2027 Kia Telluride vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

The Kia Telluride has been a crowd favorite among Miami drivers for years, and it’s back as a second generation for 2027. How does the all-new Kia Telluride compare against another favored SUV from a different brand, like the Toyota Highlander? Both models offer plenty of exciting features, but we believe the Kia Telluride delivers a one-of-a-kind driving experience. That’s why we’ve put the Kia Telluride and the Toyota Highlander side by side to show drivers how the Kia Telluride is in a class all its own.

We encourage drivers to read our comparison of the Kia Telluride and the Toyota Highlander before taking the Telluride for a test drive at our dealership.

How Do Specs and Performance Compare Between the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander?

The Kia Telluride outperforms the Toyota Highlander in standard engine output, as even the 2.4L turbocharged engine of the Toyota Highlander can’t outperform the turbocharged 2.5L engine of the Kia Telluride. The Toyota Highlander offers two engine options, while the Kia Telluride has only one.

Comparing specs and performance highlights demonstrates how the Kia Telluride maintains an edge in standard power and towing capability over the Toyota Highlander. Take a look at their performance highlights and capabilities to see for yourself how the Kia Telluride keeps up with the Toyota Highlander:

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

Scheduling a test drive of the Kia Telluride at our dealership lets you experience firsthand how this SUV’s performance specs elevate the way you drive around Kendall. Contact our team to get behind the wheel today.

How Do Interior Dimensions and Cargo Space Compare Between the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander?

The Kia Telluride provides significantly more interior room and cargo space than the Toyota Highlander, giving Pinecrest drivers up to 89.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume and standard eight-passenger seating. The Kia Telluride offers noticeably more cargo space than the Toyota Highlander and comes with eight seats as standard. The Toyota Highlander also offers up to eight seats, but only as an optional upgrade, not standard.

2027 Kia Telluride

• Headroom without Sunroof (1st/2nd/3rd Row): 41.2 inches/40.4 inches/37.4 inches
• Shoulder Room (1st/2nd/3rd Row): 61.6 inches/60 inches/55.3 inches
• Hip Room (1st/2nd/3rd Row): 58.3 inches/56.5 inches/44.5 inches
• Legroom (1st/2nd/3rd Row): 41.4 inches/43 inches/32.1 inches
• Cargo Volume (Behind 1st/2nd/3rd Row): 89.3 cubic feet/48.7 cubic feet/22.3 cubic feet
• Seating Capacity: 8 (standard)

2026 Toyota Highlander

• Headroom (1st/2nd/3rd Row): 39.6 inches/39.4 inches/36.1 inches
• Shoulder Room (1st/2nd/3rd Row): 59 inches/58.4 inches/55 inches
• Hip Room (1st/2nd/3rd Row): 57.2 inches/57 inches/45.6 inches
• Legroom (1st/2nd/3rd Row): 42 inches/38.7 inches/28 inches
• Cargo Volume (Behind 1st/2nd/3rd Row): 84.3 cubic feet/48.4 cubic feet/16 cubic feet
• Seating Capacity: 7-8 (7 standard; 8 optional)

How Do Reliability and Safety Features Compare Between the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander?

The Kia Telluride carries a strong safety legacy and advanced driver-assist features, with the 2025 Kia Telluride earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. At this time, not much has been released about the Kia Telluride in terms of reliability. The 2025 Kia Telluride was the previous model before the 2027 Kia Telluride, since it skipped the 2026 model year.

Both models come equipped with a suite of advanced safety technology designed to increase driving confidence throughout Doral. What we do know is the safety features both models offer. Both of these SUVs have plenty of advanced safety technology to help you and your passengers drive around Doral with much more confidence. Compare the top safety technology features of both options below:

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

• 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, greater cabin space, and more brand-exclusive safety technology features than the Toyota Highlander. Now that you know how these SUVs look side by side, take the next step by scheduling a test drive of the Kia Telluride at South Dade Kia of Miami.

What Are the Frequently Asked Questions About the 2027 Kia Telluride vs. Toyota Highlander?

Below are answers to common questions regarding standard engine output, interior cargo volume, and safety technology for the 2027 Kia Telluride and 2026 Toyota Highlander.

How does the standard engine performance of the 2027 Kia Telluride compare to the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The 2027 Kia Telluride comes standard with a turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder engine producing up to 274 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, outperforming the 2026 Toyota Highlander standard 2.4L turbocharged engine which produces up to 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.

Does the 2027 Kia Telluride offer more cargo space and seating capacity than the Toyota Highlander?
Yes, the 2027 Kia Telluride offers up to 89.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume compared to 84.3 cubic feet in the Highlander, and comes standard with eight-passenger seating, whereas eight-passenger seating is an optional upgrade on the Highlander.

What safety features does the 2027 Kia Telluride offer compared to the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The 2027 Kia Telluride offers brand-exclusive safety technology features including Blind-Spot Collision Warning with Parallel Exit, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Highway Driving Assist, In-Cabin Camera Monitoring System, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist.

Where Can You Test-Drive the Kia Telluride in Miami?

You can test-drive the Kia Telluride at South Dade Kia of Miami in Miami by contacting our dealership team today. Whether you still have questions about the Kia Telluride or would like to take it for a test drive, we look forward to speaking with you. In the meantime, be sure to apply for financing online and get a trade-in estimate for your current vehicle. Don’t forget to check out our $0 down Telluride lease specials as well.