How Does Toyota Grand Highlander Compare to Kia Telluride?
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs. 2025 Kia Telluride
General Comparison
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 recently introduced the larger Grand Highlander, 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. Does Grand Highlander have what it takes to defeat the Telluride for the crossover crown? Read on and find out.
| 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander | 2025 Kia Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard MPG, city/hwy/comb. | 21/28/24 | 20/26/22 |
| Max MPG, city/hwy/comb. | 36/34/36 | ^ |
| Max Available Horsepower | 362 | 291 |
| Available Hybrid | Yes | No |
| Legroom, 3rd row, in. | 33.5 | 31.4 |
| 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 | 87 |
| Power Driver’s Seat | Standard | Available |
| Power Liftgate | Standard | Available |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 2 yrs/25,000 miles | None |
Performance & Efficiency
Kia Telluride has long offered only a single powertrain choice, a 291 hp V6 engine. Grand Highlander arrived on the scene with not one, or two, but three powertrain options, offering more choice in finding something suitable for your needs. Its standard engine is a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that gets superior fuel mileage to the Telluride, with up to an estimated 24 mpg combined vs. the Telluride’s 22.
For even greater efficiency, Grand Highlander offers a hybrid option, significantly boosting fuel economy compared to the Telluride. This is particularly beneficial for those who frequently commute or drive long distances, or places like school carpool lines. This boosts Grand Highlander economy to an estimated 36 mpg combined, excellent for a large crossover utility.
If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, Grand Highlander offers the Hybrid MAX powertrain option. So equipped, Grand Highlander climbs to a combined 362 hp, more than 20% higher than Telluride’s 291. Even with such greater power, the Hybrid MAX allows for up to an estimated 26 mpg combined, so both more powerful and more efficient than Kia Telluride.
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.
Interior Space
While Kia Telluride is a roomy crossover, Grand Highlander offers more room overall. In the 3rd row, you’ll find more space in every dimension for Grand Highlander passengers compared to Telluride. Fold all seats down in both, and Grand Highlander has 10 more cubic feet of cargo volume for maximum hauling capability.
Verdict: The Toyota Grand Highlander offers more space for people or cargo.
Value
Grand Highlander also has an advantage with some key features standard even on the new-for-2025 LE grade, that aren’t standard on the base 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.
Conclusion
While the Kia Telluride continues as a popular choice in 3-row crossovers, the Toyota Grand Highlander has quickly established itself as 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!