Under the hood, the 2026 Kia Telluride uses a 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Its naturally aspirated V6 provides smooth acceleration for highway merging, everyday errands, and family travel. Properly equipped Telluride models can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the SX Prestige X-Pro increases that rating to 5,500 pounds.

The 2026 Toyota Highlander takes a different approach with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 265 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque on non-hybrid models. While the Highlander offers more torque, it trails the Telluride by 26 horsepower. A Highlander Hybrid is also available for buyers focused on fuel savings, but many drivers may prefer the Telluride’s larger V6 for its relaxed power delivery, long-distance refinement, and less complicated non-turbo engine design.

Every 2026 Kia Telluride includes Kia Drive Wise Technologies, giving families standard features such as forward collision avoidance assist, blind spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision warning, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning, navigation-based smart cruise control with stop and go, and rear occupant alert. The Telluride also holds a 5-Star NHTSA overall safety rating and earned IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ recognition for 2025. Long-term confidence is another major advantage, thanks to Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which provide substantially more coverage than Toyota’s warranty.

Technology and convenience are also strong points for the Telluride. EX trims and above include a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, while an available dual panoramic display gives the cabin a high-end digital feel. A smart power liftgate with auto-close comes standard on every trim except the LX, making it easier to load groceries, luggage, and sports gear. The Toyota Highlander also includes Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ as standard and offers useful infotainment options, though its screen sizes vary more depending on trim.

The Telluride’s family-friendly advantage is especially clear in the third row. With 31.4 inches of third-row legroom, the 2026 Kia Telluride can better accommodate adults and teenagers during longer drives. The Highlander offers 27.7 inches of third-row legroom, which can feel tight for many adult passengers after only a short time. For households that regularly travel with six or more people, the Telluride is the more practical and comfortable choice.

Cargo space adds to the Telluride’s appeal. It provides 21.0 cubic feet behind the third row, compared with 16.0 cubic feet in the Highlander. With all seats folded, the Telluride expands to 87.0 cubic feet, edging out the Highlander’s 84.3 cubic feet. The Highlander is competitive with the third row folded, offering 48.4 cubic feet compared with 46.0 cubic feet in the Telluride, but Kia adds a standard dual-level cargo floor for added organization and flexibility.