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Are you in the market for a rugged and stylish three-row SUV? Then the 2024 Toyota Highlander and 2024 Kia Telluride should be at the top of your list. These are two of the most anticipated three-row SUVs of the year, and they’re both strong contenders in their class. However, choosing between them could prove challenging because each model offers unique elements and exceptional capabilities. Before you decide which model is best for you, it’s important to compare the trim options, designs, performances, and safety features of both. Use this SUV comparison guide to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Comfort
Having a sporty, comfortable ride to get you around Jacksonville, Florida, can make your daily commute or running errands more enjoyable. In either the Highlander or the Telluride, you’ll have plenty of room for up to eight passengers, and both models have optional second-row captain’s chairs that make it easy to get to the third row. The Kia Telluride provides a little more cargo room than the Highlander, with 21 cubic feet of space available with the seats up compared to the Highlander’s 16 cubic feet. Put the Telluride’s seats down to get 87 cubic feet of cargo space.
Leather-trimmed seats are standard in the Telluride and an available option for the 2024 Toyota Highlander. A soft-touch in-dash split-level shelf and roll-top center console enhance the comfort and storage options inside the cabin of the Highlander. For the Kia Telluride, a sunroof is standard, with dual sunroofs being optional. The Highlander offers a power tilt-and-slide moonroof and a panoramic glass roof with a sunshade at higher trim levels. Your passengers will appreciate the Highlander’s three-zone climate control that keeps everyone at just the right temperature. The Telluride’s dual-zone climate control optimizes comfort in the first and second rows.
You can choose from these 11 trims for the Toyota Highlander:
- LE.
- XLE.
- XSE.
- Limited.
- Platinum.
- Hybrid LE.
- Hybrid LE Nightshade.
- Hybrid XLE.
- Hybrid XLE Nigtshade.
- Hybrid Limited.
- Hybrid Platinum.
The Kia Telluride comes in these 10 trim levels:
- LX.
- S.
- EX.
- EX X-Line.
- SX.
- SX X-Line.
- SX X-Pro.
- SX Prestige.
- SX Prestige X-Line.
- SX Prestige X-Pro.
Performance and Efficiency
When doing your performance review of the 2024 Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride, it’s important to note that the Telluride only offers one engine, while the Highlander has gas-powered and hybrid powertrain options. Under the hood of every Kia Telluride, you’ll find a capable 3.8-liter V-6 engine that can deliver 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This configuration pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission that has four drive modes to choose from so you can take control of your Jacksonville driving experience.
Power for gas-only Highlander trims will come from a 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that’s capable of making up to 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Up your efficiency with a hybrid Highlander that comes with a 2.5-liter L4HV gas and electric setup. This combination can deliver 243 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. Like with the Telluride, the Highlander has a drive-mode selector, and some trims feature a multi-terrain select feature for improved performance on rugged terrain.
Safety and Technology
Vehicle safety is a top priority at Toyota, which is evident through the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite of driver-assist technologies that comes with every Highlander. This suite includes safety tech that can help you avoid accidents and make driving stress-free. You’ll enjoy a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane tracing assist, full-speed dynamic radar cruise control, and more. The Kia Telluride is also a safety-focused SUV that comes with driver-assist features such as a blind-spot collision warning, navigation-based smart cruise control, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist.
In addition to modern safety features, the Highlander and Telluride also have the latest in technology to ensure you stay entertained and connected wherever you go. A wireless phone charger is standard in every Telluride trim and all but the base trim of the Highlander. Of course, the Highlander features wireless smartphone integration for your Apple or Android device while in the Telluride you’ll still need a cord to connect your phone to the infotainment system. Both SUVs have a 12.3-inch touch screen, but this is an upgrade for some Highlander trims.
Price and Value
We know our Jacksonville customers want a quality vehicle that provides good value for the money, but it’s important to consider not just your initial vehicle purchase but the overall cost of ownership for the life of the vehicle. Toyotas are known for their longevity and reliability, making the Highlander an excellent option for those who want to keep maintenance costs low and retain the value of their vehicle. Toyota models have one of the highest resale values, which means you could get more for the Highlander when you want to sell it.
The Highlander comes with a 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 36-month/36,000-mile basic warranty to give you peace of mind. Kia offers an excellent warranty for the Telluride as well, giving you an industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. For both SUVs, the price you pay depends on the trim and features you want. The Highlander has an MSRP of $39,270 for the base trim, and the Telluride comes in just below that with an MSRP of $36,190 for its base model. As you move up the trims, the price will increase.
Which of These Family SUVs Is Right for You?
Before you decide which of these family SUVs is right for you, think about your personal preferences and budget. If you need a little more cargo space, then maybe the Kia Telluride is your best option, but the Highlander has some tech upgrades that make it an appealing choice for tech-minded drivers. Choose a fuel-efficient hybrid version of the Highlander or enjoy the power of the Telluride’s V-6 engine. The best way to learn which SUV suits you and your lifestyle is to find a Jacksonville dealership where you can test drive each model and get the financing you need.
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