2027 Kia Telluride vs Toyota Grand Highlander

The Kia Telluride and Toyota Grand Highlander are two of the best known three-row SUVs, and both are sold right here in Victorville. This guide lines up the 2027 models using each manufacturer’s published information, then explains where each one tends to fit a High Desert family.

About This Comparison

Kia’s figures come from its 2027 Telluride announcement. Toyota’s figures come from the 2027 Grand Highlander information on our sister store’s guide at Valley Hi Toyota. Fuel economy for both is a manufacturer estimate, not an EPA rating, so confirm the numbers for the exact model when ratings are final.

The Telluride and Grand Highlander at a Glance

Towing requires additional equipment on both; see the Owner’s Manual for your configuration. Specifications are as listed by each manufacturer and may change. Fuel economy figures are manufacturer estimates for comparison purposes only, and your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

Powertrains and Power

For 2027 the Telluride has a standard 2.5-liter turbo with 274 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, and Kia adds its first-ever Telluride hybrid, which pairs the turbo with electric motors for 329 hp and 339 lb-ft combined. The Grand Highlander has three choices: a 2.4-liter turbo gas engine with 265 hp, a Hybrid with 245 hp total system output, and the Hybrid MAX with 362 hp.

If power is the priority, the Hybrid MAX is the highest figure either maker lists. If you want a hybrid with more power than the Grand Highlander Hybrid, the Telluride Hybrid’s 329 hp is the higher number.

Fuel Economy

As estimated, the Grand Highlander Hybrid is rated higher than the Telluride Hybrid, at up to 36 mpg combined with front-wheel drive against Kia’s up to 35. With all-wheel drive, Toyota lists up to 34 for the Grand Highlander Hybrid, while Kia’s estimates for the Telluride Hybrid are 31 in the all-wheel-drive trims. Both hybrids are rated well above the gas versions of either SUV, so the hybrid is worth a look if you drive a lot of freeway miles on the 15.

Towing and Space

• Towing: Both list up to 5,000 lbs on certain versions. The Telluride Hybrid is listed at up to 4,500 lbs and the Grand Highlander Hybrid at 3,500 lbs, so a tow-minded hybrid shopper should compare those two numbers closely. Neither is a heavy-duty tow vehicle.
• Third row: Kia lists 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row on the turbo and 21.3 on the hybrid. Toyota describes an adult-sized third row with 33.5 inches of legroom but does not list cargo behind it in the information we used.
• Maximum cargo: Kia lists 86.9 cubic feet. Toyota lists 97.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Measurement methods can differ, so load your own gear before deciding.

Trims and Capability

The Telluride X-Pro adds wider all-terrain tires, an exclusive suspension, an electronic limited-slip differential, a multi-terrain AWD mode and 9.1 inches of ground clearance, according to Kia. The Grand Highlander Woodland Edition is a hybrid with all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, roof rails with crossbars and a tow hitch. Ask us what each is suited for before you plan rough trips toward Big Bear, Mammoth or the Mojave.

Safety and Technology

Kia’s standard driver assistance includes Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Occupant Alert, with Highway Driving Assist available. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard on every 2027 Grand Highlander. Both are driver assistance systems and do not replace attentive driving. Both offer large 12.3-inch displays and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Which One Fits Your Family?

The Telluride may fit if you want the new hybrid with higher output than the Grand Highlander Hybrid, an off-road trim with a listed ground clearance, or a hybrid with a higher tow rating. The Grand Highlander may fit if hybrid fuel economy is your top priority, you want the Hybrid MAX’s power, or you want the most listed cargo space with the seats folded.

Either can work for a High Desert family, and the best way to decide is to drive both. Valley Hi Kia and Valley Hi Toyota are sister stores in Victorville. Read our Grand Highlander guide for the Toyota side, or see how a smaller SUV compares in our Sportage guide.

What else do High Desert shoppers ask about the Telluride and Grand Highlander?

Does the 2027 Kia Telluride come as a hybrid?

Yes. Kia added its first-ever Telluride hybrid for 2027, with 329 hp and 339 lb-ft combined. Valley Hi Kia has 2027 Telluride models on the lot, and availability changes often, so call ahead to ask which trims and powertrains are in stock.

Which gets better gas mileage, the Telluride or the Grand Highlander?

As estimated, the Grand Highlander Hybrid is rated up to 36 mpg combined with front-wheel drive, and Kia estimates up to 35 mpg for the Telluride Hybrid. Both are manufacturer estimates, not EPA ratings.

Which can tow more?

Kia lists up to 5,000 lbs for the turbo Telluride and up to 4,500 lbs for the hybrid. Toyota lists 5,000 lbs for the gas and Hybrid MAX Grand Highlander and 3,500 lbs for the Hybrid. Towing requires additional equipment, so see the Owner’s Manual.

How many people do they seat?

Kia lists 7 or 8 passengers for the Telluride. Toyota lists up to 8 for the Grand Highlander, with 7 seats and second-row captain’s chairs on the Woodland Edition.

Can I test drive both in Victorville?

Yes. Valley Hi Kia and Valley Hi Toyota are both in Victorville. Call Valley Hi Kia at (760) 955-0046 to ask about availability, and call ahead to confirm the models you want to see.

More from the Valley Hi Kia blog: model guides, comparisons, hybrid and EV tips and High Desert driving advice.

Fuel economy figures are manufacturer estimates for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage varies. Driver assistance features do not replace attentive driving. Towing varies by configuration; see the Owner’s Manual. Specifications are as listed by Kia and Toyota and may change. Toyota Safety Sense is a trademark of Toyota.