2025 Kia Telluride Vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander Comparison
Size matters, and the battle between the Kia Telluride vs. Toyota Highlander helps prove that. Why? Both are large and in-charge three-row SUVs that are as competitive as possible. It still holds true whether you need that size for family-hauling fun or get-it-done practicality. These SUVs stand out as spacious options within their manufacturers' lineups, with just about everything needed to let your family stretch out and embrace life.
Gunther Kia is here to show you the facts that set these two SUVs apart. Let's compare the 2025 Toyota Highlander vs. Kia Telluride now.
2025 Kia Telluride vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander Key Takeaways
- Both SUVs can seat up to eight occupants in three rows, but the Kia Telluride offers more passenger space and cargo volume
- The Kia Telluride boasts a V-6 engine and offers a higher maximum towing capacity than the Toyota Highlander, which has a four-cylinder motor
- The Telluride is replete with cutting-edge technology and comfort amenities, featuring a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and available second-row ventilated seats (the Highlander has a standard 8-inch display and no availability for second-row ventilated seats)
- These three-row SUVs prioritize safety, but the Telluride comes out ahead with more standard offerings, including Safe Exit Assist and Driver Attention Warning, than the Highlander
New Kia Telluride vs. Toyota Highlander Size and Practicality
These Kia and Toyota SUVs offer three rows and seating for up to eight occupants. Headroom and legroom are where the battle between the 2025 Toyota Highlander vs. the 2025 Kia Telluride truly begins. For starters, the Telluride has 38.1 inches of third-row headroom (if you pick a trim without a sunroof or with a single sunroof), while the Highlander has 36.1 inches of third-row headroom in every configuration. The first- and second-row headroom measurements are comparable between models.
As for legroom, the 2025 Telluride offers those in the front seat 41.4 inches, those in the second row 42.4 inches, and those in the third row 31.4 inches. The 2025 Highlander SUV's dimensions are 42, 38.7, and 28 inches, respectively. In our Kia Telluride vs. Toyota Highlander matchup, this means drivers get about half an inch of extra legroom in the Toyota model, but everyone else will lose more.
Cargo space is also an advantage for the new Kia SUV. The Telluride offers 21 cubic feet behind the third row, while the Highlander has only 16 cubic feet in the same area. Maximum cargo volume is 87 cubic feet in the Telluride and just 84.3 cubic feet in the Highlander. Plus, the 2025 Telluride comes standard with a dual-level cargo floor; the 2025 Highlander does not, nor does it offer this function.
If passenger space and cargo volume are at the top of your list, find your favorite Telluride model in our new Kia inventory today.
2025 Toyota Highlander vs. Kia Telluride Performance and Efficiency
The new Kia Telluride for sale is our first-round winner in terms of size and practicality, but what about performance? The Telluride has a 3.8-liter V-6 engine with 291 horsepower. Meanwhile, the Highlander is powered by a 265-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Furthermore, select trims of the 2025 Kia Telluride can tow up to 5,500 pounds when properly equipped; the Toyota Highlander towing capacity is a maximum of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
As we continue to evaluate the Toyota Highlander vs. Kia Telluride specs, we find that the Highlander is slightly more fuel-efficient than the Telluride – but only slightly. It delivers up to an EPA-estimated 22/29 MPG (City/Highway),1 while the 2025 Kia Telluride earns up to an EPA-estimated 20/26 MPG (City/Highway) 2 rating. However, the Telluride makes up for that with its 18.8-gallon fuel tank versus the 17.9-gallon tank in the Highlander.
Telluride vs. Highlander Technology and Features
While it's somewhat subjective, many expert reviewers find that when comparing a Kia SUV vs. a Toyota SUV, the more innovative and refined interiors belong to Kia models – especially the flagship Telluride. For example, the standard 12.3-inch touchscreen in the 2025 Kia Telluride effortlessly outdoes the standard 8-inch display in the Highlander. They both come with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity.
As for your comfort, you can find versions of either vehicle with heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the Kia Telluride takes it a step further with its driver's seat – it adds driver smart posture control and thigh extension in select trims, in addition to power lumbar control. The Toyota Highlander only offers power lumbar control in comparison. The Kia SUV also has ventilated second-row seats available, an amenity not equipped in any trim of the Toyota SUV.
Whether you opt for a new or used Kia Telluride for sale, you can expect a second-to-none cabin experience.
Kia Telluride vs. Toyota Highlander Safety and Reliability
As we continue to compare Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander SUVs, we find that both vehicles are reliable, typically able to hit 200,000 or 250,000 miles with proper care. They also offer similar standard driver-assistance features. An advanced version of Cruise Control is standard in each, but the Kia Telluride SUV's variant is navigation-based. The Telluride also has amenities like Lane Departure Warning and Blind-Spot Collision Warning as standard, as does the Highlander with its Lane Departure Alert and Blind Spot Monitor.
