The Kia Telluride and the Toyota Highlander are two of the most popular three-row midsize SUVs available. However, the Telluride has some advantages over the Highlander. Here are four reasons to buy a 2023 Kia Telluride, not a 2023 Toyota Highlander.

2023 Kia Telluride provides more interior space than the 2023 Toyota Highlander

The first reason to buy a 2023 Kia Telluride instead of a 2023 Toyota Highlander is the Telluride provides more interior space than the Highlander. While Kia hasn’t yet released the official specs of the 2023 Telluride, they are likely similar to the 2022 Telluride.

Both SUVs can seat up to eight people, but the Telluride has a total passenger volume of 178.1 cu-ft, compared to 141.1 cu-ft for the Highlander. The extra passenger space makes the biggest difference for the third-row seats in the Telluride. It has 3.7 inches more rear legroom than the Highlander.

Also, the Telluride provides more storage space than the Highlander. It has a cargo capacity of 21.0 cu-ft behind the third-row seats and a total cargo capacity of 87.0 cu-ft. In comparison, the Highlander has a rear cargo capacity of 16.0 cu-ft and a total cargo capacity of 84.3 cu-ft.

2023 Telluride has better off-road capabilities than the 2023 Highlander

The second reason to buy a 2023 Kia Telluride instead of a 2023 Toyota Highlander is the Telluride has better off-road capabilities than the Highlander. Both SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system. However, unlike the Highlander, the Telluride offers off-road-focused models with the Telluride X-Line and X-Pro trims.

Notable off-road features for the Telluride X-Line and X-Pro trims include an upgraded Traction Control System, higher ground clearance, and improved approach and departure angles. Also, both off-road models have a tow mode for enhanced towing capabilities. 

Plus, the Telluride X-Pro has an increased towing capacity of 5,500 pounds (from 5,000 pounds for the rest of the Telluride trims). The gas-powered Highlander has a 5,000-pound towing capacity, while the Highlander Hybrid can tow only 3,500 pounds.

Kia Telluride is safer than the Toyota Highlander 

The third reason to buy a Telluride instead of a Highlander is the Telluride is safer than the Highlander. This is because the Telluride offers many safety-enhancing driving assistance features that are not available for the Highlander. Unlike the Highlander, the Telluride offers highway driving assist, driver attention warning, parking distance warning, and safe exit assist.

2023 Telluride has better warranty coverage than the 2023 Highlander

The fourth reason to buy a Telluride instead of a Highlander is the Telluride has better warranty coverage than the Telluride. 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 only has a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2023 Kia Telluride has advantages over the 2023 Toyota Highlander for interior space, off-road capabilities, safety, and warranty coverage. For midsize SUV shoppers, these are four key reasons to buy a 2023 Telluride, not a 2023 Highlander.

For reasons to buy a Toyota Highlander instead of a Kia Telluride, continue reading below.