Kia Telluride vs. Toyota Grand Highlander | Burlington Kia
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3-Row SUV Comparison

Kia Telluride vs. Toyota Grand Highlander: Which 3-Row SUV Is Right for You?

The Toyota Grand Highlander is a capable family SUV, but the Kia Telluride now makes an even stronger case with gas and turbo-hybrid powertrains, flexible three-row seating, serious towing capability and an upscale cabin designed for everyday family life.

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Gas and Turbo-Hybrid Choices
7 or 8 Passenger Seating
Up to 5,000 lbs. Gas Towing
Telluride vs. Grand Highlander

Why the Kia Telluride Deserves the Advantage

Both SUVs offer three rows, available all-wheel drive and hybrid choices. The Telluride stands out by combining family-friendly space with strong turbocharged performance, an efficient new hybrid option, useful towing capability, rugged available hardware and thoughtful technology throughout all three rows.

Our Pick
Kia Telluride

2027 Kia Telluride

The redesigned Telluride gives shoppers a compelling choice between turbocharged gas power and the first-ever Telluride Turbo-Hybrid, all wrapped in a spacious three-row SUV with meaningful family and adventure features.

274 HP Gas Turbo
329 HP Turbo-Hybrid
35 MPG Hybrid Combined*
5,000 LBS. Gas Towing*
  • Available seating for seven or eight passengers with class-leading second-row legroom.
  • 22.3 cu. ft. of cargo room behind the third row for everyday family gear.
  • USB-C outlets across all three rows help keep everyone connected.
  • Available AWD with Terrain Mode adds confidence for changing road and weather conditions.
  • Available X-Pro capability adds all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance and additional off-road-focused equipment.
  • Up to 29 available driver-assistance and collision-avoidance features.
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Toyota Grand Highlander Competitor
Toyota Grand Highlander

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander

The Grand Highlander remains a roomy family SUV with gas, Hybrid and Hybrid MAX choices. It offers strong cargo volume and several capable powertrain configurations.

265 HP Gas Turbo
245 HP Hybrid
362 HP Hybrid MAX
5,000 LBS. Max Towing*
  • Seating for up to eight passengers.
  • Gas, Hybrid and higher-output Hybrid MAX powertrains.
  • Up to 97.5 cu. ft. of cargo space with the rear seats folded.
  • Available front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive depending on configuration.

*Specifications vary by trim, drivetrain and equipment. Telluride Hybrid 35 MPG combined figure is EPA-estimated for EX FWD. Towing requires appropriate equipment. See manufacturer information and the specific vehicle for complete details.

First-Ever Telluride Hybrid

The Telluride Now Has a Hybrid Answer

Hybrid efficiency is no longer a reason to automatically choose the Grand Highlander. The 2027 Telluride Turbo-Hybrid brings electrified performance directly into the comparison while keeping the space and versatility shoppers expect from Telluride.

329 Horsepower 2.5L turbo-hybrid powertrain
EPA-Estimated 35 MPG Combined On Telluride Hybrid EX FWD
Up to 637 Miles Total Range Designed for long family trips with fewer fuel stops
Up to 4,500 lbs. Towing When properly equipped
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Why It Matters

Hybrid Efficiency Without Giving Up Telluride Character

More Power Than the Standard Grand Highlander Hybrid

The Telluride Turbo-Hybrid produces 329 horsepower, giving shoppers substantially more output than the 245-horsepower standard Grand Highlander Hybrid.

Built for Long-Distance Family Travel

Up to 637 miles of total range makes the Telluride Hybrid especially compelling for road trips, vacations and busy households that spend a lot of time on the road.

Still a True Three-Row Telluride

Choosing the hybrid does not mean stepping down to a smaller crossover. You still get the family-focused three-row size that makes Telluride attractive in the first place.

Side-by-Side

Telluride vs. Grand Highlander: The Details That Matter

The Telluride brings a deeper mix of performance, family convenience and adventure capability than a simple three-row seating comparison suggests.

Comparison Area 2027 Kia Telluride 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Gas Engine Output 274 hp, 311 lb.-ft. 265 hp, 310 lb.-ft.
Standard Hybrid Output 329 hp, 339 lb.-ft. 245 combined hp
Hybrid Efficiency EPA-est. 35 MPG combined on EX FWD Up to an estimated 36 MPG combined
Hybrid Total Range Up to 637 miles Varies by configuration
Seating 7 or 8 passengers Up to 8 passengers
Second-Row Space Class-leading second-row legroom Spacious three-row layout
Cargo Behind Third Row 22.3 cu. ft. Designed for useful third-row cargo space
Maximum Towing Up to 5,000 lbs. gas / 4,500 lbs. hybrid* Up to 5,000 lbs.*
Adventure Hardware Available X-Pro, Terrain Mode, all-terrain tires, recovery hooks and off-road display technology Available AWD and Multi-Terrain Select on select configurations
Passenger Connectivity USB-C access across all three rows Multiple USB-C charging ports

Specifications shown are based on current manufacturer information for the referenced model years. Features, ratings and equipment vary by trim and configuration. Always verify the specific vehicle before purchase.

