2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2023 Kia Telluride

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from Toyota's Tacoma, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia, giving it a rugged look. However, its side profile introduced a swooping character line that added unnecessary visual weight, making it appear somewhat disjointed compared to more cohesive designs like the Kia Telluride. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid had an unconventional yet less jarring interior with an asymmetrical dash and a high-mounted infotainment touchscreen. The Bronze Edition featured unique bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric upholstery, which, while distinctive, attracted dirt and stains easily.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride offered fresh styling updates with new front and rear designs, updated lighting, and new wheel designs. The X-Line and X-Pro models added a mildly aggressive off-road look with raised suspensions and unique grille designs. Inside, the Telluride featured a modern digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed under a sleek 24-inch glass panel. The interior updates included new colours and a more functional centre console, with trim names embossed on the front seatbacks.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive, with an estimated 0-100 km/h time of just over eight seconds. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick initial response, but the engine's hum became a drone under heavy acceleration. The ride quality was soft, with a quiet cabin, making it comfortable for family trips.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, and Sport, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting. The Telluride averaged 9.8 L/100 km in the X-Line and 11.5 L/100 km in the X-Pro, with improved off-road capabilities thanks to a raised suspension and enhanced traction control. The ride was smooth and quiet, with a slight squishiness in turns due to the all-terrain tires.

The 2022 Highlander Hybrid provided well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage was plentiful, with various trays and bins for personal items. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining captain’s chairs, while the third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space was 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,387 litres with seats folded.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered seating for seven or eight, with premium Nappa leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. The interior was spacious, with a power lumbar stabilization system for long trips. The second row featured manual sunshades, USB ports, and climate controls, while the third row was more comfortable than many competitors. Cargo space was generous, with 601 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,455 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on top trims. The system was responsive, with physical shortcut buttons and climate controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with navigation and a JBL audio system on higher trims.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia Connect services. It featured voice recognition, OTA updates, and six USB ports. Driver Talk and Quiet Mode were standard, along with a wireless phone charger and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. New digital-key technology and a Full Display rear-view mirror were also available.

The 2022 Highlander Hybrid received a five-star NHTSA rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. However, some systems needed fine-tuning, with abrupt stops and false alarms noted.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered extensive safety features, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. New features included Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Advanced Highway Drive Assist. The Telluride was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with crash-test results from NHTSA pending.