Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000 for the base Hybrid LE, with the Limited trim reaching $61,800 in Canada. It featured minimal appearance changes, with a new Cypress Green paint colour being the most notable update. The design was described as over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior was criticized for its mismatched textures, reflections, and a lack of quality in materials and controls. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid was noted for its quiet ride on the road.

In contrast, the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold design that could polarize opinions, particularly with its flat grille. The vehicle's appearance varied significantly with different colours and trims, with the X-Line and X-Pro models offering distinct grille styles. The interior was less controversial, featuring a simple horizontal dashboard layout and a modern appearance. The seats were covered in synthetic leather and suede, with some trims offering engineered wood or carbon surfaces. The Telluride's interior was praised for its material quality and luxurious feel, although the seat cushions were noted to be somewhat firm.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with electric motor-generators, producing 243 horsepower. It offered standard AWD and was designed for fuel efficiency, with a Predictive Efficient Drive system. However, the Highlander Hybrid's performance was described as lacking, with limited high-speed passing power and a towing capacity of 1,588 kilograms that seemed optimistic. The driving experience was characterized as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a CVT that contributed to a lack of engagement.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine paired with electric motors, delivering 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. It was equipped with a six-speed transmission and offered a smooth and quiet ride. The Telluride Hybrid's power was more than sufficient, with seamless transitions between electric and gas modes. The vehicle was tuned for comfort, with a luxuriously smooth ride and minimal wind noise at highway speeds. The Telluride's handling was composed and controllable, instilling confidence in drivers.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid could accommodate seven or eight passengers, though the third row was best suited for occasional use. The interior featured three-zone automatic climate control and heated seats, with power-adjustable front seats. However, the third-row access was tight, and the storage areas were unlined, leading to potential noise. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum capacity of 2,387 litres when the second-row seats were folded.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid offered ample space for adults in all three rows, though the third row was better suited for smaller passengers. The second-row seats were power-adjustable with heating and ventilation, providing comfort comparable to business-class airline seats. The Telluride's cargo capacity was slightly higher than rivals, with up to 2,528 litres available when the second-row seats were folded. The vehicle also featured convenient storage solutions, including a large centre bin and deployable cupholders.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was easy to use, though the graphics could be improved. The vehicle also included a head-up display and a JBL sound system, which delivered decent sound quality.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch climate control screen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though it required firm taps and had some response delays. The vehicle also featured a 14-speaker Meridian audio system, delivering powerful and clear sound. The Telluride's technology offerings were comprehensive, with wireless phone chargers and a native navigation system.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering a range of advanced driving assistance systems. These included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, providing peace of mind for safety-conscious buyers.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid's safety features included forward collision warning, blind-spot monitors, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional features like a surround-view camera system and automatic reverse braking. The Telluride's highway driving assist was particularly helpful, though the driver attention monitor occasionally triggered unnecessarily.