In the world of family SUVs, the Kia Telluride and the Toyota Highlander have emerged as two formidable contenders. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, advanced safety features, and modern technology, making them suitable choices for families on the go.
However, when it comes to choosing the ultimate family SUV, there are several factors to consider. From exterior design and styling to performance and handling, each vehicle has its own unique qualities that set it apart.
So, which one reigns supreme? Join us as we navigate through the intricacies of these two vehicles, comparing their attributes and dissecting their pros and cons, in search of the ultimate family SUV.
Exterior Design and Styling
When comparing the exterior design and styling of the Kia Telluride and the Toyota Highlander, it becomes evident that both vehicles showcase distinctively different aesthetics that cater to varied preferences and tastes.
The Kia Telluride exudes a bold and muscular presence, with its wide grille, prominent headlights, and sculpted body lines. Its rugged and adventurous appeal is further emphasized by its high ground clearance and robust wheel arches.
On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander exudes a more refined and sophisticated aura, with its sleek lines, elegant curves, and well-proportioned body. Its design elements are more understated, yet still exude a sense of strength and elegance.
In terms of color options, both the Kia Telluride and the Toyota Highlander offer a wide range of choices to suit different tastes.
The Kia Telluride offers colors like Dark Moss, Everlasting Silver, Black Copper, and Snow White Pearl, among others. These colors add to the Telluride's adventurous and bold personality.
The Toyota Highlander, on the other hand, offers colors like Celestial Silver Metallic, Ruby Flare Pearl, Midnight Black Metallic, and Blizzard Pearl, among others. These colors enhance the Highlander's refined and sophisticated character.
Interior Space and Comfort
The interior space and comfort of the Kia Telluride and the Toyota Highlander are key factors to consider when comparing these two SUVs. Both vehicles offer spacious cabins that can comfortably accommodate passengers and provide a relaxing driving experience.
The Kia Telluride features premium seat materials, such as synthetic leather upholstery, which adds a touch of luxury to the interior. The seats are well-cushioned and provide ample support, ensuring a comfortable ride even on long journeys. The Telluride also offers plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, allowing everyone to stretch out and relax.
On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander also offers comfortable seating options. The seats are upholstered in quality materials and provide adequate support. However, some reviewers have noted that the Highlander's third-row seats can feel a bit cramped for taller passengers, especially during longer trips.
In terms of cargo capacity, the Kia Telluride excels with its generous amount of space. It offers up to 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, which can be expanded to 87 cubic feet when the second and third rows are folded down.
The Toyota Highlander, while still providing ample cargo space, falls slightly behind with up to 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats and a maximum of 84 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Safety Features and Technology
What are the safety features and technology offered in the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander?
Both the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander come equipped with a range of advanced safety features and technology to ensure the utmost safety for occupants.
Starting with the Kia Telluride, it offers an array of standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additionally, the Telluride also offers advanced features like adaptive cruise control, which helps maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead, and lane departure warning, which alerts the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane.
Similarly, the Toyota Highlander also includes a comprehensive suite of safety features. It comes standard with features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. Additionally, the Highlander offers a lane-keeping assist feature that helps guide the vehicle back into its lane if it begins to drift.
Both SUVs prioritize the safety of occupants and offer a range of safety features and technology. Ultimately, choosing between the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander in terms of safety features and technology may come down to personal preference and specific needs.
Performance and Handling
Both the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander offer impressive performance and handling capabilities, making them well-suited for a variety of driving conditions.
Here are four key factors to consider when comparing their performance and handling:
- Powertrain Options:
- The Kia Telluride comes with a standard 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower.
- The Toyota Highlander offers a choice between a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a hybrid powertrain.
- Both vehicles provide ample power for everyday driving and offer smooth acceleration.
- Ride Quality:
- Both SUVs prioritize comfort, with well-tuned suspensions that absorb bumps and road imperfections.
- The Kia Telluride's suspension strikes a good balance between comfort and handling.
- The Toyota Highlander's suspension leans slightly more towards a plush ride.
- Handling and Stability:
- The Kia Telluride offers responsive steering and agile handling, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
- The Toyota Highlander delivers a stable and composed ride, especially at higher speeds and on winding roads.
- Fuel Efficiency:
- The Toyota Highlander's hybrid powertrain delivers excellent fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined.
- The Kia Telluride, while not as fuel-efficient, still offers respectable mileage for its class, with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined.
Price and Value for Money
When considering the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander, one important aspect to evaluate is their price and overall value for money. Both SUVs offer a range of features and capabilities, but it is crucial to determine which one provides the best cost effectiveness.
In terms of affordability, the Kia Telluride has a starting price of around $32,000, while the Toyota Highlander starts at around $35,000. While the Telluride may have a slightly lower starting price, it is important to consider the features and options included at each price point.
The Kia Telluride offers a generous list of standard features, including an 8-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, and advanced safety features. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander offers a similar level of standard features, but also provides a hybrid powertrain option for improved fuel efficiency.
Both SUVs offer a comfortable and spacious interior, with seating for up to eight passengers. The Telluride, however, has a slightly larger cargo capacity, making it more convenient for family trips and hauling larger items.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander offer compelling options for families in need of a spacious and reliable SUV.
The Telluride stands out with its bold and stylish exterior design, while the Highlander offers a more conservative and refined look.
Both vehicles provide ample interior space and comfort, along with a wide range of safety features and technology.
Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and priorities.
