We think these hybrid variants are the best versions of the Telluride and Grand Highlander, but which is the best of the best? Among the ranks of mid-size, three-row SUVs, more and more the highest trim or top powertrain option is a hybrid, with the latest iterations of the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Mazda CX-90 all adding one. Bolstering an internal-combustion engine with electric assist tends to give these hybrids both more performance and better fuel economy, an impressive twofer.
We loved the previous-generation Telluride—check out its streak of six 10Best wins—so we wanted to see how the latest, hybridized Telluride stacks up to another three-row that earns high marks, the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max, itself a 2024 10Best winner. The 2027 Telluride Hybrid, powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors making a combined 329 horsepower, is available in various trim levels in front- or all-wheel drive and carries a $2700 price premium over the base engine.
View Price on AmazonWe tested the loaded SX Prestige trim, second from the top, which starts at $58,135. With a couple of options, such as the $1200 Executive package, which adds power second-row captain's seats and heated third-row seats, among other things, ours rang in at $60,210. Toyota offers multiple hybrids in the Grand Highlander lineup, but our preference is for this most powerful Hybrid Max, which combines a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors to make 362 horsepower.
The Hybrid Max starts at $57,285, but ours was a top-trim Platinum that landed at $64,272. While these two are bigger and heavier than ever, the Telluride scores 31 mpg EPA combined fuel economy and the Highlander 27 mpg, so why not live large? It's immediately clear that design was a top priority in the Telluride's makeover, and Kia really went the extra mile on the interior.
First off, the materials are top-notch and genuinely luxurious, and they wouldn't feel out of place on a luxury-branded three-row SUV. The design is ambitious, too, such as the trim elements on the dash that carry through to the doors. And it comes in bold color options, such as our test car's two-tone purple over beige. We generally like the exterior, too, but there are a few angles that give us pause, such as staring into the busy black-plastic grille.
Source: caranddriver.com
