The midsize SUV segment is full of options, and many models are very competitive, so narrowing down what best fits your needs can be hard.

The Toyota Highlander has long been a popular choice and it’s known for its reliability. However, the Kia Telluride has picked up many fans since entering the market a few years ago.

Let’s see how these two family-friendly SUVs stack up.

Affordable Options in a Crowded Segment

Considering their size and features, both the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander offer plenty of value for the price. The Kia Telluride starts lower than the Highlander at $35,990 vs the Toyota’s $39,120 starting price. The base Telluride also has many standard features, including synthetic leather upholstery.

Although the Highlander matches most of the Telluride’s features in the lower trims, the price gap narrows as you move up to higher trims. The Kia’s range-topping SX Prestige model comes at a $50,690 price tag, while the Highlander’s top Platinum trim starts at $49,575.

Spacious Interior Comfort

Both the Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride don’t lack room or comfort in the first two rows. The seats are cushy and have plenty of leg and headroom to keep passengers happy. However, moving to the third row the Telluride does a better job of providing decent space for kids and smaller adults.

Regarding cargo space, the Telluride also bests the Highlander with 21 cubic feet of space behind the third row. The Highlander only has 16 cubic feet of space. The Telluride offers a storage compartment under the floor behind the third row for things you want to keep out of sight.

Points For Efficiency

Toyota has long been a winner in the battle for the best fuel economy, and the Highlander is no exception. For a midsize, three-row SUV, the Toyota Highlander is impressively efficient. It returns up to 29 MPG on the highway and 22 MPG in the city. In contrast, the Kia Telluride only manages 26 MPG on the highway and this figure drops by two MPG if you have AWD. The AWD Highlander only loses one MPG from its already higher figures.

Balanced Ride and Handling

When it comes to the ride and handling of these two SUVs, there’s plenty to like about both. The Kia Telluride delivers balance, security, and comfort. The Toyota Highlander offers similar features, including minimal body roll and a composed ride that smooths out many a potholed street. One extra point goes in the Telluride’s favor with the X-Line Pro package. This adds suspension height and all-terrain tires, which might be useful for those who occasionally stray off the pavement.

Choose Your Midsize SUV

The Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride have a lot to like, and in fact, they’re very similar in what they have to offer. There are a few considerations that might make you choose one over the other. The Kia SUV has a roomier and more premium cabin with lower trims compared to the Toyota. However, the Highlander is more fuel-efficient than the Telluride and you can step up to its higher trims for less.

Ultimately, it comes down to what you prioritize in a midsize SUV, but both models are good choices in a crowded segment.