Toyota Highlander vs. Toyota RAV4 vs. Kia Telluride – Detailed Comparison

Quick Verdict

The Kia Telluride stands out for its blend of luxury, space, and features, making it a strong contender in its class. However, the Toyota Highlander remains a solid choice, especially for those prioritizing fuel efficiency and reliability, while the Toyota RAV4 is a good option if you're looking for something smaller and more fuel efficient.

Key Specs – Side-by-Side

MetricToyota HighlanderToyota RAV4Kia Telluride
Price$41,270$Not available$36,190
Fuel Economy (Combined)2025 Gas Model: FWD: 25 MPG, AWD: 24 MPG. 2025 Hybrid Model: 35 MPG. Older models vary between 23-36 MPG depending on year, engine, and drivetrain.30 MPG (FWD)20-22 MPG
Seating Capacity7-8 passengers depending on the trim and configuration. Base LE models seat eight, while XLE and above trims can have second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to seven.Not available7-8 Number of Passengers
Cargo Space (Behind 3rd Row)20.6 cubic feetNot available21 Cubic Feet
Safety Rating (NHTSA)2023 Model: 5/5 Stars. Note that the NHTSA has not yet tested the 2025 Grand Highlander, but the Grand Highlander Hybrid received a 4-star overall safety rating.Not available5 Stars
Towing CapacityGas models: Up to 5,000 pounds. Hybrid models: Up to 3,500 pounds.Not available5000 pounds standard to 5500 pounds with X-Pro equipment
ratingsNot availableNot available
overall: Not available/5
performance: Not available/5

Overall Comparison

  • Toyota Highlander: Offers a comfortable ride, good fuel efficiency (especially hybrid models), and a reputation for reliability.
  • Toyota RAV4: Known for its fuel efficiency and compact size, making it ideal for city driving.
  • Kia Telluride: Provides spacious seating, a luxurious interior, and a generous amount of standard features.

Pros and Cons

Toyota Highlander

Pros:
  • Comfortable ride
  • Fuel efficiency (especially hybrid models)
  • Reputation for reliability
  • Available all-wheel drive for enhanced traction
  • Standard suite of driver-assistance features
Cons:
  • Tight third-row seating
  • Smaller cargo capacity compared to some competitors
  • Mundane driving experience

Toyota RAV4

Pros:
  • Fuel efficiency
  • Compact size
Cons:
  • No major disadvantages reported.

Kia Telluride

Pros:
  • Spacious seating in all three rows
  • Generous amount of standard features
  • More refined and luxurious than most rivals
  • Adult-friendly seating in all three rows
  • Excellent build quality
Cons:
  • No hybrid or four-cylinder options
  • Some competitors handle better
  • Some driver assists can be oversensitive

User Experiences and Feedback