We test some of the newest and most popular vehicles at USA TODAY Cars to share consumer advice and insights with drivers after spending real-world seat time with models. Whether it’s mild off-roading, a long road trip or a grocery haul, we place new vehicles in daily driving scenarios to see where they excel and where they fall short.
In 2026, we’ve already tested two of the best new midsize three-row SUVs in terms of affordability, utility and overall value. The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is a larger version of the popular midsize Highlander nameplate that’s a practical family SUV. The 2027 Kia Telluride is a bold redesign, which builds upon a strong nameplate that has generated plenty of buzz in recent years.
Here’s how the two attractive midsize three-row SUV options compare and which model is best for different types of car buyers.
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Is a Well-Balanced Family SUV
The Toyota Grand Highlander stands out from rivals in its segment because of its unique exterior and interior designs. It also has a strong value proposition for a family car (starting at just over $42,000 for a gas-powered base model), which propels it to the top of ranking lists at a time when the average new car costs nearly $50,000, according to Cox Automotive.
In a week of testing, the Toyota Grand Highlander’s interior and cargo area felt spacious for daily driving needs. I also enjoyed the Grand Highlander’s large screen for infotainment and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. It offers a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride and has excellent gas mileage as a hybrid vehicle. It handles well and its acceleration is quick enough to keep daily driving fun.
I enjoyed the souped-up Grand Highlander Limited, but I would likely opt for the slightly cheaper XLE trim if I was looking to get the most bang for my buck. The hybrid XLE version of the Grand Highlander starts at just under $47,000, while the Limited retails for more than $53,000.
The Grand Highlander Limited hybrid comes with a 2.5-liter hybrid engine. Toyota says it offers up to 245 net combined horsepower. The hybrid SUV achieves an estimated 32 mpg in city driving and 36 mpg on the highway. Our Limited trim test vehicle got over 43 mpg on a single full tank of gas.
— Keith Laing
The 2027 Kia Telluride Is Bigger, Bolder and Better for 2026
Kia’s midsize three-row SUV benefits from a major redesign that makes its cabin roomier and increases its cargo space. Its powertrain is robust and the introduction of a hybrid option makes it even more enticing for buyers. I enjoyed how refined the cabin was during testing and found it to be powerful and nimble for its size.
The 2027 Telluride’s massive standard 12.3-inch infotainment system and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster make the interior feel advanced, and its seating materials are comfortable. Kia’s new Telluride manages to look and feel expensive while it remains affordable for its segment.
I drove the Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige ($56,790) and enjoyed its quality, tech and features, but would personally opt for a hybrid version of the Telluride for the superior horsepower and gas mileage.
The 2027 Kia Telluride starts at $39,190 before taxes and additional fees. It uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine to produce 274 horsepower. The new Telluride achieves 22 mpg combined. Kia’s hybrid version of the Telluride starts at $46,490, produces 329 horsepower and achieves an impressive 35 miles per gallon combined.
— Charles Singh
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander vs. 2027 Kia Telluride
Kia’s midsize three-row SUV is more affordable than the gas Grand Highlander by at least $3,000 before taxes and fees. On the other hand, Toyota produces several of the most reliable and long-lasting midsize SUVs on the market, including the 4Runner and Highlander.
The Telluride has the more powerful base engine, but the Grand Highlander is the more efficient family SUV. Toyota’s Grand Highlander has a more spacious third row for adults, but the Telluride has a more spacious second row of seats and slightly more cargo space behind the third row.
If you’re after premium tech and the most stylish and luxurious midsize three-row SUV, the 2027 Kia Telluride is the better model. If you want a midsize three-row SUV that can stand the test of time and has an adult-sized third row of seats, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is the way to go.
Keith Laing is an automotive reporter on the National Trending Desk at USA TODAY. Contact Keith at [email protected]. Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at [email protected].
Reporting by Charles Singh and Keith Laing, USA TODAY / USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.
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