Kia Telluride 80·Toyota Highlander 78on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota Highlander about $287 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is the cheaper one to own — roughly $287 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Kia Telluride counters with more cargo room (21 vs 16 cu ft) and seating for 8.
Go with the Toyota Highlander for the better long-term value; consider the Kia Telluride if you prioritize more cargo space and more passenger space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Kia Telluride vs. Toyota Highlander
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2027 Kia Telluride versus 2026 Toyota Highlander.
Metric
Kia Telluride
Toyota Highlander
MotiveGrid Score
80
78
Cost of Ownership
72
73
Powertrain
60
70
Driver Assistance
32
43
Livability
63
46
Safety
100
93
5-Year Cost to Own
$57,877
$57,590
Depreciation (5-yr)
$20,771
$19,174
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$15,304
$14,034
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,760
$12,325
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,915
$1,790
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$5,896
$6,901
Registration (5-yr)
$1,080
$1,215
Starting Price
$39,190
$45,870
Horsepower
291 hp
265 hp
MPG (combined)
22 mpg
24 mpg
Cargo volume
21 cu ft
16 cu ft
Seating
8
7
Towing capacity
—
5,000 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD
Gas
2027$39,190
MSRP
$39,190
Mo · 5yr
$965
$57,877 / 5 years
Best for families
Gas
2026$45,870
MSRP
$45,870
Mo · 5yr
$960
$57,590 / 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 →
Kia Telluride scores higher overall.
Kia Telluride
0
/ 100
Toyota Highlander
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Telluride
72
Highlander
73
Winner: Highlander
$287 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Telluride
60
Highlander
70
Winner: Highlander
+10 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Telluride
32
Highlander
43
Winner: Highlander
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Telluride
63
Highlander
46
Winner: Telluride
+17 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Too close to call — these two vehicles are within $287 of each other over 5 years. The cost difference is small enough that your priorities should drive the decision.
Kia Telluride wins on best for families; Toyota Highlander wins on best for long-term savings.
Daily commuter
Toyota Highlander
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Highlander
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Kia Telluride
Better safety rating with more cargo room and a 6th seat
Highway driver
Toyota Highlander
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Toyota Highlander
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
$965
$57,877 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$965/mo
Toyota Highlander
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$960
$57,590 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$960/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Toyota Highlander would need 23.9 years to recoup its $6,680 price premium ($279/yr in savings) — longer than most people own a car. Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota Highlander comes out about $287 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.
