2024 Toyota Highlander vs. 2024 Kia Telluride: Trim Levels, Safety, and More

Three-row SUVs have overtaken minivans as the vehicle of choice for those needing more than the traditional five seats. Besides providing plenty of interior space, they’re easy to drive and can even venture on rough terrains. The 2024 Toyota Highlander is a leading example of an all-around amazing three-row SUV.

Toyota’s quality standards are legendary in the automotive world, and here at Auburn Toyota, we do our best to uphold them in everything we do. Keep reading to learn more about the 2024 Highlander and how it compares to one of its closest rivals, the 2024 Kia Telluride.

New Toyota Highlander For Sale

Trim Levels

The 2024 Toyota Highlander is available in five trim levels: LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Premium. Even the base LE level is very well equipped. It includes features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and ignition, LED headlights, tri-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch touch-screen interface, and wireless smartphone connectivity through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. While the standard trim covers all basic needs, higher trims have various enhancements, such as larger 20-inch wheels, a sunroof, heated seats, a larger touch-screen interface, and adaptive headlights that turn along with the steering wheel to provide better cornering visibility.

The 2024 Kia Telluride is also available in five trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. Higher trims also have their own special versions, called X-Line and X-Pro, which can be a bit confusing to the public compared to the straightforward trims on the 2024 Highlander. The basic LX trim has features similar to those of the Highlander, including 18-inch wheels and keyless entry. However, it’s missing wireless smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and is even absent on higher trims.

Power and Efficiency

All 2024 Toyota Highlander trims have a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that can generate up to 265 horsepower paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid powertrain is also available with a four-cylinder engine and an electric motor combining for 243 horsepower. The 2024 Kia Telluride also comes in a single powertrain option, a slightly more powerful 3.8-liter V-6 with up to 291 horsepower.

While the Kia Telluride’s engine generates more power, it pays the price at the gas pump. Its EPA-estimated combined city/highway fuel economy is 21 mpg, worse than the gas-powered Highlander’s combined 25 mpg and significantly worse than the Highlander Hybrid’s excellent 36 mpg. Given that three-row SUV owners are generally more concerned with fuel economy than raw power and acceleration, any of the Highlander’s two powertrain options is likely to be the more popular choice.

Safety Features

Safety is usually a number one priority for family SUV drivers, and manufacturers have taken note of that. Both the 2024 Toyota Highlander and the 2024 Kia Telluride come with the same standard set of advanced driver aids designed to help drivers notice any potential danger on the road before it materializes. They include the following:

• Frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking: It uses cameras and sensors to scan the area in front of the vehicle and issues a warning if it detects an imminent frontal collision. It also automatically hits the brakes if it senses no input from the driver.
• Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning: It scans both sides of the vehicle while changing lanes or reversing and alerts the driver if another vehicle enters their blind spot.
• Lane-keeping system: It monitors the vehicle’s position within its lane and makes minor steering corrections to keep it centered.
• Adaptive cruise control: It maintains a steady speed on highway drives and adapts it to keep a safe distance from the car in front.

Exterior Design

The 2024 Toyota Highlander’s exterior is both refined and imposing. Its large front grille sets it apart from other similarly sized SUVs, while its LED headlights are useful and stylish. It’s also exceptionally aerodynamic for such a large vehicle, contributing to its excellent fuel efficiency. It comes in a wide range of colors, including Blueprint, Magnetic Gray, Midnight Black, and Wind Chill Pearl.

The 2024 Telluride is also a worthy representative of modern SUVs from a design standpoint, with sharp lines and an aerodynamic overall shape. Glacial White Pearl, Gravity Gray, and Midnight Lake Blue are just a few of its available colors.

Interior Design

The 2024 Toyota Highlander’s cabin is everything you’d expect from a vehicle designed to carry large families. Its suspension system is smooth without feeling too floaty, and the seats provide enough support to remain comfortable even after many hours on the road. The sound insulation is also top-notch, making the Highlander’s cabin a comfy and serene place.

Similarly, the 2024 Kia Telluride’s interior is quiet and comfortable, as well as spacious enough for up to eight people. All three rows are easily accessible, and its large windows provide excellent visibility. Its one significant downside is that the suspension system isn’t as effective as the Highlander’s on uneven surfaces.

Price

The MSRP price for the Toyota Highlander’s standard version is $40,665. It increases depending on the trims and features you choose, with the most expensive being the top Platinum trim, which costs $51,120.  The hybrid version’s MSRP starts at $42,365. The 2024 Kia Telluride’s starting MSRP is $37,355, with its top version being priced at $54,550. While the Toyota is slightly more expensive at the lower end, higher trims are cheaper than the Telluride. You’ll also save money on gas since both Highlander versions are more economical than the Telluride.

Test-Drive the 2024 Toyota Highlander at Auburn Toyota

Although the 2024 Kia Telluride is a great vehicle overall, the 2024 Toyota Highlander is arguably the better choice, mainly due to its superior fuel efficiency, wireless smartphone connectivity, and smoother ride. If you’d like to test-drive it, visit us at Auburn Toyota. Our experienced staff can answer all your questions. You can also apply for financing online before visiting and use our payment calculator to create a sustainable payment plan. Later, we’ll also help you with maintenance and repair operations. Contact us today for a test drive or view Auburn’s best selection of  used suvs for sale.