2020 Toyota Highlander vs 2020 Kia Telluride: Which one's better?

They're big, they're spacious, they can seat 8 people, in fact, they're the best alternative for parents who don't want to know anything about minivans. So here's without further ado a comparison of the 2020 Toyota Highlander and 2020 Kia Telluride, 3-row mid-size SUVs. The former has been on the streets of Montreal for about 20 years, while the latter, much more recent, has been a family favourite for just over a year.

Telluride vs Highlander

The Kia SUV is, unsurprisingly and like its siblings, very well equipped. And on top of a ton of equipment, the quality of the materials and components really impresses. In fact, its competitors can barely keep up with it, and that includes the 2020 Highlander. Available in 4 trim levels, namely the EX, SX, SX Limited and SX Limited with Nappa Leather, the 2020 Telluride counts on the services of a 3.8-litre V6 engine with 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive equips them all.

Also available in 4 variants, the Toyota Highlander also offers a single engine, a 3.5-litre V6 with 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission, but unlike the LE, XLE and Limited versions, the L version doesn't benefit from all-wheel drive. Both models can tow up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lb).

Telluride vs. Highlander

Now let's see what the Telluride vs. the Highlander in its entry-range version offers you as standard; Heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, smart key with push-button start, Lane Departure Warning system, GPS, power sunroof, fog lights, a sound-insulating windshield, heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals and auto-folding, a driver's seat with 2-way lumbar support, 3-zone automatic temperature control, 10.25-inch display with integrated browser, 3-row USB chargers, cordless phone charger, 12-volt outlets and 110-volt inverter, advanced intelligent cruise control, electric smart tailgate opening, pinch-detecting windows, LED ambient lighting and so on.

Much safer

Also in terms of safety, the Telluride is a big notch above the Highlander, with features such as anti-theft system, safe exit assist, rear occupant alert, blind spot collision avoidance assist, active mid-road driving assistance, driver distraction alert, rear parking sensors, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, and more. In all honesty, to get even half of Kia's equipment, you'll have to turn to the XLE version, which will cost you close to $49,000.

Much roomier

And as if that weren’t enough, Kia offers you much, much more space, both for passengers and cargo, with a 5,043-litre interior that allows you to load up to 2,455 litres behind the 1^st row, 1,304 behind the 2^nd and 601 behind the 3^rd. The Highlander does poorly in this regard with a 4,001-litre cabin and a maximum cargo volume of 2,387 litres, and behind the 3rd row, only 454 litres will be available for your groceries and luggage.

In its SX and SX Limited versions, Telluride adds a layer of luxury it with leather upholstery, driver's seat position memory, a power driver's seat cushion extension, a 4-way power passenger seat, rear door sunshades, luxury sill plates and pedals, and a premium harman/kardon audio system, to name but a few.

So, still undecided even after seeing that Kia Telluride represents the ultimate in family transportation? It offers so much more than the Toyota Highlander that it's almost embarrassing. But come try it out at your Spinelli Kia dealership in Montreal's West Island, easily accessible from Laval, and you'll be pleasantly surprised by its agility and spirit despite its imposing size. See you soon!