2020 Toyota Highlander vs 2020 Kia Telluride | Harlingen, TX
Families demand more and more each year from their SUVs: innovative driver-assist safety technologies, plenty of interior space, great fuel economy, and comfort and convenience features galore. Two midsize, three-row SUVs that fit the bill are the 2020 Toyota Highlander and the 2020 Kia Telluride. But which is the superior SUV for families? When the two go head to head, the Toyota Highlander emerges as the clear victor. Here’s why:
Performance
The 2020 Highlander takes its power from a 3.5-liter V6 Dual Overhead Cam 24-valve D-4S Injection engine with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence and a Stop and Start System. This engine cranks out 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. The 2020 Telluride is a close match — but doesn’t quite live up to the Highlander. Its 3.8-liter V6 delivers 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel economy
The Toyota Highlander serves up more power, and it is also more efficient. It earns 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.* That is a slight edge over the 20 mpg in the city and 26 in the city delivered by the Kia Telluride. But, you can also opt for a hybrid powertrain on the 2020 Toyota Highlander, which achieves up to 36 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway.**
Safety
The Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.0 suite of driver-assist safety technologies comes standard on every 2020 Toyota Highlander. This collection of technologies includes a Pre-Collision System with Low-Light Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane-Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Road Sign Assist. The 2020 Kia Telluride, on the flip side, does not offer its Kia Drive Wise as standard safety features across the lineup, meaning some trims don’t come standard with Highway Driving Assist, Blind Spot View Monitor, and other safety features.
Test-drive the 2020 Toyota Highlander at Bert Ogden Toyota in Harlingen, Texas.
*2021 projected EPA-estimated range rating estimates. EPA estimates not available at time of posting. Actual mileage will vary.
**2020 EPA-estimated mileage. Actual mileage will vary.