Skip to main content

The Kia Telluride is at the top of the heap when it comes to its vehicle segment. The Toyota Highlander, on the other hand, isn’t topping any lists. The Highlander actually has one huge advantage over the popular Kia Telluride.

The Toyota Highlander has better fuel economy than the Kia Telluride

A gray 2022 Toyota Highlander is parked.
The 2022 Toyota Highlander | Toyota

The Toyota Highlander may not seem like a fair matchup for the popular Kia Telluride, but the midsize SUV does have one advantage. The Highlander gets better gas mileage than the Telluride, and that’s a huge deal to some consumers.

Today, gas prices have reached unprecedented highs. Gas mileage can be the deciding factor when consumers choose whether to buy a vehicle or not. A difference of a few miles per gallon might not be enough to change the minds of most consumers, but miles per gallon are still incredibly important.

The 2022 Kia Telluride gets 20 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway. The 2022 Toyota Highlander gets 20 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway. Surprisingly, the Highlander also has a smaller gas tank.

The Toyota Highlander gets more driving range, which means Telluride owners have to stop for gas sooner. Today, gas prices have reached unprecedented highs. Gas is becoming a greater monthly expense for Americans, and this could make Telluride rivals with better fuel economy more attractive options from a cost of ownership standpoint.

The Kia Telluride is the best in its segment

A white 2022 Kia Telluride is parked outdoors.
The 2022 Kia Telluride | Kia

Sure, the Telluride probably isn’t the best road trip vehicle, but it crushes as a family SUV. Consumers love the Telluride because it provides amazing value for its price. The 2022 Kia Telluride starts at $33,090. It uses a 3.8-liter V6 engine to make 291 horsepower.

The midsize SUV comes with tons of standard equipment. It’s also incredibly spacious and has a large 10.25-inch standard infotainment system. The Telluride features SynTex seating materials, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a smart key system with push-button start. It also comes with one-touch sliding and folding second-row seats and six USB ports.

The Telluride includes several standard safety features like forward-collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, and safe exit assist.

Should you buy a 2022 Kia Telluride?

The 2022 Kia Telluride is the complete package in many ways. It comes in four different trim levels. The Telluride got a 10/10 overall score from Car and Driver as well as an Editor’s Choice award. It’s also featured on the publication’s 10 Best list.

When it comes to midsize SUVs, most critics and experts are ridin’ with the Kia Telluride. Car and Driver recommends the final SX trim for features like leather heated and ventilated front seats, a wireless phone charger, and a surround-view monitor.

Related

How Much Does a Fully Loaded 2022 Toyota Highlander Cost?