Head-to-head · vehicle level

Kia Telluride vs. Toyota Grand Highlander

Kia Telluride 72Toyota Grand Highlander 83on the MotiveGrid ScoreToyota Grand Highlander about $8,021 less over 5 years
The verdict

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is the cheaper one to own — roughly $8,021 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.

The Toyota Grand Highlander is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.

Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates

Kia Telluride vs. Toyota Grand Highlander

MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2027 Kia Telluride versus 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
MetricKia TellurideToyota Grand Highlander
MotiveGrid Score7283
Cost of Ownership7285
Powertrain6067
Driver Assistance3243
Livability6351
Safety8095
5-Year Cost to Own$57,852$49,831
Depreciation (5-yr)$20,771$13,143
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)$15,304$14,034
Insurance (5-yr)$10,760$11,935
Maintenance (5-yr)$1,890$1,315
Tires (5-yr)$2,150$1,900
Financing (5-yr)$5,896$6,358
Registration (5-yr)$1,080$1,145
Starting Price$39,190$42,260
Horsepower291 hp265 hp
MPG (combined)22 mpg24 mpg
Cargo volume21 cu ft20.6 cu ft
Seating88
DrivetrainFWDFWD
Gas
2027$39,190
2027 Kia Telluride in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$39,190
Mo · 5yr
$964
$57,852 / 5 years
Best for lower upfront price
Gas
2026$42,260
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander three-row SUV in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$42,260
Mo · 5yr
$831
$49,831 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score

Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.

Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →

Toyota Grand Highlander scores higher overall.

Kia Telluride
0
/ 100
Toyota Grand Highlander
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Telluride
72
Grand Highlander
85
Winner: Grand Highlander
$8,021 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Telluride
60
Grand Highlander
67
Winner: Grand Highlander
+7 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Telluride
32
Grand Highlander
43
Winner: Grand Highlander
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Telluride
63
Grand Highlander
51
Winner: Telluride
+12 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Telluride
80
Grand Highlander
95
Winner: Grand Highlander
+15 pts
5-star overall NHTSA rating
02

Which vehicle is right for you

🏆

Toyota Grand Highlander is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $8,021 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.

Kia Telluride still wins if your priority is best for lower upfront price.

Daily commuter
Toyota Grand Highlander
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Grand Highlander
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Toyota Grand Highlander
Much stronger safety
Highway driver
Toyota Grand Highlander
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Kia Telluride
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03

Cost of Ownership

Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation

State

Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Kia Telluride
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$964
$57,852 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$964/mo
Toyota Grand Highlander
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$831
$49,831 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$831/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Toyota Grand Highlander recoups its $3,070 price premium in 8.3 years ($369/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04

Frequently asked questions

Toyota Grand Highlander comes out about $8,021 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.

Where these rank

Browse all MotiveGrid rankings →

What each one costs at the counter

Both five-year totals above count yearly registration. Neither counts what the state takes on the day you sign — sales tax and the title fee. Those are one-time, they are not the dealer’s to negotiate, and on a car at this price they run to four figures in most states. Work out yours:

Compare tax, title and license across all 22 states we cover →

Helpful guides