Compare the2026 Toyota Grand HighlanderVS 2027 Kia Telluride

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Toyota Grand Highlander achieved a “Good” rating - the highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Kia Telluride has not been tested.

The Grand Highlander has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Telluride doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the Grand Highlander and the Telluride have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The Grand Highlander’s 5 year corrosion warranty has no mileage limitations, but the corrosion warranty on the Telluride runs out after 100,000 miles.

Toyota pays for scheduled maintenance on the Grand Highlander for 2 years and 25000 miles. Toyota will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Kia doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Telluride.

There are over 54 percent more Toyota dealers than there are Kia dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Grand Highlander’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Kia vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota fourth in reliability, above the industry average. With 34 more problems per 100 vehicles, Kia is ranked 11th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2026 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Kia vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota first in overall reliability. Kia is ranked 10th.

The Grand Highlander has more powerful engines than the Telluride:

On the EPA test cycle the Grand Highlander gets better mileage than the Telluride:

The Grand Highlander Hybrid has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Telluride doesn’t offer a CVT.

For better traction, the Grand Highlander has larger tires than the Telluride (255/65R18 vs. 235/65R18).

For better maneuverability, the Grand Highlander’s turning circle is 1.1 feet tighter than the Telluride’s (38.1 feet vs. 39.2 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Grand Highlander has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Telluride (8 vs. 7.4 inches), allowing the Grand Highlander to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Grand Highlander has 1.5 inches more front headroom, .3 inches more front legroom, 1.4 inches more third row legroom and 2.2 inches more third row shoulder room than the Telluride.

The Grand Highlander’s cargo area provides more volume than the Telluride.

The Grand Highlander’s standard Smart Key System allows you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Smart Key standard on the Telluride doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Grand Highlander Platinum has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Telluride doesn’t offer cornering lights.

According to iSeeCars.com the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander retains 64.27% of its original value after 5 years, significantly more than the 51.21% resale value of the 2027 Kia Telluride after five years, which can save the Toyota’s owner up to $3154 in depreciation.

Consumer Reports® chose the Toyota Grand Highlander as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Toyota Grand Highlander outsold the Kia Telluride by 11% during 2025.