2023 Kia Telluride vs. 2023 Toyota Highlander: Reliable SUV Showdown
Finding a reliable SUV doesn’t have to be complicated. When it comes to comparing the 2023 Kia Telluride and the 2023 Toyota Highlander, there are a lot of similarities. Both sport utility vehicles have plenty to offer buyers, but how do the specs compare down to the inch? Information about some of the best midsize SUVs for 2023 is below.
How does the 2023 Kia Telluride compare to the 2023 Toyota Highlander?
Both the 2023 Kia Telluride and the 2023 Toyota Highlander are three-row SUVs with seating for up to eight. While the Highlander has been on the market for more than 20 years, the Telluride has made a name for itself in the last few years. Edmunds reviewed the Kia and Toyota to see how similar the SUVs were. The chart below details some of the basics of some of the best 2023 SUVs.
| Specs | 2023 Kia Telluride | 2023 Toyota Highlander |
| MSRP | $37,025 to $52,785 | $37,755 to $51,025 |
| MPG & Fuel | 20 City / 26 Hwy / 23 Combined | 22 City / 29 Hwy / 25 Combined |
| Seating | Eight seats | Eight seats |
| Engine | V6 | V4 |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
There isn’t much to dislike about either option, especially if you must carry many people and cargo regularly.
Dimensions of the 2023 Kia Telluride to the 2023 Toyota Highlander
When it comes down to the dimensions, these sport utility vehicles are quite similarly built. Both cars weigh a similar amount and are similar in length and height. One area where the Telluride beats the Highlander is cargo space, with an extra five cubic feet available in the Kia.
| Specs | 2023 Kia Telluride | 2023 Toyota Highlander |
| Curb weight | 4,248 pounds | 4,155 pounds |
| Overall Width Without Mirrors | 78.3 inches | 76.0 inches |
| Height | 68.9 inches | 68.1 inches |
| Length | 196.9 inches | 194.9 inches |
| Wheelbase | 114.2 inches | 112.2 inches |
| Cargo Space | 21.0 cubic feet | 16.0 cubic feet |
When it comes down to it, Kia’s 2023 Telluride is all about technology and modern features. It has all of the connectivity and USB cables that all seven passengers can enjoy. On top of that, Kia added plenty of driver assistance features. However, Toyota has had a winning formula with the Highlander for years. The 2023 Highlander has plenty of safety features, a long history of reliability, and space for everyone.
Both midsize SUVs have plenty of standard safety technology
Edmunds says some of the best safety features on the 2023 Kia Telluride include Blind-Spot View Monitor, Safe Exit Assist, and Highway Drive Assist 2. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Kia SUV high scores on some of its tests. It performed well on the frontal barrier crash and rollover tests.
Some of the best safety features for the Toyota SUV are Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection and Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist is another system that helps keep the vehicle in its lane if it detects unintended lane departures.
It really comes down to which vehicle you can find at a reasonable price. Being a popular and reliable SUV comes at a cost for buyers, often subject to dealership markups or added fees. If you can find either option at MSRP and can get it home without hassle, jump on it.
