine, and better off-road capabilities, the Telluride is the better choice.
Popular Questions
Q: Which SUV has a better fuel economy?
A: The Toyota Highlander hybrid has a better fuel economy than the Kia Telluride, with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The Kia Telluride has a more powerful engine option than the Toyota Highlander, with a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower.
Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
A: The Kia Telluride has a more spacious interior than the Toyota Highlander, with more legroom and headroom in all three rows of seats.
