Toyota has long been a standard in family friendly vehicles, with the Sienna and Highlander combining utility with carlike dynamics, and large SUVs like the Sequoia offering tough capability. Toyota’s Grand Highlander has entered its 3rd year on the market, blending many of the attributes Toyota drivers know and love in other models into a new entry in the popular large 3-row crossover segment. One popular competitor in this class is the Kia Telluride, and Kia has redesigned the Telluride as a 2027 model. Does Grand Highlander have what it takes to defeat the Telluride for the crossover crown? Read on and find out.
| 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander | 2027 Kia Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard MPG, city/hwy/comb. | 21/28/24 | 20/26/22 |
| Max MPG, city/hwy/comb. | 36/34/36 | TBD |
| Max Available Horsepower | 362 | 329 |
| Available Hybrid | Yes | Yes |
| 1st row Headroom, in. | 41.5 | 41.2 |
| 1st row Legroom, in. | 41.7 | 41.4 |
| Legroom, 3rd row, in. | 33.5 | 32.1 |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd row, in. | 57.5 | 55.3 |
| Hip Room, 3rd row, in. | 45.7 | 43.7 |
| Maximum Cargo Volume, cu. ft | 97.5 | 89.3 |
| Power Driver’s Seat | Standard | Available |
| Power Liftgate | Standard | Available |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 2 yrs/25,000 miles | None |
Kia Telluride long offered a single powertrain choice but for 2027 joins Grand Highlander in offering a hybrid powertrain option. Both are powered by standard turbocharged four-cylinder engines, but Grand Highlander gets superior fuel mileage to the Telluride, with up to an estimated 24 mpg combined vs. the Telluride’s 22.
As mentioned, Telluride adds a hybrid option for 2027. However Toyota still offers two choices in hybrids versus Telluride’s one. Kia’s hybrid is similar to Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX in electrifying a turbocharged four-cylinder. Toyota still holds a significant power advantage there, 362 hp vs. Kia’s 329 hp.
Verdict: The Toyota Grand Highlander offers superior performance abilities, with better standard and available fuel economy, more available horsepower, and still the benefit of great fuel efficiency from its two hybrid powertrain options.
While Kia Telluride is a roomy crossover, Grand Highlander offers more room overall. Front-row passengers enjoy a bit more head and legroom. The differences are greater in the 3rd row, where Grand Highlander passengers enjoy over an inch more leg and shoulder room compared to Telluride. Fold all seats down in both, and Grand Highlander has 8 more cubic feet of cargo volume for maximum hauling capability.
Verdict: The Toyota Grand Highlander offers more space for people or cargo.
Grand Highlander also has an advantage with some key features standard that require moving up to higher trim levels of 2027 Telluride. A power driver’s seat is one, offering much more adjustment for maximum comfort. A power liftgate is also standard on Grand Highlander. Telluride offers these features, but as mentioned they are not standard.
Value also comes during ownership, such as with maintenance costs. Toyota excels here as well, as the Grand Highlander includes 2 years or 25,000 miles of complimentary maintenance with ToyotaCare. Telluride offers no such program standard. Grand Highlander’s safety is also enhanced by standard Toyota Safety Sense.
Verdict: The Toyota Grand Highlander offers more popular options standard plus more value adds to help with cost of ownership.
While the redesigned Kia Telluride is a formidable challenger to Grand Highlander in 3-row crossovers, the Toyota remains a leader in large 3-row crossovers. In the Grand Highlander line, the Toyota offers more power available, more efficiency, more space, and more value. Combine that with Toyota’s reputation for reliability and longevity, and you’ll enjoy a Grand Highlander for many years to come.
Pinehurst Toyota in Southern Pines goes further with the peace of mind provided by the Advantage Plan. Call, text or visit us today to see the capable Grand Highlander for yourself. Or see our other new Toyota comparisons to see how the full lineup stacks up. We look forward to helping you!
