Three-row SUVs have become some of our favorite vehicles on the market, as they offer spaciousness that is perfect for a growing family. Generally not as large as full-size models, these vehicles still offer plenty of room inside for your passengers to stretch out, along with a variety of excellent features to enhance your time on the road.
Whether you’re already interested in a Kia Telluride for sale near Golden Valley or you have just started considering this model alongside other three-row options, you’ll quickly see that the Telluride gives you more than a lot of other vehicles offer. Let’s look at the 2025 Kia Telluride compared to the 2025 Toyota Highlander, and you’ll see why so many people choose Kia’s SUV each year.
#1 – Superior Power and Performance
It’s easy to overlook the importance of an impressive engine when shopping for an SUV, as there are numerous other details to consider. That being said, a strong engine can make all the difference on the road, which is why we always make it a priority. It’s especially important when considering three-row SUVs, since they’re larger than many other models on the market. If you want a vehicle you’ll enjoy driving around Golden Valley every day, the Kia Telluride delivers exactly that.
The 2025 Kia Telluride features a single engine option: a 3.8L Lambda V6 engine that produces 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for a smooth and responsive drive. The 2025 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a standard 2.4L turbocharged I-4 engine that produces 265 hp, which falls short of what you get from Kia. A hybrid engine is available for the Highlander, which boosts its fuel efficiency; however, this engine sacrifices performance, producing only 243 hp. By contrast, Kia’s impressive V6 engine delivers an engaging drive, making every trip, from running errands to longer journeys, enjoyable.
#2 – Enhanced Towing Capabilities
Greater power isn’t just about having a vehicle that feels good to drive around Golden Valley; it also directly affects what you can do with your SUV. Towing might not be the first feature that comes to mind, but both of these vehicles handle it impressively. That’s perfect if you want to haul a boat or camper while enjoying your weekend.
Thanks to its greater horsepower, the Kia Telluride can handle up to 5,500 lbs of maximum towing when properly equipped; the 2025 Toyota Highlander tops out at just 5,000 lbs, which can make a notable difference. Even more limiting, the available hybrid engine can handle only 3,500 lbs of maximum towing. If you plan to tow a trailer or other gear behind your vehicle, the Telluride is clearly the way to go.
#3 – More Cargo Space Inside
Although you might not use your SUV for towing every day, you’ll certainly be loading it up with all the stuff you need to take with you. Whether you need to pack athletic equipment for your kids before taking them to school, have luggage to take to the airport, or simply want to load up with bags while running errands, interior cargo space is very important. Large SUV models are ideal for handling these kinds of tasks, but they’re not all created equally, as we’re about to see.
The 2025 Kia Telluride offers exceptional interior cargo space, thanks to a design that prioritizes your needs above all else. You get 21 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the third row, with 46 cu.ft. behind the second row, and a total of 87 cu.ft. cargo room behind the front seats.
Looking at the 2025 Toyota Highlander, it offers just 16 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the third row, 48.4 cu.ft. behind the second row, and 84.3 cu.ft. behind the front seats. While the second-row space is slightly larger than the Telluride’s, the Highlander otherwise falls short, highlighting how well the Kia Telluride is designed to meet your everyday needs.
#4 – More Advanced Standard Technology
There are many factors to consider and compare when looking at different SUVs—too many to cover in full today—so we’re highlighting one area where the Telluride truly excels. The 2025 Toyota Highlander’s starting model is the LE, which showcases its standard features. Inside the Highlander LE, we find an eight-inch infotainment system and a six-speaker sound system, which is nice but not amazing. That small display is somewhat disappointing, and while a larger screen is available, Toyota requires a fairly steep price to obtain it.
The 2025 Kia Telluride features a standard 12.3-inch infotainment system with navigation included in every model. That’s an incredible value, making it much easier to get where you need to go around Golden Valley each day while also utilizing a variety of other apps and features. A six-speaker sound system is standard, with a wide range of available options to upgrade your tech features, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen display to complement the infotainment screen, a Harman Kardon Premium sound system, and a 10-inch head-up display.
#5 – Industry-Leading Warranty Coverage
A three-row SUV is not a small purchase for most of us, and you want to know that you’re covered in case any issues arise while you drive. Kia understands this well, and they provide industry-leading warranty protection for your investment.
The 2025 Telluride comes with a five-year/60,000-mile new-vehicle limited warranty, as well as a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. You receive complimentary roadside assistance throughout the vehicle warranty’s duration, plus additional great features to help ensure you get the most out of your ride.
Toyota offers just a three-year/36,000-mile new-vehicle limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The difference is clear: Kia offers superior protection and continues to outshine nearly everyone else when it comes to warranty coverage.
#6 – A Lower Starting Price
In case everything we’ve looked at so far (including better performance, more cargo space, and incredible warranty protection) wasn’t enough, you should know that you get all of this at a lower price with the Telluride than the Highlander.
Currently, the 2025 Kia Telluride has a starting MSRP of $36,390; in comparison, the 2025 Toyota Highlander starts at $40,320 MSRP.[a] That’s a difference of nearly $4,000, putting the Highlander at a price that’s more than 10% higher than the Telluride. With those savings, you could opt for a higher trim level to enjoy enhanced features in your Kia SUV, or keep the difference to help you stick to a budget for your family.
The Perfect SUV for Golden Valley Drivers
As you can see, the Kia Telluride is an amazing option when you’re looking for a three-row SUV that gives you so much to enjoy as you drive each day.
We’ve only scratched the surface when it comes to this remarkable vehicle; we didn’t even delve into its excellent safety features, available all-wheel drive, or spacious and comfortable interior for you and your passengers. At the end of the day, the Toyota Highlander is a fine vehicle in its own right, but Kia simply gives you more with the Telluride at a lower price.
Now, if you’re ready to see the Telluride for yourself, then we’re here at Lupient Kia Brooklyn Park to show you everything it has to offer and help you find the right model.
[a] MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, destination charge, and accessories. MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.