2027 Kia Telluride Vs. 2026 Toyota Highlander

2027 Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride has been a crowd favorite among Raleigh drivers for years, and it’s back as a second generation for 2027. How does the all-new Kia Telluride compare against another favored SUV from a different brand, like the Toyota Highlander? Both models offer plenty of exciting features, but we believe the Kia Telluride delivers a one-of-a-kind driving experience. That’s why we’ve put the Kia Telluride and the Toyota Highlander side by side to show drivers how the Kia Telluride is in a class all its own.

We encourage drivers to read our comparison of the Kia Telluride and the Toyota Highlander before taking the Telluride for a test drive at our dealership.

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2027 Kia Telluride	vs.	2026 Toyota Highlander
9	Trims	7
Turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder	Base Engine	2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder
274 hp	Maximum Available Horsepower	265 hp
8 (standard with base LX trim)	Standard Seating Capacity	7 (8 seats are optional with base XLE trim)
89.3 cubic feet	Cargo Space	84.3 cubic feet

Kia Telluride Vs. Toyota Highlander: Specs & Performance Highlights

The Toyota Highlander offers two engine options, while the Kia Telluride has only one. However, even the 2.4L turbocharged engine of the Toyota Highlander can’t outperform the turbocharged 2.5L engine of the Kia Telluride.

Take a look at their performance highlights and capabilities to see for yourself how the Kia Telluride keeps up with the Toyota Highlander:

2027 Kia Telluride

Standard Turbocharged 2.5L 4-Cylinder Engine:

Up to 274 hp
Up to 311 lb-ft of torque
8-speed automatic transmission
Maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds

2026 Toyota Highlander

Standard 2.4L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Engine:

Up to 265 hp
Up to 310 lb-ft of torque
8-speed automatic transmission
Maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds

Available 2.5L Engine with Hybrid Powertrain:

Up to 243 combined net hp
Up to 175 lb-ft of torque
Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT)
Maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds

Schedule a test drive of the Kia Telluride at our dealership to see how this SUV can truly elevate the way you drive around Durham.

Kia Telluride Vs. Toyota Highlander: Interior Dimensions & Cargo Space

Apex drivers will be sure to appreciate how much more interior space the Kia Telluride offers compared to the Toyota Highlander. The Kia Telluride offers noticeably more cargo space than the Toyota Highlander and comes with eight seats as standard. The Toyota Highlander also offers up to eight seats, but only as an optional upgrade, not standard.

2027 Kia Telluride

Headroom without Sunroof (1st/2nd/3rd Row): 41.2 inches/40.4 inches/37.4 inches
Shoulder Room (1st/2nd/3rd Row): 61.6 inches/60 inches/55.3 inches
Hip Room (1st/2nd/3rd Row): 58.3 inches/56.5 inches/44.5 inches
Legroom (1st/2nd/3rd Row): 41.4 inches/43 inches/32.1 inches
Cargo Volume (Behind 1st/2nd/3rd Row): 89.3 cubic feet/48.7 cubic feet/22.3 cubic feet
Seating Capacity: 8 (standard)

2026 Toyota Highlander

Headroom (1st/2nd/3rd Row): 39.6 inches/39.4 inches/36.1 inches
Shoulder Room (1st/2nd/3rd Row): 59 inches/58.4 inches/55 inches
Hip Room (1st/2nd/3rd Row): 57.2 inches/57 inches/45.6 inches
Legroom (1st/2nd/3rd Row): 42 inches/38.7 inches/28 inches
Cargo Volume (Behind 1st/2nd/3rd Row): 84.3 cubic feet/48.4 cubic feet/16 cubic feet
Seating Capacity: 7-8 (7 standard; 8 optional)

Kia Telluride Vs. Toyota Highlander: Reliability & Safety Features

At this time, not much has been released about the Kia Telluride in terms of reliability. However, the 2025 Kia Telluride was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award winner and earned an overall five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. The 2025 Kia Telluride was the previous model before the 2027 Kia Telluride, since it skipped the 2026 model year.

