Compare: 2023 KIA Telluride vs. 2023 Toyota Highlander
June 20 2023 - joshkim
Compare: 2023 KIA Telluride vs. 2023 Toyota Highlander
Kelley Blue Book Best 3-Row SUV, U.S. News Best 3-Row SUV for Families, Hispanic Motor Press "Best Vehicle of the Year for Hispanic Customers", Motor Trend SUV of the Year, and last but not least Car and Driver 10 Best. It's simply a fact that the KIA Telluride has been widely and positively received, filling the garages of families around the world. But we're not here to simply review the KIA Telluride. Today, we'll compare and put the 2023 KIA Telluride against another highly rated 3-row SUV, the 2023 Toyota Highlander. Read on!2023 KIA Telluride vs. Toyota Highlander: Trims & Pricing
First things first, let's get pricing out of the way. The KIA Telluride offers 10 trims and has a starting MSRP of $35,890. Trims include:- 2023 KIA Telluride LX: $35,890
- 2023 KIA Telluride S: $37, 790
- 2023 KIA Telluride EX: $41,490
- 2023 KIA Telluride EX X-line: $45,685
- 2023 KIA Telluride SX: $45,690
- 2023 KIA Telluride SX X-Line: $49,085
- 2023 KIA Telluride SX X-Pro: $50,085
- 2023 KIA Telluride SX Prestige: $50,590
- 2023 KIA Telluride SX Prestige X-Line: $51,985
- 2023 KIA Telluride SX Prestige X-Pro: $52,985
- 2023 Toyota Highlander L: $36,620
- 2023 Toyota Highlander LE: $39,020
- 2023 Toyota Highlander XLE: $42,020
- 2023 Toyota Highlander XSE: $43,615
- 2023 Toyota Highlander Limited: $46,275
- 2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum: $49,475
2023 KIA Telluride vs. Toyota Highlander: Performance & Fuel Economy
The 2023 KIA Telluride comes in with standard FWD with available AWD. One robust engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic and is standard across all trims — a 3.8-liter V6 capable of 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. In FWD, the KIA Telluride goes 20/26 mpg, and in AWD, 18/24 mpg. This is expected as the Telluride is heavier, wider, and longer than the Highlander, with more available space for passengers and cargo. Instead of a larger V6, Toyota has opted to give the Highlander a smaller 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, but has also added some forced induction (turbocharged) to make up for its smaller size. The Highlander delivers 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque and enjoys 22/29 mpg in FWD, and 21/28 mpg in optional AWD.2023 KIA Telluride vs. Toyota Highlander: Convenience & Utility
The 2023 KIA Telluride offers a ton of convenience and utility features typically not seen in this price range. The interior space is massive and fits up to 8 people. Cargo space comes out to 21 ft³ , and 87 ft³ with the rear row folded down. The two entry-level trims, the LX and S, comes with synthetic leather, while very other trim receives genuine leather and even premium Nappa leather options. Additional standard and available convenience/utility features include:- 12.3-inch Dual Screen
- 5+ USB Type-C Ports
- 110-volt inverter power outlet
- Wireless Charging
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Smart Power Liftgate w/Auto Close
- Bluetooth
- Android Auto + Apple CarPlay
- Harman Kardon surround-sound system
- Head-up display
- Heated, Ventilated, and Power Adjustable Front Seats
- Captain's Chairs
- and more.
- Hands-Free Tailgate
- Android Auto + Apple CarPlay
- 8-inch Infotainment System
- JBL Audio System
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Head-Up Display
- Heated Second-Row Seats
- 120-volt outlet
- and more.
2023 KIA Telluride vs. Toyota Highlander: Safety and Driver Assist
The KIA Telluride received a 2023 Top Safety Pick + Award from the IIHS, the highest possible safety rating a vehicle can get. Although the NHTSA has not tested the 2023 KIA Telluride, the 2022 KIA Telluride received a 5/5 star rating. Seeing how there aren't many changes structurally, it could be safe to assume the 2023 Telluride would yield similar results. For safety and driving assist features, the KIA Telluride comes with KIA DriveWise. These features include:- Forward Collision Warning
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist w/ Pedestrian, Cyclist & Junction Turning Detection
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning-Parallel Exit
- Blind Spot View Monitor
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Lane Following Assist
- Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go - Curve
- Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go & Machine Learning
- Highway Driving Assist 1.5 and 2
- Intelligent Speed Limit Assist
- Driver Attention Warning
- Rear-View Monitor w/ Dynamic Parking Guidance
- Park Distance Warning-Rear
- Park Distance Warning-Front
- Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist - Reverse
- and the list goes on and on.
- Pre-Collision System With Pedestrian Detection
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert With Steering Assist
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Blind Spot Monitor With Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Front and Rear Parking Assist With Automatic Braking
Concluding Thoughts
The 2023 KIA Telluride simply offers much more utility, comfort, performance, and safety features than the Toyota Highlander. Sure the Highlander is more frugal in fuel economy by a couple of miles, but as mentioned before, that's expected as the Telluride is simply bigger with more interior space. Don't forget, KIA offers their industry-leading warranty:- 10-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty
- 5-year/60,000 mile limited basic warranty
- 5-year/100,000 mile limited anti-perforation warranty
- 5-year/60,000 mile roadside assistance plan
- 3 yr/36,000 mi basic, 5 yr/60,000 mile powertrain warranty