Toyota Highlander vs Kia Telluride

The 2022 Toyota Highlander boasted a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window that gave it a compact appearance despite its spacious interior. Inside, the Highlander offered ample cabin space and clever storage solutions, making it ideal for families. The XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its bold red leather interior, unique exterior styling, ambient lighting, and sport-tuned suspension, providing a blend of luxury and sportiness. The Highlander was available in several trims, each offering a range of features from standard all-wheel drive and an 8-inch touchscreen in the base LE to premium amenities like a panoramic moonroof and a JBL audio system in the Limited and Platinum trims.

The 2023 Kia Telluride, meanwhile, featured refreshed front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. It introduced new paint colours and interior options, enhancing its visual appeal. The X-Line and X-Pro models added a touch of ruggedness with raised suspensions and unique design elements. Inside, the Telluride offered a modern feel with a digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The interior updates included new colours, a redesigned steering wheel, and improved functionality in the centre console. The Telluride's trims ranged from the EX to the X-Pro, each offering a variety of features and price points.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This power was channelled through an eight-speed automatic transmission to a standard all-wheel-drive system. The Highlander offered drive modes such as Sport, Normal, and Eco, along with AWD modes for different terrains. While the V6 provided good pickup, it excelled more at highway speeds. The Highlander could tow up to 2,268 kilograms and had a max payload of 775 kilograms. The XSE trim featured a sport-tuned suspension, enhancing its handling and reducing body roll.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting. The Telluride's fuel efficiency varied, with the X-Line averaging 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres and the X-Pro at 11.5 L/100 km. The X-Pro model, designed for off-roading, had a raised suspension, improved approach and departure angles, and a Downhill Brake Control system. It could tow up to 2,495 kilograms and featured a self-levelling rear air suspension.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander offered up to 2,387 litres of cargo space with the second- and third-row seats folded. With the second-row seats in use, it provided 1,370 litres, and 453 litres with all seats deployed. The Highlander featured quick-release latches for easy seat adjustments and a power liftgate on higher trims. The interior was designed for practicality, with deep cargo pockets, multiple storage compartments, and cupholders. The XSE trim included second-row captain’s chairs, providing a centre aisle and additional space for passengers.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. It featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The interior was spacious, with a power lumbar stabilization system for long trips. The second row offered comfort with manual sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. The third-row seat was more comfortable than many competitors, though not as spacious as the Volkswagen Atlas. The Telluride provided 601 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and 2,455 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with hard buttons complementing the touchscreen. A wireless charging pad and additional USB ports were available in higher trims, along with a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and navigation. It supported over-the-air updates and Bluetooth pairing for two devices. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. New digital-key technology and a Full Display rear-view mirror were available, along with an optional head-up display. The Telluride also featured a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and more. It also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and eight airbags. Optional safety features included parking sensors, a surround-view monitor, and a digital rearview mirror. The Highlander received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and lane-keeping assist. Advanced features like adaptive cruise control, Highway Drive Assist, and a Rear Occupant Alert system were available. The Telluride received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were unavailable at the time of review.