The Kia Telluride is one of the most well-reviewed SUVs in America. It’s becoming more popular because of all the hype. It checks almost every box for anyone in need of a three-row midsize SUV with comfort, style, safety, and more. However, did you know there are alternatives to the Kia Telluride other than the Hyundai-equivalent Palisade that also get the job done? There are a few reasons someone might not want a 2022 Kia Telluride. For those people, check out the Toyota Highlander or Kia Sorento.

Should you consider a Kia Telluride alternative?

The Kia Telluride is a common choice if you’re in the market for a three-row midsize SUV. According to Edmunds, it provides excellent value with its long list of standard features. In addition, it’s spacious and comfortable inside, which is exactly what most people need from a family vehicle. Lastly, the Telluride ditches the “soccer parent” look of many SUVs and minivans, instead offering attractive styling cues and a high-quality interior.

However, it isn’t all sunshine and daisies. Upper trims for the Telluride are expensive, like the fully-loaded SX at $44,625. Although competitive, the Telluride requires optional packages to get certain desirable features. For example, it has heated and ventilated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, premium leather upholstery, and captain’s chairs. Furthermore, with only one engine in the Kia midsize SUV lineup, it lacks options and fuel economy. Averaging 19 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway doesn’t get it done in 2022.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander is a Kia Telluride alternative

First, the 2022 Toyota Highlander is an excellent Kia Telluride alternative. As another well-reviewed three-row midsize SUV, it’s easy to recommend the Highlander. In addition, it has a reputation for being reliable and lasting long. Unfortunately, it doesn’t beat the Telluride regarding price. Toyota’s offering is one of the more expensive options in the segment, with the range-topping Platinum trim starting at $49,225.

However, it does some things the Telluride can’t. For example, a Highlander Hybrid model is available and uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system. The total output is 243 horsepower and an average of 35 mpg combined using all-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive variants raise the number to 36 mpg. With a base model Highlander Hybrid LE, owners get a lot of features and technology for $40,770. Three-zone climate control, a power liftgate, LED headlights/foglights, five USB ports, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Amazon Alexa capability, and satellite radio are standard.

Why not try another Kia SUV?

Maybe Kia as a brand is something you enjoy, but not the Telluride in particular. If that’s the case, the 2022 Kia Sorento is another worthy Telluride alternative that isn’t a Hyundai Palisade. Best of all, it beats its big brother in the most essential way, price. The Sorento LX base model starts at $30,885, roughly $4,000 less than the Telluride. Although slightly smaller in size, the Sorento can still seat seven passengers comfortably and costs much less. In addition, the cheaper Kia SUV is surprisingly just as well-equipped.

For example, the base model Sorento comes with an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated mirrors, LED headlights, a second-row 60/40-split bench seat, and third-row 50/50 split seats. Opting for the X-Line S model, which is closer in price to the base model Telluride, adds remote engine start, simulated leather upholstery, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, navigation, rear parking sensors, all-wheel drive, raised roof rails, and more.

Kia Telluride alternatives that aren’t a Hyundai Palisade

In conclusion, the 2022 Kia Telluride is an excellent midsize three-row SUV. Anyone looking for an alternative will likely choose the Hyundai Palisade, as the two share a platform and many other things. However, if you’re searching for a good Telluride alternative that is not a Palisade, there are a few options. For better fuel efficiency with similar features and size, the Toyota Highlander is an outstanding choice. Kia’s own Sorento is a viable option for a smaller SUV with similar seating capabilities and a lower price.