At Capitol Toyota in Salem, we understand what local families want in a midsize three-row SUV-room to grow, smart technology, and confidence on every drive. The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander delivers all that and more. With its generous interior space, three available powertrains, including hybrid and Hybrid MAX options, and a sleek, modern design, the Grand Highlander is quickly becoming a favorite among Oregon drivers looking for more than the basics. The 2025 Kia Telluride remains a strong player in the segment, offering bold design and a reputation for comfort and value. It comes with a naturally aspirated V6 engine, standard driver assistance tech, and a well-appointed interior across its trim levels. It's a great option for drivers seeking a traditional three-row experience with upscale finishes. However, when it comes to flexibility, fuel economy, and long-haul comfort, the Grand Highlander stands out in subtle but meaningful ways. From its adult-friendly third row to its available high-efficiency hybrid system, Toyota's new entry was designed to anticipate the needs of real families-offering more interior flexibility, more efficient performance, and a more refined tech experience for today's drivers. Let's take a closer look at how these two SUVs compare in design, comfort, performance, safety, and overall value to help you decide which is the better fit for your lifestyle.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2025 Kia Telluride: Design & Exterior Features
The 2025 Grand Highlander makes a sophisticated impression with its wide stance, crisp body lines, and aerodynamic proportions. Its design emphasizes both elegance and practicality, with standard LED lighting and available 20-inch wheels enhancing its road presence. A hands-free liftgate and longer wheelbase improve both form and function, particularly when accessing cargo or fitting passengers comfortably. In comparison, the 2025 Telluride delivers a bold, boxier look with rugged-inspired touches like vertical LED headlights, squared-off wheel arches, and distinctive grille designs on higher trims. It certainly stands out, and its styling appeals to those who want a more traditional SUV shape. While the Telluride leans into boldness, the Grand Highlander's smoother silhouette offers a more refined, modern appeal that blends better with both urban and suburban environments.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2025 Kia Telluride: Comfort & Technology
Inside, the 2025 Grand Highlander is built with a focus on thoughtful space and intuitive technology. It comfortably fits adults in all three rows, and even with the rear seats up, it provides impressive cargo room at 20.6 cu-ft. A standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and available digital key technology bring convenience to the forefront, while higher trims offer premium leather, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic roof. The 2025 Telluride also provides a spacious, well-equipped cabin with quality materials and comfortable seating for up to eight. A 12.3-inch touchscreen display is also standard on the Telluride, and the interface is user-friendly and attractive. Premium trims offer Nappa leather, ambient lighting, and ventilated seats. While both SUVs offer a luxurious experience, the Grand Highlander's enhanced rear-row legroom and simpler access to controls make it feel more tailored to active, multi-passenger households.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2025 Kia Telluride: Performance
The 2025 Grand Highlander stands out with three distinct powertrains, including a standard 265-hp turbocharged engine, a 2.5-liter hybrid with excellent fuel economy, and a performance-focused Hybrid MAX that generates up to 362 hp. Whether your priority is efficiency, towing, or highway passing power, the Grand Highlander offers a setup that fits. Available all-wheel drive enhances capability in Oregon's changing weather. The 2025 Telluride, by contrast, sticks with a tried-and-true 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 hp, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. However, the lack of hybrid options means higher fuel costs over time for commuters and families. The Grand Highlander's available hybrid systems offer a compelling blend of performance and savings without sacrificing responsiveness.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2025 Kia Telluride: Safety
Toyota continues to raise the bar with Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0, which comes standard on every 2025 Grand Highlander. This suite includes pre-collision warning, full-speed dynamic cruise control, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, and proactive driving assist-all designed to make daily driving safer and more predictable. The 2025 Telluride also performs well in safety, offering Kia's full suite of advanced driver assistance features. Blind-spot collision avoidance, forward collision warning, and safe exit assist are all standard. Still, the Grand Highlander's most recent tech and evolving safety features reflect Toyota's long-standing commitment to pushing driver assistance further.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2025 Kia Telluride: Overall Value
Both the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and 2025 Kia Telluride deliver strong family-focused performance and comfort-but at Capitol Toyota in Salem, we've seen more drivers gravitating toward the Grand Highlander for its added flexibility, fuel efficiency, and forward-thinking design. Whether you're commuting across town or taking the family to the coast, the Grand Highlander's hybrid options and expansive third row give it a practical edge for everyday use. The Telluride continues to offer a stylish, well-rounded experience, but Toyota's combination of efficiency, performance variety, and cutting-edge safety tech gives the Grand Highlander a stronger long-term value story. With multiple configurations to fit your lifestyle and the peace of mind that comes from Toyota's reputation for reliability, the Grand Highlander is ready for whatever Oregon roads bring your way.
 | 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander | 2025 Kia Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 2.4-liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder | 3.8-liter V6 |
| Standard Horsepower | 265 | 291 |
| Standard Torque (lb-ft) | 310 | 262 |
| Standard Fuel Economy (MPG) | 21 City/28 Highway | 20 City/26 Highway |
| Standard Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Ground Clearance | 8.0 Inches | 8.0 Inches |
| Max Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Standard Headlights | LED | LED Projector |
| Max Cargo Volume | 97.5 Cubic Feet | 87.0 Cubic Feet |
| Dynamic Radar Cruise Control | Standard | Available |