What we do know is the safety features both models offer. Both of these SUVs have plenty of advanced safety technology to help you and your passengers drive around %%target_city_4% with much more confidence. Compare the top safety technology features of both options below:

2027 Kia Telluride Safety Features

Blind-Spot Collision Warning w/ Parallel Exit (Blind-Spot Detection Technology)
Blind-Spot View Monitor (Blind-Spot & 360-Degree Surround View Monitor)
Forward Collision Warning (Auto Emergency Braking Technology)
Highway Driving Assist
In-Cabin Camera Monitoring System
Intelligent Speed Limit Assist
Lane Departure Warning

2026 Toyota Highlander

Backup Camera
Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

Overall, the Kia Telluride offers more interior space, more standard power, and more brand-exclusive safety technology features than the Toyota Highlander. Now that you know how these SUVs look side by side, take the next step by scheduling a test drive of the Kia Telluride at Hendrick Kia of Cary.

Test-Drive The Kia Telluride In Cary!

Whether you still have questions about the Kia Telluride or would like to take it for a test drive, we look forward to speaking with you. Test-drive any of our available Kia Telluride models, and be sure to ask us about our new vehicle specials.

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Hendrick Vehicle Disclaimer
$799.00 Dealer Administrative Fee included in advertised price.

All prices exclude all taxes, tag, title, registration fees and government fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all taxes and government fees and title/registration fees in the state where the vehicle will be registered. All prices include all manufacturer to dealer incentives, which the dealer retains unless otherwise specifically provided. Dealer not responsible for errors and omissions; all offers subject to change without notice; please confirm listings with dealer.

All vehicles may not be physically located at this dealership but may be available for delivery through this location. Transportation charges may apply. Please contact the dealership for more specific information. All vehicles are subject to prior sale.

Additional Disclaimers:

*Offer includes all dealer discounts and OEM incentives. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Discount varies by model and stock number. Example stock #T10169. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 08/31/2026. **0% APR up to 48 months. 0% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) up to 48 months. $20.83 per month per $1,000 financed at 48 months. 0.90% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) up to 60 months. $17.05 per month per $1,000 financed at 60 months. 2.99% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) up to 66 months. $16.45 per month per $1,000 financed at 66 months. 3.49% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) up to 72 months. $15.41 per month per $1,000 financed at 72 months. 4.49% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) up to 84 months. $13.90 per month per $1,000 financed at 84 months. APR financing subject to credit approval by Kia Finance America (KFA), through KFA, for well-qualified buyers and not available on balloon financing. Only a limited number of customers will qualify for advertised APR. Subject to vehicle availability and dealer participation. New vehicles only. This incentive is a limited-time offer on eligible Kia vehicles. Offers may not be combined except where specified. Must take delivery from a participating dealer and from retail stock by 08/31/2026. Dealer contribution may vary and could affect actual monthly payment. See your participating Kia dealer for more details. Finance contract must be signed and dated no later than 08/31/2026. Limited inventory available. ***Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between August 1, 2026 and August 31, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by August 31, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

*3.99% APR up to 48 months. 3.99% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) up to 48 months. $22.57 per month per $1,000 financed at 48 months. 4.49% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) up to 60 months. $18.64 per month per $1,000 financed at 60 months. 5.49% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) up to 66 months. $17.59 per month per $1,000 financed at 66 months. 5.99% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) up to 72 months. $16.57 per month per $1,000 financed at 72 months. 7.00% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) up to 84 months. $15.09 per month per $1,000 financed at 84 months. APR financing subject to credit approval by Kia Finance America (KFA), through KFA, for well-qualified buyers and not available on balloon financing. Only a limited number of customers will qualify for advertised APR. Subject to vehicle availability and dealer participation. New vehicles only. This incentive is a limited-time offer on eligible Kia vehicles. Offers may not be combined except where specified. Must take delivery from a participating dealer and from retail stock by 08/31/2026. Dealer contribution may vary and could affect actual monthly payment. See your participating Kia dealer for more details. Finance contract must be signed and dated no later than 08/31/2026. Limited inventory available. **Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between August 1, 2026 and August 31, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by August 31, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

*Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between August 1, 2026 and August 31, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by August 31, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

“Restrictions apply. Contact participating dealer for details. Offer expires July 31, 2026.
*Restrictions apply. Contact participating dealer for details.
**Original Equipment Manufacturer.
***Original Equipment Alternative.”

*First month’s lease payment is due at signing and includes taxes, fees, & accessories. Subject to credit approval by Kia Finance. Lessee is responsible for insurance, maintenance, repairs, $0.20 per mile over 10,000 miles/year, excess wear, and a termination fee of up to $400. Subject to dealer participation. Offers may not be combined except where specified. Must take delivery by 08/31/2026. See dealer for warranty and lease details or go to kia.com. Limited inventory available.