Northwest Arkansas drivers often compare two of the most popular midsize SUVs on the road: the Kia Telluride and the Toyota Highlander. Both are well-known for family-friendly interiors, strong safety features, and comfortable highway driving, making them popular choices for commuting, school drop-offs, and weekend travel around Rogers, Fayetteville, and Bella Vista.
While the 2026 Highlander continues with a familiar design, the upcoming 2027 Telluride arrives fully redesigned, as Kia skipped the 2026 model year. This redesign brings updated styling, new technology, and expanded powertrain options, including a newly available hybrid.
At Crain Kia of Bentonville, we compared these two SUVs side by side to see how they will perform in real-world driving conditions in Northwest Arkansas.
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 features a bold, upright design with a wide stance and modern lighting elements. Its boxier shape gives it a more premium, SUV-forward presence that stands out on Bentonville streets or parked around downtown.
The 2026 Toyota Highlander keeps a smoother, more traditional crossover design. It’s clean and recognizable, appealing to drivers who prefer a familiar look.
Edge: Kia Telluride for its confident road presence and 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 roomy cabin and especially its third row. Adults can comfortably sit in all three rows, making it well-suited for larger families or longer trips across Northwest Arkansas.
The Highlander also offers three rows, but its third row is more compact and best suited for children or shorter drives. Overall passenger and cargo space is more limited compared to the Telluride.
Edge: Kia Telluride for interior space and third-row comfort.
Power and Fuel 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 are capable of towing small trailers or boats, though the Telluride feels more confident when merging or accelerating at highway speeds.
Edge: Comparable efficiency, with the Telluride offering a slight power advantage.
Ownership Value and Warranty
Long-term ownership is where Kia stands out.
- Kia Warranty: 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain coverage
- Toyota Warranty: 5-year / 60,000-mile powertrain coverage
For families planning to keep their SUV for many years, Kia’s warranty provides added confidence and lower long-term risk.
Edge: Kia, for industry-leading warranty coverage.
Visit Crain Kia of Bentonville
The Toyota Highlander remains a solid midsize SUV with a strong reputation. However, when comparing current models, the upcoming 2027 Kia Telluride aligns perfectly with NWA family life.
If you’re comparing the 2027 Kia Telluride vs. the 2026 Toyota Highlander in Bentonville, AR, the best way to decide is to see the Telluride in person when it arrives! Visit Crain Kia of Bentonville to explore available trims, schedule a test drive, or learn more about our flexible financing options.
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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.