Toyota Grand Highlander vs Kia Telluride: Which Three-Row SUV Should You Choose?

Three-row SUVs have become the family vehicle of choice for a reason. They carry everyone, haul the gear, and cover long distances without complaint. The Toyota Grand Highlander vs Kia Telluride comparison is one of the most searched in this segment, and both earn their reputation. 

Shoppers weighing the Toyota Grand Highlander vs Kia Telluride matchup will find real differences in cargo capacity, powertrain choices, and long-term costs that should drive the decision. When it comes to the best three row SUV for Moore County families, the Grand Highlander’s combination of cargo space, powertrain flexibility, and ownership value gives Southern Pines drivers a meaningful edge.

Cargo Space: Where the Grand Highlander Separates Itself

Cargo room is one of the most practical ways to measure a three-row SUV, and the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander wins convincingly. With all three rows in use, it offers 20.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row. Fold every rear seat flat and that opens to an enormous 97.5 cubic feet, significantly more than the Telluride’s 89.3 cubic feet maximum. 

How much does that difference matter in practice? Toyota noted the Grand Highlander can hold seven small roller bags behind the third row with every seat occupied, making it a genuine advantage for families packing for road trips or hauling sports gear from Pinehurst to the coast. The Telluride’s 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row is competitive, but its 89.3-cubic-foot maximum simply falls short of what the Grand Highlander delivers when you need the full bed.

Powertrain Flexibility and Fuel Economy

Is the best three row SUV the one with one engine or three? The Grand Highlander answers with three powertrain options and the Telluride offers one. The standard 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic, with EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 city and 28 highway with front-wheel drive. The Hybrid model pairs a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor for 245 combined horsepower and earns up to 34 combined MPG, compared to the Telluride’s EPA-estimated 22 MPG combined with FWD. For drivers who want maximum performance, the Hybrid MAX delivers 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, also AWD-standard. 

The 2027 Telluride relies on a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 274 horsepower, with EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 18 city and 24 highway. A hybrid Telluride has been announced for future availability but is not currently in dealers. For Moore County families who put consistent miles on a vehicle, the Grand Highlander Hybrid’s fuel economy advantage translates directly to dollars saved every month.

Third Row and Passenger Space

Can adults actually use the third row of a three-row SUV? The Grand Highlander was specifically engineered with this question in mind. Built on a 116.1-inch wheelbase, it offers genuine adult-friendly proportions across all three rows, with 33.5 inches of third-row legroom and a wide rear door opening that makes entry and exit straightforward. Seven USB-C ports distributed across all rows ensure every passenger stays charged on long drives. 

The Telluride also accommodates adults in the third row for shorter trips, and its 32.1 inches of third-row legroom is respectable in the segment. Both seat seven or eight depending on configuration, but the Grand Highlander’s extra length and wider stance consistently earn it top marks for three-row comfort.

Warranty and Ownership Value

For families keeping a vehicle long-term, the Grand Highlander’s warranty structure rounds out the Toyota Grand Highlander vs Kia Telluride case for Toyota. Basic coverage is 3 years and 36,000 miles, powertrain coverage extends to 5 years and 60,000 miles, hybrid components are covered for 8 years and 100,000 miles, and the hybrid battery carries a 10-year and 150,000-mile warranty. Every new Grand Highlander also comes with ToyotaCare: two years or 25,000 miles of complimentary factory scheduled maintenance at no extra cost. 

For drivers deciding which is the best three row SUV for long-term ownership, that coverage gap is real. The Telluride carries Kia’s respected 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is strong, but it does not include complimentary maintenance. Our team at Pinehurst Toyota can walk drivers from Southern Pines, Aberdeen, and Sanford through the full Grand Highlander lineup.

Frequently Asked Questions About Toyota Grand Highlander vs Kia Telluride

How much cargo space does the Grand Highlander have compared to the Telluride?

The 2026 Grand Highlander offers 97.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space with all rear seats folded, compared to 89.3 cubic feet in the Telluride. 

Does the Toyota Grand Highlander get better fuel economy than the Kia Telluride?

Yes, especially in Hybrid form. The Grand Highlander Hybrid earns up to 34 combined MPG, compared to the Telluride’s EPA-estimated 22 combined MPG with FWD. Even the Grand Highlander gas model earns 24 combined MPG versus 22 for the Telluride.

What is the towing capacity of the 2026 Grand Highlander?

Gas and Hybrid MAX models tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The standard Hybrid model is rated for 3,500 pounds.

Where can I find the best three row SUV near Southern Pines?

Pinehurst Toyota in Southern Pines carries the full 2026 Grand Highlander lineup, including gas, Hybrid, and Hybrid MAX configurations, serving drivers throughout Southern Pines, Aberdeen, Sanford, and Pinehurst, NC.