Kia Telluride vs. Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2027 Kia Telluride and Toyota Grand Highlander are both three-row SUVs built for families who need space, capability, and everyday versatility. The Telluride stands out with seating for up to eight, available X-Pro capability, a turbocharged powertrain, and a broad range of technology and comfort features, making it a strong contender in a Telluride vs. Grand Highlander comparison.

At Blasius Kia, we are here to help you find the right SUV and support you long after the sale with sales, service, parts, and more. We proudly serve drivers throughout Watertown, Waterbury, Torrington, and Naugatuck, CT, and our team can help you explore financing options that fit your needs. Visit Blasius Kia or contact us today to learn more about the Kia Telluride and our current selection.

How Does the Kia Telluride Compare With the Toyota Grand Highlander?

The Kia Telluride and Toyota Grand Highlander both offer three rows, seating for up to eight, and available all-wheel drive. The Telluride emphasizes a refined cabin and available off-road capability, while the Grand Highlander offers a wider range of gasoline and hybrid powertrains.

The Telluride also offers an X-Pro trim with equipment designed for drivers who want more capability beyond typical family-SUV duties.

How Do the Telluride and Grand Highlander Compare on Price and Value?

The 2027 Kia Telluride LX has a starting MSRP of $39,190, compared with $42,260 for the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander LE. That gives the Telluride a lower starting price by nearly $3,100.

The Telluride also offers 10 trims, giving shoppers several ways to add features as they move through the lineup. The Grand Highlander stands apart with gasoline, hybrid, and Hybrid MAX powertrain options.

For buyers focused on upfront cost, the Kia Telluride has the advantage, while the Grand Highlander offers greater powertrain variety.

What Powertrain and Capability Differences Matter Most?

The 2027 Kia Telluride uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 274 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft. of torque with an eight-speed automatic, plus an available hybrid. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the X-Pro adds 9.1 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, Terrain Mode, and an electronically limited-slip differential.

The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander offers a 265-horsepower turbocharged gas engine, a 245-horsepower hybrid, and a 362-horsepower Hybrid MAX. Gas and Hybrid MAX models can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Which SUV Offers More Technology and Comfort Features?

The Kia Telluride offers an available digital cockpit with nearly 30 inches of combined displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual wireless phone chargers, a 12-inch head-up display, Blind-Spot View, and a 360-degree Surround View Monitor.

The Grand Highlander features a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and seven USB-C ports. Higher trims add leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, JBL audio, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.

Which Three-Row SUV Gives Your Family More Usable Space?

The 2027 Kia Telluride provides 22.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, plus class-leading second-row legroom and 32.1 inches of third-row legroom.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander offers 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 97.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, giving it an advantage in maximum cargo capacity.

Which SUV Makes More Sense for Your Driving Needs?

The Kia Telluride suits drivers seeking family-friendly space, premium cabin features, and available X-Pro capability. The Grand Highlander may appeal more to households prioritizing powertrain flexibility through its gasoline, hybrid, and Hybrid MAX options.

For families seeking a straightforward SUV for daily driving and road trips, the Telluride balances practicality, technology, and capability.

How do the Kia Telluride and Toyota Grand Highlander compare in size and seating?

Both seat up to eight passengers, while the Kia Telluride also offers a seven-passenger configuration with second-row captain’s chairs. The Telluride provides class-leading second-row legroom and easy third-row access.

Which three-row SUV offers more cargo space?

The Toyota Grand Highlander offers up to 97.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, compared with 89.3 cubic feet in the Kia Telluride. The Telluride provides 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row.

How do the powertrain options and fuel economy compare?

The Grand Highlander offers gas, hybrid, and Hybrid MAX powertrains, with its hybrid reaching an EPA-estimated 34 mpg combined. The 2027 Telluride offers a turbocharged gas engine rated at 20/26/22 mpg city/highway/combined in FWD form, plus a new hybrid option.

Which SUV offers more standard technology and safety features?

Both offer strong technology and driver-assistance features. The Kia Telluride includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless smartphone integration, and multiple collision-avoidance systems, while the 2026 Grand Highlander includes Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 and a 12.3-inch multimedia display.

Which three-row SUV is the better fit for Connecticut families?

The Kia Telluride suits families seeking flexible seating, generous passenger room, and available all-wheel drive. The Grand Highlander may be better for families prioritizing maximum cargo capacity or hybrid powertrain choices.

Explore the Kia Telluride at Blasius Kia

Choosing between the Kia Telluride and Toyota Grand Highlander comes down to the features, space, and capabilities that matter most to your family. If the Telluride fits what you are looking for, our team at Blasius Kia can help you explore available models and find the configuration that suits your needs.

Drivers from Watertown, Waterbury, Torrington, and Naugatuck, CT, can explore our wide selection of vehicles, including the Kia Telluride. If you're comparing three-row Kia SUVs, our Kia Sorento Trim Comparison can help you evaluate another versatile option, while our Kia Carnival vs. Kia Sorento comparison offers a closer look at two different approaches to family transportation. For another SUV comparison, explore Kia Sportage vs. Kia Sorento to see how Kia's lineup fits different driving needs.

When you're ready to take the next step, visit us or contact Blasius Kia to learn more about the Telluride and find the right SUV for your family.

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