KIA TELLURIDE VS. TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

Kia Telluride vs. Toyota Highlander: Which 3-Row Family SUV Rules Seminole County?

When shopping for a family-sized 3-row SUV around Longwood, Lake Mary, and Sanford, two names dominate the segment: the Kia Telluride and the Toyota Highlander. While the Highlander remains a familiar standard, the Kia Telluride continues to sweep industry awards thanks to its naturally aspirated V6 power, adult-sized third-row seating, luxury-tier interior tech, and 10-Year/100,000-Mile Warranty.

At Greenway Kia North (located at 625 N US Hwy 17 92, Longwood, FL 32750), here is how the Telluride outperforms the Toyota Highlander.

Warranty Protection: 10 Years vs. 5 Years

A family SUV is a long-term vehicle commitment. Kia provides double the factory powertrain coverage of Toyota, protecting your family budget against unexpected repair costs.

  • Kia Powertrain Warranty: 10 Years / 100,000 Miles
  • Toyota Powertrain Warranty: 5 Years / 60,000 Miles
  • Kia Basic (Bumper-to-Bumper) Warranty: 5 Years / 60,000 Miles
  • Toyota Basic Warranty: 3 Years / 36,000 Miles
  • Kia Roadside Assistance: 5 Years / 60,000 Miles
  • Toyota Roadside Assistance: 2 Years / 25,000 Miles

Whether carpooling to local Seminole County schools or taking road trips down I-4, Kia’s 10-Year/100,000-Mile Warranty guarantees long-term confidence.

Third-Row Comfort & Total Cargo Space

Many 3-row SUVs treat the back row as an afterthought. The Kia Telluride provides genuine seating for up to eight adults.

  • 3rd-Row Legroom: The Telluride offers 31.4 inches of third-row legroom, while the Highlander restricts passengers to a cramped 28.0 inches (a 3.4-inch difference).
  • Cargo Space Behind Row 3: The Telluride holds 21.0 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row—plenty of room for sports bags or groceries—compared to only 16.0 cubic feet in the Highlander.
  • Maximum Cargo Capacity: Fold all rear seats flat in the Telluride for 87.0 cubic feet of maximum storage space versus 84.3 cubic feet in the Highlander.

Proven V6 Performance & Towing Capacity

Under the hood, Kia sticks with a strong, predictable naturally aspirated V6 engine, while Toyota switched the Highlander to a smaller 4-cylinder turbo setup.

  • Kia Telluride Engine: 3.8L V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
  • Toyota Highlander Engine: 2.4L Turbocharged 4-cylinder delivering 265 horsepower.
  • Maximum Towing: The Telluride X-Pro trim offers up to 5,500 lbs of towing capacity, surpassing the Highlander’s 5,000-lb limit for hauling boats or campers to local Florida lakes.

Head-to-Head Specs Comparison Table

Feature / Specification Kia Telluride Toyota Highlander Advantage
Powertrain Warranty 10 Yrs / 100,000 Miles 5 Yrs / 60,000 Miles Kia (2x Coverage)
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty 5 Yrs / 60,000 Miles 3 Yrs / 36,000 Miles Kia (+2 Yrs / +24k Miles)
Standard Horsepower 291 hp (3.8L V6) 265 hp (2.4L Turbo 4) Kia (+26 hp)
3rd-Row Legroom 31.4 in 28.0 in Kia (+3.4 in)
Cargo (Behind Row 3) 21.0 cu ft 16.0 cu ft Kia (+5.0 cu ft)
Available Digital Screens Dual 12.3-inch Curved Displays 8.0-inch / 12.3-inch Screen Kia

Frequently Asked Questions

Can adults sit comfortably in the third row of the Kia Telluride?

Yes! The Kia Telluride is engineered with 31.4 inches of third-row legroom and ample headroom, comfortably accommodating full-grown adults during extended road trips.

Where can I test drive a Kia Telluride near Lake Mary or Sanford?

Visit Greenway Kia North at 625 N US Hwy 17 92, Longwood, FL 32750. We proudly serve drivers from Longwood, Lake Mary, Sanford, and Altamonte Springs.

Test Drive the Kia Telluride at Greenway Kia North

Experience why the Kia Telluride remains the undisputed leader in 3-row family SUVs. Visit Greenway Kia North on US Hwy 17-92 in Longwood today. Explore our new Telluride inventory, test out the spacious interior, and take advantage of Kia’s 10-Year/100,000-Mile Warranty.

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