2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Kia Telluride

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels in Canada, all equipped with standard all-wheel drive (AWD): EX, SX, SX Limited, and SX Limited Nightsky Edition. The base pricing ranged from MSRPs of $46,195 to $55,695, excluding destination charges of $1,895. The Telluride EX was noted for its value, but many opted for the SX Limited trim, which offered a luxurious feel with features like premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display (HUD), and heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats. The SX Limited Nightsky Edition, new for 2021, added gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert, giving the Telluride a popular blacked-out look. The styling of the 2021 Kia Telluride was widely praised, with its exterior and interior design considered contemporary and well-executed, despite some glossy hard plastic on the lower interior parts. The transmission shifter was strategically placed to preserve storage space and provided a solid and smooth operation. However, the interior colour options were limited, with light grey leather only available in the SX Limited trim.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid took styling cues from Toyota's Tacoma pickup truck, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that gave it a rugged appearance. However, the design introduced some softness with a character line that swooped over the rear wheel arch, adding unnecessary visual weight. The rear of the vehicle echoed the trapezoidal grille, resulting in a body that felt disjointed compared to more cohesive designs like the Kia Telluride. Inside, the Highlander's asymmetrical dash was interrupted by a metallic styling element that created a helpful storage tray. The infotainment touchscreen was mounted high on the dash, reducing distraction. The Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition, new for 2022, featured 18-inch bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric seat upholstery with a triangle motif. The fabric attracted dirt and stains, raising durability concerns. Other trims offered more conventional materials, but genuine leather was only available in the top trims. The rear seating area had more hard plastics, typical for family SUVs, but the third row was less comfortable with unyielding armrests. While styling was subjective, the Highlander Hybrid's appearance received little praise, and its materials quality trailed other SUVs in its class.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It featured Kia’s Drive Mode Select technology, offering Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. The AWD system included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, and with 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance, the Telluride handled low-grip terrain effectively. During testing, the Telluride demonstrated its capability in wintry conditions, safely navigating through snow and mud. The Telluride's ride and handling were refined, nearly eliminating the "head-toss" phenomenon thanks to its suspension tuning. The SX Limited and Nightsky Edition trims featured a self-leveling rear suspension for optimal ride and handling when loaded. The Telluride offered a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds, softening at higher velocities to glide over road surfaces. While it exhibited greater body roll in curves, the 20-inch wheels provided commendable grip. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with testing averaging 11.5 L/100 km.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It used a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard AWD, with an electric motor powering the rear axle for additional traction. The Highlander Hybrid reached 100 kilometres per hour in just over eight seconds, slightly slower than gasoline-only SUVs in its class. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid response from a standstill, with the gasoline engine supplying more power as speed increased. The engine hum was subtle under light acceleration but became a drone under heavy load, especially on hills. Braking was traditional, with a soft pedal feel and seamless transition from regenerative to physical brakes. The ride quality was soft, smoothing over road bumps, and the cabin remained quiet on highways. While not sporty, the Highlander Hybrid prioritized comfort, with adequate cornering confidence.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a driver’s seat offering 12-way power adjustment and a heated tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The front seats featured heating and ventilation, with the passenger seat offering 6-way power adjustment. The interior boasted distinctive leather upholstery and acoustic sound-absorbing glass for a quieter ride. The test SUV had sliding second-row captain’s chairs with heating and ventilation, side-window sunshades, and an overhead climate control panel. The third-row seat was usable for adults, with easy access via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat. Storage was ample, with smartphone-friendly bins and trays, USB ports, and cupholders. The Telluride’s smart hands-free power liftgate opened automatically when the key fob was nearby, revealing 601 litres of cargo space behind the third row. Folding the third-row seats increased cargo space to 1,304 litres, with a maximum of 2,455 litres when the second-row seats were folded.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered well-cushioned front seats with plenty of adjustments, though the driver’s door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage was abundant, with trays, a centre armrest bin, and large door pockets. The second-row seats provided ample head- and legroom, with sliding and reclining captain’s chairs for versatility. A second-row bench was available, increasing passenger capacity to eight. The third-row seat was less accommodating, suitable for children or smaller adults on short trips. Cargo space behind the third row was 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 2,387 litres with the second row stowed. Limited and Platinum trims included a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons and intuitive touchscreen operation. A 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system was standard on SX trim, though sound quality was only good. The Limited grades added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option for top trims. The system was responsive, with organized menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging on Limited and Platinum trims. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system were standard on higher trims.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included eight standard safety features, such as blind-spot warning, lane-maintenance technology, forward-collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional features included adaptive cruise control, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Assist. SX trim added front parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact results.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. A surround-view camera and head-up display were available on the Platinum trim. The safety systems generally worked well but could use fine-tuning.