2027 Kia Telluride vs. 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander: A Battle of Two Hybrid Three-Row SUVs
Key takeaways
- We think these hybrid variants are the best versions of the Telluride and Grand Highlander, but which is the best of the best?
- Bolstering an internal-combustion engine with electric assist tends to give these hybrids both more performance and better fuel economy, an impressive twofer.
- We tested the loaded SX Prestige trim, second from the top, which starts at $58,135.
Why this matters: an automotive development that could shape industry direction or buying decisions.
We think these hybrid variants are the best versions of the Telluride and Grand Highlander, but which is the best of the best?
Car and Driver Among the ranks of mid-size, three-row SUVs, more and more the highest trim or top powertrain option is a hybrid, with the latest iterations of the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Mazda CX-90 all adding one. Bolstering an internal-combustion engine with electric assist tends to give these hybrids both more performance and better fuel economy, an impressive twofer. We loved the previous-generation Telluride—check out its streak of six 10Best wins—so we wanted to see how the latest, hybridized Telluride stacks up to another three-row that earns high marks, the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max, itself a 2024 10Best winner.
The 2027 Telluride Hybrid, powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors making a combined 329 horsepower, is available in various trim levels in front- or all-wheel drive and carries a $2700 price premium over the base engine. We tested the loaded SX Prestige trim, second from the top, which starts at $58,135. With a couple of options, such as the $1200 Executive package, which adds power second-row captain's seats and heated third-row seats, among other things, ours rang in at $60,210. Toyota offers multiple hybrids in the Grand Highlander lineup, but our preference is for this most powerful Hybrid Max, which combines a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors to make 362 horsepower. The Hybrid Max starts at $57,285, but ours was a top-trim Platinum that landed at $64,272. While these two are bigger and heavier than ever, the Telluride scores 31 mpg EPA combined fuel economy and the Highlander 27 mpg, so why not live large?