Claiming that any midsize SUV is better than the Kia Telluride sounds blasphemous to fans of the popular midsize SUV. The Telluride has quickly won over automotive enthusiasts and consumers because of the incredible value it provides for the money. What about costs of ownership? Is the Telluride’s subpar fuel economy more detrimental than consumers know? Time for Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs. Kia Telluride.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the underdog that deserves attention

The Kia Telluride may be the top dog in its vehicle segment, but the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is definitely the underdog. The Highlander has slid down ranking lists over the years as competitors like the Telluride and Palisade arrived. Toyota’s hybrid version of the Highlander isn’t technically in the same vehicle segment as the Kia Telluride, but it should be considered when in search of a midsize SUV.

What do consumers want from a midsize SUV? Midsize SUV models are often purchased to accommodate large families or friend groups. The best models are comfortable and practical. Toyota’s OG Highlander model embodies many of the best midsize SUV qualities, including long-term dependability.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the remix that has the potential to make more impact than the original version. It’s the turntable scratch that makes crowds go wild (when properly understood and appreciated). To truly understand the Highlander Hybrid’s appeal, you have to look at two important specs: gas mileage and fuel tank capacity.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid gets 36 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway. It has a 17.9-gallon fuel tank. So, based on its mpg combined rating and fuel tank capacity the midsize SUV is able to travel for 635 miles on a single tank of gas. That’s more driving range than most small cars and even some hybrid cars.

The Kia Telluride has earned its place in midsize SUV rankings

The Kia Telluride has only been around for four model years if you count the 2023 model. It has easily become one of the most popular midsize SUVs on the market because of its value proposition. Kia has sold 72,296 Telluride midsize SUVs as of September 2022.

Kia Tellurides are formidable opponents for any midsize SUV because of great standard features, affordable pricing, and a comfortable cabin. Car and Driver gave the midsize SUV a perfect overall rating The Telluride is such a great value that consumers often overlook its poor gas mileage. It gets 20 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway. Kia’s midsize SUV has an 18.8-gallon tank. Its fuel tank may be massive, but its poor fuel efficiency decreases its driving range. The Telluride gets around 432 miles of driving range.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs. Kia Telluride

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is much cheaper to refuel than the Kia Telluride. The Telluride may be the more affordable midsize SUV to buy, but drivers save so much money with the Highlander Hybrid over the years that Toyota’s midsize hybrid SUV is actually the more economical option over the average new vehicle period of ownership (8.4 years).

So, if you want a midsize SUV that lasts long and has to refuel fewer times than competitors, the Highlander Hybrid is seriously worth considering. The Telluride is still a fine midsize SUV deserving of its spot in rankings, but Toyota’s midsize hybrid SUV shouldn’t be slept on.

Read more about the Toyota Highlander Hybrid in the next article below.