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“Even ignoring the material quality difference between the disparate Telluride and Highlander trims, the Telluride comes out on top. Its fundamental design is exceptional. Up front there's a massive, easy-to-use infotainment screen, meaty grab handles, and plenty of storage cubbies. Not to mention comfortable bucket seats. The Telluride's second and third rows are also far superior to the Highlander's. The second-row captain's chairs have more leg- and shoulder room than the Toyota (though a touch less headroom due to our tester's panoramic sunroof), plus plenty of amenities, including four cupholders, HVAC vents and controls, AC and 12-volt outlets, and clever front-seat-back-mounted USB ports for charging.
The Highlander doesn't steer or handle any better than it accelerates. Steering feel is numb and vague, leading to lots of frequent corrections as you navigate winding roads.
The Toyota Highlander might have been the best-selling three-row SUV in the U.S. last year, but the new one simply doesn't move the needle far enough forward to compete with the new kid on the block. It's neither particularly well packaged nor pleasant to drive.
To that end, the Highlander is a miss. Its biggest issues are its engine and transmission.
As for the Kia Telluride, Cortina put it best. "It seems like Kia took a look at the whole segment, noted what worked and didn't work, and created the Telluride." The Telluride is both better to drive and better to ride in. It's roomier, better-built, and all-in-all a better family SUV. Few others in this segment take a more holistic approach to the three-row SUV than Kia. It might have taken Kia some time to figure out just what Americans want in a three-row, but, by golly, it's finally nailed it.”
I recently checked out the Telluride and it's an amazing SUV for the money. Even at the base trim it is very well equipped and luxurious. It's basically Infiniti QX trim for Toyota Highlander money.
Location: New Albany, Indiana (Greater Louisville)
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Kia and Hyundai are no doubt improving but I trust Toyota far more for long term reliability and safety. Look at the fatality rates for each company in NHS, Kia was producing death traps until very recently.
I have zero care for either of them, but I rather see the results five years/100k+ miles out.
The Telluride may still be on top, or it may be "nice legroom, but what a POS".
Edit, are they even the same class? The Telluride seems bigger. Are the platforms similar?
Based on Hyundai/Kia's historical powertrain performance I'd put my money on them being a "POS." I'm not here to defend the Highlander but the Telluride's powertrain is absolutely horrible. Low power, high RPM's needed for peak torque, poor fuel mileage, etc.
I recently checked out the Telluride and it's an amazing SUV for the money. Even at the base trim it is very well equipped and luxurious. It's basically Infiniti QX trim for Toyota Highlander money.
Based on Hyundai/Kia's historical powertrain performance I'd put my money on them being a "POS." I'm not here to defend the Highlander but the Telluride's powertrain is absolutely horrible. Low power, high RPM's needed for peak torque, poor fuel mileage, etc.
It was meant for Fuel economy. If they put the other version of the 3.8L in it , it will get over 300HP, but then folks will be complaining it is a gas hog.
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