If you’re shopping around for a three-row midsize SUV, then look no further than the Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride. Both of these SUVs are leading choices for the segment. See how the 2022 Toyota Highlander and 2022 Kia Telluride stack up in this midsize SUV fight.

2022 Toyota Highlander vs. 2022 Kia Telluride

We reviewed several areas for the 2022 Toyota Highlander and 2022 Kia Telluride to determine which SUV comes out on top. This includes performance, towing, efficiency, passenger and cargo space, interior technologies and features, off-road capabilities, and price/value.

Highlander vs. Telluride: Performance, towing, and efficiency

On the performance front, all Kia Telluride models have a 3.8-liter V6 engine, which generates 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the 3.5-liter V6 engine in the Toyota Highlander is slightly more powerful, with an output of 295 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque. Also, the Highlander offers a hybrid powertrain, which has a total system output of 243 hp.

For towing, the gas-powered Highlander and Telluride are evenly matched, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. However, the Highlander Hybrid can only tow up to 3,500 pounds.

For efficiency, the Highlander has the advantage. The gas-powered Highlander has an estimated fuel economy of up to 21 city/29 highway mpg, while the Highlander Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 36 city/35 highway mpg. In comparison, the Telluride has a fuel economy of up to 20 city/26 highway mpg.

Highlander vs. Telluride: Passenger and cargo space

If you place a premium on interior space in an SUV, then the Telluride is the better choice for you. It has a total passenger volume of 178.1 cu-ft, compared to 141.3 cu-ft for the Highlander. Also, the Telluride offers more storage space, with a maximum cargo capacity of 87.0 cu-ft, compared to 84.3 cu-ft for the Highlander.

Highlander vs. Telluride: Safety

For safety, both the Highlander and Telluride offer many safety and driving assistance features. This includes brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a blind spot monitoring system. However, unlike the Telluride, the Highlander offers cross-traffic alert and auto-leveling headlights. 

Highlander vs. Telluride: Interior technologies and features

For interior technologies and features, both the Highlander and Telluride offer a panoramic moonroof, steering wheel controls, an infotainment system, a navigation system, and a hands-free communication system. However, unlike the Telluride, the Highlander offers a Wi-Fi hotspot and HD Radio. 

Highlander vs. Telluride: Off-road capabilities

Neither the Highlander nor Telluride was designed for heavy off-road use, for their emphasis is for on-road driving. However, they can at least hold their own for light off-road use and driving in adverse weather conditions, such as snow. Both SUVs offer an option for an all-wheel drive system and have a ground clearance of 8.0 inches. 

Highlander vs. Telluride: Price/value

For pricing, the 2022 Telluride costs less than the 2022 Highlander. The starting prices of the 2022 Telluride range from $33,090 MSRP for the LX trim up to $42,990 MSRP for the SX trim. In comparison, the starting prices of the 2022 Highlander range from $35,205 for the L trim up to $47,560 for the Platinum trim.

2022 Toyota Highlander vs. 2022 Kia Telluride: Which midsize SUV is better?

The competitive fight between the 2022 Toyota Highlander and 2022 Kia Telluride turned out to be a draw. While the Highlander has advantages for efficiency, safety, and interior technologies and features, the Telluride has advantages for towing, passenger and cargo space, and price/value.