2027 Kia Telluride exterior
The Telluride Difference

Family Comfort Meets Real SUV Capability

The Telluride is compelling because it does not force you to choose between everyday family usability and the capability you want for weekends, road trips and changing weather.

Room Where Families Actually Need It

Choose seating for seven with second-row captain's chairs or seating for eight with a second-row bench, plus generous passenger room across all three rows.

Designed Around Connected Passengers

USB-C outlets across all three rows help reduce the scramble for charging access on long drives with a full cabin.

More Than a Pavement-Only Family SUV

Available all-wheel drive with Terrain Mode and the more adventure-focused X-Pro configuration give the Telluride meaningful capability when the road gets less predictable.

A Deep Driver-Assistance Toolkit

Up to 29 available driver-assistance and collision-avoidance features help make the Telluride a technology-rich choice for busy households.

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Which SUV Fits You?

Why We Think Telluride Is the More Compelling Choice

The Grand Highlander has real strengths, especially maximum folded-seat cargo volume and its higher-output Hybrid MAX option. For many three-row SUV shoppers, though, Telluride delivers the more balanced package.

Choose Telluride If You Want...

A More Complete Family and Adventure Package

  • A choice between turbocharged gas and turbo-hybrid power.
  • Strong hybrid output without moving to the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX tier.
  • Class-leading second-row legroom and seven- or eight-passenger flexibility.
  • Useful cargo space even when all three rows are in use.
  • Available X-Pro hardware for drivers who want a more rugged SUV.
  • Up to 29 available driver-assistance and collision-avoidance features.
  • A three-row SUV you can shop, research and test drive right here at Burlington Kia of NC.
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Grand Highlander May Fit If...

These Specific Priorities Matter Most

  • Your top priority is maximum cargo volume with the rear seats folded.
  • You specifically want the higher-output 362-horsepower Hybrid MAX powertrain.
  • You prefer a Toyota product over the Telluride's combination of features and capability.
  • You have compared both vehicles in person and simply prefer the Grand Highlander's driving position or layout.

The Telluride Is No Longer Giving Up the Hybrid Argument

With the arrival of the Telluride Turbo-Hybrid, shoppers can get three-row Kia versatility, strong electrified performance and impressive estimated efficiency without leaving the Telluride lineup. Add its passenger space, technology, towing capability and available X-Pro hardware, and it becomes an especially well-rounded alternative to the Grand Highlander.

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Take the Next Step

Find the Telluride That Fits Your Family

Compare current gas and hybrid Telluride availability, explore financing options and plan your visit to Burlington Kia of NC.

Shop Telluride Hybrid

Explore the first-ever Telluride Hybrid and bring turbo-hybrid efficiency into your three-row SUV search.

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Explore Financing

Review financing resources and prepare for your next three-row SUV purchase.

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See the Telluride for Yourself

Compare passenger space, third-row access, cargo flexibility and driving feel in person at Burlington Kia of NC.

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FAQ

Kia Telluride vs. Toyota Grand Highlander FAQs

Common questions from shoppers comparing these two three-row SUVs.

Does the Kia Telluride have a hybrid model?

Yes. The first-ever 2027 Kia Telluride Turbo-Hybrid pairs a 2.5L turbo-hybrid powertrain with 329 horsepower and 339 lb.-ft. of torque. The EX FWD is EPA-estimated at 35 MPG combined.

How many passengers can the Kia Telluride seat?

The 2027 Telluride offers configurations for seven or eight passengers, allowing shoppers to choose between second-row captain's chairs and available bench-seat configurations.

How much can the 2027 Kia Telluride tow?

The gas-powered 2027 Telluride can tow up to 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped. The Telluride Hybrid can tow up to 4,500 lbs. when properly equipped.

Which has more horsepower, the Telluride Hybrid or Grand Highlander Hybrid?

The 2027 Telluride Turbo-Hybrid produces 329 horsepower, while the standard 2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid produces 245 combined horsepower. Toyota also offers a separate higher-output Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX powertrain with 362 combined horsepower.

Is the Telluride good for family road trips?

The Telluride combines three-row seating, class-leading second-row legroom, 22.3 cu. ft. of cargo space behind the third row and USB-C outlets across all three rows. The Telluride Hybrid also offers up to 637 miles of total range.

Where can I shop for a Kia Telluride or Telluride Hybrid?

You can browse current Telluride and Telluride Hybrid inventory online at Burlington Kia of NC and contact the dealership to learn more about available models.

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