2026 Kia Telluride vs Toyota Grand Highlander — Burns Kia Orangeburg

The three-row SUV segment has never been more competitive, and the 2026 Kia Telluride stands as one of its most celebrated champions. Pitted against the Toyota Grand Highlander, the Telluride brings award-winning design, a powerful turbocharged engine, and a feature-rich cabin that punches well above its price class. Burns Kia in Orangeburg, SC is your local destination to compare these two popular three-row SUVs.

Engine, Power, and Towing

The 2026 Kia Telluride comes standard with a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder producing 274 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. An available Hybrid variant takes that to a combined 329 hp. The Telluride tows up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, and both FWD and AWD configurations are available. For South Carolina families who head to the mountains or pull a boat to the coast via I-95, that towing muscle comes in handy.

The Toyota Grand Highlander uses a turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder (265 hp) or a Hybrid Max system producing approximately 362 hp combined. The Grand Highlander tows up to 5,000 lbs (non-hybrid) or 5,000 lbs (Hybrid Max). While the Grand Highlander's Hybrid Max output is impressive, the Telluride's standard turbo engine provides strong, accessible performance across its entire model range starting at a lower base price.

Interior Features, Space, and Technology

The Telluride's cabin is consistently praised for its upscale feel. The 2026 model features dual 12.3-inch displays, a Meridian 14-speaker premium audio system on upper trims, wireless charging, and a digital key. Acoustic glass reduces road noise for a quieter ride from Orangeburg to Charleston along I-26.

• Telluride seating: 7–8 passengers, available captain's chairs
• Grand Highlander seating: 7–8 passengers, available captain's chairs
• Telluride safety: 19 collision avoidance features standard
• Telluride X-Pro: 9.1" ground clearance, all-terrain tires, recovery hooks, off-road display
• Telluride MPG (FWD): 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined

The Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige trim adds serious off-road capability that has no direct equivalent in the Grand Highlander lineup at a comparable price point, making it ideal for adventurous families near Aiken or Columbia who want one SUV for everything.

Pricing and Value

The 2026 Kia Telluride starts at approximately $39,190 (LX), with upper trims like the SX Prestige and X-Pro SX Prestige delivering luxury and off-road features that would cost significantly more from Toyota. The Grand Highlander starts around $43,000 and tops out well above $60,000 for the Hybrid Max Platinum. The Telluride delivers an exceptional value proposition for Sumter, Summerville, and Orangeburg families seeking premium features without the premium markup.

Additionally, the 2026 Telluride is backed by Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty — one of the best in the industry and a tangible advantage over Toyota's standard 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2026 Kia Telluride bigger than the Toyota Grand Highlander?

The Toyota Grand Highlander is slightly longer and offers marginally more third-row legroom. However, the Telluride offers equivalent or superior second-row space and cargo room in most real-world configurations, along with a more refined interior feel at comparable price points.

What is the towing capacity of the 2026 Kia Telluride?

The 2026 Telluride tows up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. Whether you're hauling a boat on Lake Marion or a camper through the Lowcountry, the Telluride handles the job with authority.

Does the 2026 Kia Telluride come in a hybrid?

Yes. The 2026 Telluride is available with a Hybrid powertrain producing a combined 329 hp. It delivers improved fuel economy while maintaining the Telluride's full range of family-friendly features and towing capacity.

How does Kia's warranty compare to Toyota's for the Telluride vs Grand Highlander?

Kia offers a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty on new vehicles, far exceeding Toyota's standard 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage. For buyers in Orangeburg, Sumter, and Aiken, that long-term peace of mind is a significant advantage.

Where can I test drive the 2026 Kia Telluride near Orangeburg, SC?

Burns Kia in Orangeburg, SC carries the full Telluride lineup. We serve drivers from Summerville, Sumter, Aiken, Columbia, and Charleston. Stop in off US-301 or I-26 and let us set up a test drive at your convenience.