How Does 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Compare to 2027 Kia Telluride?
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander vs. 2027 Kia Telluride
How does Toyota Grand Highlander compare to 2027 Kia Telluride?
Toyota has long been the go-to choice for vehicles that can haul the family. From decades of Siennas and Highlanders on the roads of the Carolinas, combining utility with carlike dynamics, to large SUVs like the Sequoia offering tough capability, there’s always been a Toyota model to suit. Toyota’s largest crossover, the Grand Highlander has entered its 3rd year on the market, blending many of the attributes Toyota drivers in Lowell know and love in other models to the large 3-row crossover segment. One popular competitor in this class is the Kia Telluride, and Kia has redesigned the Telluride as a 2027 model. Does Grand Highlander have what it takes to maintain its lead over the Telluride for the crossover crown? Read on and find out.
| 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander | 2027 Kia Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard MPG, city/hwy/comb. | 21/28/24 | 20/26/22 |
| Base MSRP, AWD models | Yes | Yes |
| Available Hybrid | $43,260 | $44,090 |
| Hybrid Base MSRP | $45,210 | $46,490 |
| Hybrid MPG, FWD, city/hwy/comb. | 37/34/36 | 34/36/35 |
| Hybrid MPG, AWD, city/hwy/comb. | 36/32/34 | 30/32/31 |
| Max Available Horsepower | 362 | 329 |
| 1st row Headroom, in. | 41.5 | 41.2 |
| 1st row Legroom, in. | 41.7 | 41.4 |
| Legroom, 3rd row, in. | 33.5 | 32.1 |
| 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 | 89.3 |
| Power Driver’s Seat | Standard | Available |
| Power Liftgate | Standard | Available |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 2 yrs/25,000 miles | None |
Does Toyota Grand Highlander get better fuel economy than Kia Telluride?
Kia Telluride has long offered a single powertrain choice, but for 2027 it joins Grand Highlander in offering a hybrid powertrain option. Both are powered by standard turbocharged four-cylinder engines, but Grand Highlander gets superior fuel mileage to the Telluride, with up to an estimated 24 mpg combined vs. the Telluride’s 22.
Can you get a hybrid Grand Highlander or hybrid Kia Telluride?
As mentioned, Telluride adds a hybrid option for 2027. However Toyota still offers two choices in hybrids versus Telluride’s one. The regular hybrid offering from Toyota achieves superior fuel economy, with up to 37 mpg city estimated by the EPA, vs. Telluride hybrid’s 34 mpg city estimate. That makes a difference when commuting in Charlotte traffic. That difference grows if you opt for AWD, which is standard on the Grand Highlander Hybrid LE but extra cost on Telluride Hybrid. Toyota gets up to an estimated 36 mpg city with AWD vs. the Kia’s 30.
Kia’s hybrid is similar to Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX in electrifying a turbocharged four-cylinder. Toyota still holds a significant power advantage there, 362 hp vs. Kia’s 329 hp.
Verdict: The Toyota Grand Highlander offers superior performance abilities to drivers in SC and NC, with better standard and available fuel economy, more available horsepower, and still the benefit of great fuel efficiency from its two hybrid powertrain options.
How much room does the Grand Highlander have inside?
While Kia Telluride became known as a roomy crossover, Grand Highlander offers more room overall to Shelby residents. This applies from the front, where passengers enjoy a bit more head and legroom, to the way back: in the 3rd row, Grand Highlander passengers enjoy over an inch more leg and shoulder room compared to Telluride. Fold all seats down in both, and Grand Highlander has 8 more cubic feet of cargo volume for maximum hauling capability.
Verdict: The Toyota Grand Highlander offers more space for people or cargo.
Does Toyota Grand Highlander have more features than 2027 Kia Telluride?
Grand Highlander also has an advantage in standard features, including some key features that require moving up to higher trim levels of the new 2027 Telluride. A power driver’s seat is one, offering much more adjustment for maximum comfort. A power liftgate is also standard on Grand Highlander. While Telluride offers these features to Clover and York families, they are not standard.
If you are looking for an all-wheel-drive crossover, you’ll want to note how much less expensive Grand Highlander is here to start when so equipped: several hundred dollars cheaper than the least-expensive AWD Telluride. And between hybrids, the Grand Highlander Hybrid starts at a lower price while still including AWD vs. the Telluride Hybrid’s available AWD.
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.
Is the 2026 Grand Highlander a better choice than 2027 Kia Telluride?
While the redesigned Kia Telluride tries to challenge the Grand Highlander in 3-row crossovers, the Toyota remains the top choice. Across 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 across the Carolinas for many years to come.
Toyota of Gastonia goes the extra mile on the auto mile for you! 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!