2027 Kia Telluride vs. 2026 Toyota Highlander

The Kia Telluride has been a crowd favorite among Pompton Plains drivers for years, and it returns fully redesigned for its second generation for 2027. How does the all-new Kia Telluride compare against another favored SUV like the Toyota Highlander? Both models offer plenty of exciting features, but the Kia Telluride delivers a visionary driving experience with more standard horsepower, superior standard passenger seating, and expanded cargo capacity. Explore our side-by-side breakdown to see why the Telluride stands in a class all its own before taking a test drive at Kia of Riverdale.

We encourage drivers to review our detailed breakdown of specs, interior dimensions, and safety features below. You can also browse our new Kia Telluride inventory, get a head start by checking your vehicle trade-in value, or explore available Kia financing options to begin your upgrade today.

2027 Kia Telluride vs. 2026 Toyota Highlander Specs Overview

Before exploring individual trim features, see how these two midsize 3-row crossover SUVs match up across core performance and interior metrics:

Kia Telluride Vs. Toyota Highlander: Specs & Performance Highlights

While the Toyota Highlander offers two engine options, its standard 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine cannot match the standard performance delivered by the turbocharged 2.5L engine in the 2027 Kia Telluride. Whether accelerating onto highway ramps or traveling with full passenger loads around Wayne, the Kia Telluride delivers confident, driven power and smooth capability.

Review their performance highlights below to see how the Kia Telluride moves you forward:

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

To learn more about configuration details across the lineup, explore our guide to Kia Telluride trim levels and options, or contact our team to schedule a test drive in Riverdale.

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

Drivers in Paterson will appreciate the generous interior room provided by the Kia Telluride compared to the Toyota Highlander. The Kia Telluride offers noticeably more maximum cargo volume and comes standard with 8-passenger seating on its base trim. By comparison, the Toyota Highlander seats 7 passengers as standard and requires an optional upgrade for 8-passenger seating.

2027 Kia Telluride Interior Dimensions

• Headroom without Sunroof (1st/2nd/3rd Row): 41.2 in. / 40.4 in. / 37.4 in.
• Shoulder Room (1st/2nd/3rd Row): 61.6 in. / 60.0 in. / 55.3 in.
• Hip Room (1st/2nd/3rd Row): 58.3 in. / 56.5 in. / 44.5 in.
• Legroom (1st/2nd/3rd Row): 41.4 in. / 43.0 in. / 32.1 in.
• Cargo Volume (Behind 1st/2nd/3rd Row): 89.3 cu. ft. / 48.7 cu. ft. / 22.3 cu. ft.
• Seating Capacity: 8 (standard)

2026 Toyota Highlander Interior Dimensions

• Headroom (1st/2nd/3rd Row): 39.6 in. / 39.4 in. / 36.1 in.
• Shoulder Room (1st/2nd/3rd Row): 59.0 in. / 58.4 in. / 55.0 in.
• Hip Room (1st/2nd/3rd Row): 57.2 in. / 57.0 in. / 45.6 in.
• Legroom (1st/2nd/3rd Row): 42.0 in. / 38.7 in. / 28.0 in.
• Cargo Volume (Behind 1st/2nd/3rd Row): 84.3 cu. ft. / 48.4 cu. ft. / 16.0 cu. ft.
• Seating Capacity: 7–8 (7 standard; 8 optional)

Kia Telluride Vs. Toyota Highlander: Safety Features & Reliability

Peace of mind is essential when traveling through Fairfield. While official testing for the redesigned 2027 model year will follow its arrival, the preceding 2025 Kia Telluride earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (2025) and an overall 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (2025) before skipping the 2026 model year.

Both crossover SUVs offer advanced driver assistance technology, but Kia equips the Telluride with a rich suite of brand-exclusive safety features:

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 Safety Features

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

Overall, the Kia Telluride delivers more standard engine power, expanded third-row space and cargo capacity, and comprehensive safety technology features. Experience the difference in person by arranging your visit to Kia of Riverdale.

Test-Drive The Kia Telluride In Riverdale!

Whether you have additional questions about the Kia Telluride or want to get behind the wheel, our optimistic and direct team is here to assist. Visit Kia of Riverdale to test-drive any of our available models and discover how the Kia Telluride elevates your daily drive.