The Kia Telluride Hybrid and Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid are spacious, family-friendly 3-row midsize SUVs. They specialize in fuel efficiency, as they are the hybrid counterparts to the gas-powered models of the same name. In the case of both SUVs, the hybrid version costs a little more compared to their non-hybrid counterparts, but the lower fuel costs can help justify the difference in purchase price.
Let’s see how the Telluride Hybrid and Grand Highlander Hybrid compare.
2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid
Kia completely redesigned the Telluride for 2027. Its body is bigger and boxier, and it can seat seven with impressive headroom. It also gives you plenty of miles between fill-ups with as much as 35 mpg combined. The Telluride has an award-winning legacy, winning the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award in its class almost every year since its debut in 2020.
Kia Telluride Hybrid Highlights
Enjoyable handling: You won’t be taking your 3-row SUV to the track, but you want to like driving it. Kia used the Telluride Hybrid’s motors to improve handling — a trick called torque vectoring — making it feel a bit more athletic than the average family hauler.
Spacious interior: The extra length and wheelbase give passengers in the third row more space than the previous generation. They now get 32 inches of legroom and 37 inches of headroom. Second-row passengers get more legroom in the Telluride than in the Grand Highlander. We also like the roominess up front. Kia relocated the shifter to the steering column, opening up space in the center console. The center console has a lot to offer, too, with two charging pads, collapsible cup holders, and a deep storage bin. Passengers can stow and access items in the storage area under the armrest, which converts into a drawer for even more storage options.
Industry-leading warranty: Kia’s warranties are designed to give drivers peace of mind. They offer a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. No one does it better.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Telluride Hybrid models near you.
2027 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is even more grand for 2027. It continues to offer up to 36 mpg combined, all while adding a rugged new Woodland trim for adventure seekers.
Grand Highlander Hybrid Highlights
More power: The top-tier hybrid trim for 2027 is the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Platinum. This trim level takes hybrid power to the next level, offering 362 horsepower and generating 400 lb-ft of torque, plus standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The Hybrid Max powertrain has a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder turbo engine. It can also tow up to 5,000 pounds, compared to 4,500 pounds for the Telluride Hybrid. The Telluride Hybrid also comes with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, but it produces a bit less power with 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. However, the Hybrid Max setup is pricier and less efficient than the non-Max hybrid.
Woodland Edition: For those who prefer rugged design details and outdoorsy inspiration, the Grand Highlander Hybrid has a new Woodland trim. This includes all-terrain tires, 0.5 inches more ground clearance than other Grand Highlander models, a heated steering wheel, and Woodland branding. The Woodland Edition also comes with AWD standard.
Efficiency is key: Fuel economy numbers vary on both models depending on trim level, but the most efficient Grand Highlander beats the most efficient Telluride. Estimated fuel economy is 36 combined mpg on the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid XLE FWD and 34 combined mpg on the Hybrid LE, XLE, Woodland, and Limited AWD models. The Hybrid Max Platinum gets 27 combined mpg. The Telluride’s numbers are similar, ranging from 31 to 35 combined mpg.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Grand Highlander Hybrid models near you.
Conclusion
Both of these efficient 3-row SUVs can offer you and your family a comfortable ride and practical everyday usability. Choosing between the two comes down to the details. If storage is top of mind, the Grand Highlander offers more cargo room, while the Kia Telluride has more creative storage solutions in the cabin. If you’re looking for a fresh take on a tried-and-true hybrid SUV, then the redesigned Telluride will catch your eye.
For those seeking adventure and off-road spirit, you’ve got a real decision to make, as the Grand Highlander Woodland Edition and the Telluride X-Pro definitely stand out. For those fancying darker touches in the form of black satin finishes, the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Platinum will feature those for 2027. Both automakers offer a variety of trims, giving buyers plenty of choice. Either way, fuel efficiency and space are a sure thing.
