The 2023 Kia Telluride has a new design and many upgrades, making it a more competitive choice against other three-row midsize SUVs, including the Toyota Highlander. See how the two SUVs stack up in this 2023 Kia Telluride vs. 2022 Toyota Highlander comparison. With its many advantages, the 2023 Telluride beats the 2022 Highlander. 

2023 Kia Telluride vs. 2022 Toyota Highlander

In this 2023 Kia Telluride vs. 2022 Toyota Highlander comparison, we evaluated several different areas. This includes performance, efficiency, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

Telluride vs. Highlander: Performance and efficiency

For performance, the 2023 Kia Telluride features a 3.8-liter V-6 engine, which generates 291 hp. In comparison, the 2022 Toyota Highlander offers two engine options: a 3.5-liter V-6 engine (295 hp) and a hybrid (243 hp).

The Highlander has the advantage for efficiency. The gas-powered Highlander has an estimated fuel economy of up to 22 city/29 highway mpg, while the Highlander Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 36 city/35 highway mpg. While the official fuel economy estimates are not yet available for the 2023 Telluride, they will likely be the same as the 2022 Telluride (up to 20 city/26 highway mpg), given that both models have the same engine. 

Telluride vs. Highlander: Towing

On the towing front, the 2023 Telluride has the advantage. It has a maximum towing capacity of 5,500 pounds, compared to 5,000 pounds for the gas-powered 2022 Highlander and 3,500 pounds for the Highlander Hybrid. 

Telluride vs. Highlander: Off-road capabilities

While both SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, the 2023 Telluride has the advantage for off-road use. This is because, unlike the 2022 Highlander, the Telluride offers off-road-focused models with the Telluride X-Line and X-Pro trims.

Telluride vs. Highlander: Safety

With its plethora of safety-advancing driving assistance technologies, the 2023 Telluride has the advantage for safety. Unlike the 2022 Highlander, the Telluride offers safe exit assist, driver attention warning, highway driving assist, and parking distance warning. 

Telluride vs. Highlander: Passenger and cargo space

The Telluride is bigger than the Highlander, resulting in more interior space. While the official interior specs of the 2023 Telluride are not yet available, they will likely be similar to the 2022 Telluride, which has a total passenger volume of 178.1 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 87.0 cu-ft. In comparison, the 2023 Highlander has a total passenger volume of 141.3 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 84.3 cu-ft. 

Telluride vs. Highlander: Warranty coverage

The 2023 Telluride has more generous warranty coverage than the 2022 Highlander. It has the backing of a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. In comparison, the Highlander has a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, unlike the Telluride, the Highlander has a free maintenance plan, with two years and 25,000 miles of coverage.

Telluride vs. Highlander: Price

Which SUV costs more: the 2023 Telluride or the 2022 Highlander? The price information is not yet available for the 2023 model year, but both SUVs will likely have a slight price increase compared to the 2022 model year.

The starting price of the 2022 Highlander ranges from $35,405 MSRP for the L trim up to $47,560 MSRP for the Platinum trim. In comparison, the starting price of the 2022 Telluride ranges from $33,090 MSRP for the LX trim up to $42,990 MSRP for the SX trim.

2023 Kia Telluride vs. 2022 Highlander: Which SUV is better?

In this 2023 Kia Telluride vs. 2022 Highlander comparison, the 2023 Telluride has more advantages than the 2022 Highlander. This includes advantages for towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, and warranty coverage. Conversely, advantages for the 2022 Highlander include efficiency, gas-engine performance, and a free maintenance plan.