The Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander are among the most popular mid-size SUVs for families in Northwest Arkansas. Both are known and loved for family-friendly comfort, advanced safety features, and dependable performance—making them top choices for drivers managing school drop-offs, work commutes, and weekend travel around NWA.
While the 2026 Highlander continues with a familiar design, the upcoming 2027 Telluride arrives with updated styling, enhanced technology, and expanded powertrain options, including an available hybrid. At Crain Kia of Fayetteville, we’ve taken a close look at how these SUVs compare in real-world Northwest Arkansas driving.
Vehicle Comparison
2027 Kia Telluride
- Available 1st & 2nd-row Relaxation Seats
- Enhanced capability w/ Telluride X-Pro
- Available outboard heated seats in all 3
2026 Toyota Highlander
- High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) glass on front side windows
- Digital rearview mirror with HomeLink® * universal garage door opener
- Two 120V outlets (1500W shared)
Exterior Design: Bold Redesign vs. Familiar Styling
The 2027 Kia Telluride offers a bold design with a wide stance and modern lighting. Its boxier shape gives it a more premium, SUV-forward presence that stands out.
The 2026 Toyota Highlander keeps a more traditional crossover design. It’s appealing to drivers who prefer a familiar, recognizable look.
Edge: Kia Telluride for its confident modern redesign.
Safety Features
Both SUVs prioritize safety and include comprehensive driver-assist systems.
- Kia Telluride: Features advanced driver assistance plus a Blind-Spot View Monitor that displays live camera footage in the gauge cluster.
- Toyota Highlander: Uses traditional blind-spot warning indicators and Toyota Safety Sense features.
- Both: Offer adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and forward-collision mitigation.
Result: Strong safety performance from both, with the Telluride offering enhanced driver visibility.
Interior Comfort and Space
Inside, the Telluride is known for its spacious cabin, especially its third row, which is large enough to seat adults comfortably and is well-suited for larger families.
The Highlander also offers three rows, with a more compact third row best suited for children or shorter drives. Overall, passenger and cargo space is more limited compared to the Telluride.
Edge: Kia Telluride for interior room and third-row comfort.
Power and Efficiency
The 2027 Kia Telluride comes standard with a turbocharged engine producing 274 horsepower. For drivers focused on efficiency, the new Telluride Hybrid delivers fuel economy around 35 mpg.
The 2026 Toyota Highlander produces 265 horsepower, with a hybrid option offering similar fuel economy.
Both SUVs have strong towing capability, though the Telluride feels more confident when merging or accelerating at highway speeds.
Edge: Similar efficiency, with the Telluride offering a slight power advantage.
Ownership Value and Warranty
Long-term ownership is where the Telluride really stands out.
- Kia Warranty: 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain coverage
- Toyota Warranty: 5-year / 60,000-mile powertrain coverage
For families planning to drive their SUV for a while, Kia’s warranty provides added peace of mind and lower long-term risk.
Edge: Kia Telluride for Kia’s industry-leading warranty.
Visit Crain Kia of Fayetteville
The Toyota Highlander remains a solid midsize SUV option with a strong reputation. However, when comparing current models, the upcoming 2027 Kia Telluride fits perfectly into Northwest Arkansas family life.
If you’re comparing the 2027 Kia Telluride vs. the 2026 Toyota Highlander in Fayetteville, AR, the best way to decide is to see the 2027 Telluride in person when it arrives! Visit Crain Kia of Fayetteville to explore available trims, schedule a test drive, or learn more about our flexible financing options.
Connect with us
Recent Blog Entries
- 2027 Kia Telluride vs. 2026 Toyota Highlander
- The 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback Is Headed to Crain Kia of Fayetteville
- Coming Soon: Discover the 2027 Kia Telluride at Crain Kia of Fayetteville
- 2025 Kia Soul Named One of the Best New Cars for 30k or Less
- The Crain Commitment in Action: Crain Kia of Fayetteville Customer Reviews
Categories
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.