However, the Telluride offers Safe Exit Assist, Rear Occupant Alert with Ultrasonic Sensors, and Driver Attention Warning as standard equipment. The Highlander fails to provide any of these systems in its lineup.
Kia Telluride vs. Toyota Highlander Comparison Chart
2025 Kia Telluride LX FWD
| Engine: | 3.8L V-6 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower: | 291 |
| Torque: | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission: | 8-speed automatic |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty/Hwy): | 20 / 262 |
| Towing Capacity: | 5,000 lbs3 |
| Fuel Tank Size: | 18.8 gal |
| Seating Capacity: | 8 |
| Standard Cargo Capacity: | 21 cu ft |
| Length: | 196.9 in |
| Width: | 78.3 in |
| Shop Model: | New Kia Telluride For Sale |
2025 Toyota Highlander LE FWD
| Engine: | 2.4L turbo 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Horsepower: | 265 |
| Torque: | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission: | 8-speed automatic |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty/Hwy): | 22 / 291 |
| Towing Capacity: | 5,000 lbs4 |
| Fuel Tank Size: | 17.9 gal |
| Seating Capacity: | 8 |
| Standard Cargo Capacity: | 16 cu ft |
| Length: | 194.9 in |
| Width: | 76 in |
| Shop Model: | Used Toyota Highlander For Sale |
What's New in the 2025 Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander?
When comparing the 2024 Kia Telluride and 2024 Toyota Highlander SUVs to the 2025 models, there aren't significant changes to either lineup. The Toyota Highlander switches up some color options and adds standard all-wheel drive to the XSE and Platinum models, while the Kia Telluride remains the same great SUV from the previous year.
Find Your Perfect Kia Telluride at Gunther Kia
So, which is best for you: the Kia Telluride or Toyota Highlander? The choice is up to you. Still, when you tour and test-drive the Telluride with us, you will discover a more spacious and practical interior, more towing potential, and more impressive features than the Toyota Highlander. Plus, you can expect competitive Kia Telluride lease deals and finance offers and top-notch customer service from our team.
Whether you come to us for used cars, a new SUV, or anything else, we're here to serve your needs. If you happen to be in South Florida, stop by our Kia dealership in Fort Lauderdale today and discover the Gunther difference.
Schedule Test DriveFrequently Asked Questions:
Which is bigger: the Toyota Highlander or the Kia Telluride?
In terms of Kia Telluride vs. Toyota Highlander size, the Telluride is bigger than the Highlander in most dimensions. It is longer (196.9 inches vs. 194.9 inches) and wider (78.3 inches vs. 76 inches). The Telluride also has more cargo capacity, whether you are talking about what's available behind the third row or overall when you fold the second- and third-row seats.
Which is better: the 2025 Toyota Highlander or the 2025 Kia Telluride?
If your priorities involve passenger and cargo space, towing capacity, and well-rounded features, such as ample comfort options and safety systems, the 2025 Kia Telluride may be better for your needs. The 2025 Toyota Highlander offers a minuscule edge when it comes to fuel efficiency, but it also has a smaller fuel tank. Contact us today to find out more about how these three-row SUVs compare.
Which is quieter: the Telluride or Highlander?
The 2025 Kia Telluride is a whisper-quiet SUV on the inside, earning critics' praise with its tranquil ride and benefits like a sound-absorbing windshield, sound-absorbing front window glass, and Quiet Mode. It is tailored to create a luxurious and calm on-road experience. Looking at the 2025 Toyota Highlander, it only offers acoustic noise-reducing front side windows in comparison.
Which has more cargo space: the Kia Telluride or the Toyota Highlander?
The 2025 Kia Telluride has more standard and total cargo space than the 2025 Toyota Highlander. The Highlander offers just 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind its third-row seats, while the Telluride has 21 cubic feet behind its third row. With the third and second rows folded, the Highlander features 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space; the Telluride pulls ahead with its maximum of 87 cubic feet.
Which is more fuel-efficient: the Kia Telluride or the Toyota Highlander?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is slightly more efficient than the 2025 Kia Telluride, but not by enough to overcome the Telluride SUV's advantages. Among the Kia Telluride advantages are more desirable standard features, more horsepower, a larger fuel tank, more cargo room, more passenger space, and a higher maximum towing capacity. With other perks like its standard safety features, the Telluride is ready to satisfy every driver's and family's needs.
Need Help Finding The Right Kia For You? Contact Us!
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1Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See fueleconomy.gov.
2Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle's condition. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
3Towing requires additional equipment. See Owner's Manual for towing capacity, additional instructions and warnings. Always use caution while towing.
4Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. "Added vehicle equipment" includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle's exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. [Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.] Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner's Manual for limitations.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.