Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Kia Telluride

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. The design was criticized for being overly styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior was described as visually obnoxious, with mismatched textures and tones, and controls that felt inexpensive. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid was noted for its quiet ride on the road.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Telluride offered a more appealing aesthetic with its fundamentally attractive forms and proportions. The X-Line trim added a unique grille and blacked-out styling elements, enhancing its rugged appearance. Inside, the Telluride featured premium Nappa leather seats and a range of interior colours that complemented the simulated open-pore wood trim. The cabin was nearly luxurious, with soft leather, a suede headliner, and a dual-screen digital display panel. However, the use of shiny plastic in lower portions was a minor drawback.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. It offered standard AWD and could tow up to 1,588 kilograms, though it struggled with high-speed passing and mountain driving. The Highlander Hybrid prioritized fuel economy, averaging 8.2 L/100 km on the evaluation loop, despite Toyota's claim of 6.7 L/100 km. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a CVT that lacked engagement.

The 2024 Kia Telluride, powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivered 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It offered a towing capacity of up to 2,495 kilograms in the X-Pro trim. The Telluride's driving experience was praised for its power, responsive steering, and firm yet compliant ride. However, it was less fuel-efficient, averaging 12.4 L/100 km on the evaluation loop. The Telluride excelled in off-road conditions, offering a smooth ride on winding roads and handling undulations effectively.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, with most trims featuring second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was best for occasional use, and accessing it was challenging. The interior offered three-zone climate control, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel. Cargo space was 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,387 litres with the second-row seats folded. However, the storage console design was criticized for being complex and impractical.

The 2024 Kia Telluride provided a comfortable interior with premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a third-row seat suitable for adults. The controls were user-friendly, and the infotainment system featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Telluride offered 594 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,463 litres with seats folded. The hands-free power liftgate was convenient, though its automatic function could be undesirable in certain situations.

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 Drive Connect service plan offered advanced features like a cloud-based navigation system and voice recognition. The JBL sound system provided decent sound quality, though the graphics on the infotainment screen could be improved.

The 2024 Kia Telluride came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable connection. A Kia Connect trial subscription was included, offering various plans for remote functions and navigation. The Telluride featured a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a blue-light filter for the display, and a digital key function. Additional tech included a camera-based rearview mirror and a 10-inch head-up display with blind spot warnings.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with additional features on higher trims. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Kia Telluride featured a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Advanced Highway Driving Assist offered semi-autonomous capabilities, though it was less reliable in certain conditions. The Telluride received a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.