Big family SUVs have to do more than look nice, they need to carry people, gear, and the random stuff that ends up on every trip. At Kia of Attleboro in Attleboro, MA, the 2027 Kia Telluride and 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander are two of the strongest 3-row choices for drivers who want room without stepping into something too bulky. Both offer available all-wheel drive, both can seat up to eight, and both are built for highway miles. The difference is how they go about it, and that matters more than it sounds.
2027 Kia Telluride vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander: Which 3-Row SUV Wins the Family Road Trip?
Quick comparison
| Category | 2027 Kia Telluride | 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | Up to 8 passengers | Up to 8 passengers |
| Touchscreen | 12.3-inch display | 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia |
| Towing | Up to 5,000 lbs. | Up to 5,000 lbs. on select gas trims |
| Cargo story | Family-first cabin layout | Up to 97.5 cu. ft. max cargo space |
Space and travel comfort
The Telluride keeps making its case with available 8-passenger seating, dual 12.3-inch displays, and a cabin that feels upscale without getting fussy. Toyota answers with one of the roomiest cabins in this class, and the Grand Highlander is especially strong for families who really use the third row. Toyota also says there is room for seven small roller bags behind the third row, which is very practical when vacation time shows up. Both can work well, but the Telluride feels more polished while the Toyota feels more purely space-driven, which isnt exactly the same thing.
Power and utility
Kia gives the 2027 Telluride a 2.5-liter turbocharged gas engine rated at 274 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft. of torque, with up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. The Grand Highlander offers gas and hybrid choices depending on trim, so Toyota gives shoppers more flexibility if fuel economy is high on the list. That broader lineup is useful, but it can also make shopping more complicated than some buyers want it to be. The Telluride keeps the pitch simpler, and for a lot of drivers that is actually a plus.
Tech and family usability
These SUVs both bring strong family tech, but they present it differently. The Telluride leans into a premium look with its wide screen layout and straightforward controls. The Grand Highlander counters with Toyota's 12.3-inch multimedia screen, available digital gauge cluster, and a very user-friendly interface. Neither one feels behind, but the Kia often gives off the impression that you are getting more visual payoff for the money, and thats a real factor when people are deciding between two expensive family vehicles.
Which one wins?
If your top priority is maximum room and a choice of powertrains, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander makes a strong case. If you want a 3-row SUV that feels upscale, easy to use, and road-trip ready right from the first drive, the 2027 Kia Telluride may be the better fit. For a lot of families around Attleboro and southeastern Massachusetts, the Telluride is likely to win because it blends comfort, design, and simple confidence in a way that just feels right.
Sources: Kia Telluride | Kia Telluride specs | Toyota Grand Highlander
