Last updated: 2026-03-04

Kia Telluride vs Toyota Highlander: Reliability Compared

Kia Telluride reliability comparison

Kia Telluride

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good
VS
More ReliableToyota Highlander reliability comparison

Toyota Highlander

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the Kia Telluride and the Toyota Highlander? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Toyota Highlander currently leads with an average score of 72/100 compared to 66/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander Generations Compare?

The Toyota Highlander is currently in its fourth generation (XU70), which began in 2020, and is expected to run through 2026. This places it in the middle of its generation cycle, suggesting that many initial issues typical of new platforms may have been addressed, resulting in improved reliability. The Highlander's last significant update was the 2017 refresh during its third generation. In contrast, the Kia Telluride is in its first generation, which started in 2020 and will extend until 2025. It underwent a facelift in 2023, which often addresses early model issues. As a newer platform, prospective Telluride buyers might encounter more first-year quirks compared to the more mature Highlander.

Verdict

The Toyota Highlander is more reliable than the Kia Telluride, scoring 72/100 vs 66/100.

The Toyota Highlander outperforms the Kia Telluride in reliability, boasting an average score of 84/100 compared to the Telluride's 71/100. Despite having more recalls over a longer period, the Highlander has a significantly lower owner complaint rate of 5.8 per 10,000 sold versus the Telluride's 23.3. Additionally, the Highlander's estimated annual repair cost is more economical at $489 compared to the Telluride's $573. While both are midsize SUVs with distinct common issues, the Highlander's superior reliability metrics make it the more dependable choice.

Key Differences

  1. 1Toyota Highlander costs $84 less per year to repair
  2. 2Kia Telluride has 39 fewer total recalls
  3. 3Toyota Highlander has 17.5 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

1Kia Telluride
—
4Toyota Highlander
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencySafety Rating

Kia Telluride vs Toyota Highlander: Which Is More Reliable?

Kia Telluride vs Toyota Highlander at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricKia TellurideToyota Highlander
Reliability Score66/10072/100
Years Tracked69
Total Recalls2766
Complaints per 10k Sold23.35.8
Annual Repair Cost$573/yr$489/yr
Repair Frequency0.4/yr0.3/yr
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2025 NHTSA
2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins24

What Are the Common Problems With the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander?

The Toyota Highlander exhibits a higher number of complaints in the power train and air bags categories, with 485 and 162 complaints respectively, and notably, 41 crash-linked issues with air bags, indicating significant safety concerns in this area. In contrast, the Kia Telluride has its highest volume of complaints in the unknown or other and visibility/wiper categories, with 301 and 288 complaints, respectively, but fewer crash-linked incidents overall. While both vehicles face issues with their electrical systems and power trains, the Highlander has more complaints related to service brakes, with 179 complaints and 10 of those linked to crashes, suggesting a critical area for improvement. The Telluride, however, has a relatively low number of complaints concerning service brakes and structure, highlighting a different problem profile compared to the Highlander.

Kia Telluride vs Toyota Highlander common problem areas comparison
ComponentKia TellurideToyota Highlander
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4.4Average0.7Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER4.2Average—None
POWER TRAIN1.7Low1.5Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2.8Low0.4Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING2.5Low—None
ENGINE1.9Low0.2Very Low
STRUCTURE0.9Very Low0.4Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES0.5Very Low0.6Very Low
AIR BAGS0.2Very Low0.5Very Low
STEERING0.3Very Low0.1Very Low
SUSPENSION0.3Very Low0.1Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.2Very Low0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY0.3Very Low—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM—None0.3Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE0.2Very Low—None
SEAT BELTS0.1Very Low—None
SEATS—None—None
FUEL SYSTEM—None—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING—None—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Kia Telluride or Toyota Highlander?

Based on industry estimates, the Toyota Highlander has an annual repair cost of $489, with a repair frequency of 0.3 visits per year and a 13% risk of a major repair. In contrast, the Kia Telluride incurs higher annual repair costs at $573, alongside a slightly more frequent repair schedule of 0.4 visits per year. Over five years, the Highlander could save an owner approximately $420 in repair expenses compared to the Telluride. While major repair risk is not specified for the Telluride, the Highlander offers a lower repair frequency and cost, making it a more appealing option for cost-conscious buyers.

How Does Kia Telluride vs Toyota Highlander Reliability Compare by Year?

Kia Telluride vs Toyota Highlander year-by-year reliability scores
YearKia TellurideToyota HighlanderEdge
202578/1002R / 32C76/1008R / 40CKia Telluride
202469/1004R / 180C67/10016R / 198CKia Telluride
202368/1005R / 161C73/10013R / 140CToyota Highlander
202263/1006R / 280C74/1007R / 186CToyota Highlander
202163/1004R / 280C70/1006R / 403CToyota Highlander
202055/1006R / 667C71/1008R / 269CToyota Highlander

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Kia Telluride scored 78/100 and the 2025 Toyota Highlander scored 76/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Kia Telluride vs the Toyota Highlander?

If you prioritize reliability and lower running costs, the Toyota Highlander is your best choice. With a reliability score of 84/100 and an estimated annual repair cost of $489, it offers peace of mind and affordability. Its lower repair frequency of 0.3 times per year and fewer owner complaints at 5.8 per 10,000 sold underscore its dependability, despite having more total recalls. The Highlander is ideal if you want a reliable vehicle with a lower risk of major repairs. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a vehicle with fewer recalls and don't mind a slightly higher repair cost, consider the Kia Telluride. While its reliability score is 71/100, it has significantly fewer recalls and offers a compelling mix of features and style. However, expect higher owner complaints and an estimated repair cost of $573 annually. Choose the Telluride if you value design and are willing to trade off some reliability.

Kia Telluride vs Toyota Highlander: Common Questions

Is the Kia Telluride more reliable than the Toyota Highlander?
Based on our data, the Toyota Highlander is more reliable with an average score of 72/100 compared to 66/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Kia Telluride or the Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander has more recalls (66) compared to the Kia Telluride (27). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Kia Telluride or the Toyota Highlander?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Toyota Highlander has a lower complaint rate at 5.8 per 10,000 sold versus 23.3 for the Kia Telluride. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Kia Telluride or the Toyota Highlander?
Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Toyota Highlander is cheaper to maintain at $489/year versus $573/year for the Kia Telluride.
Is the Kia Telluride or Toyota Highlander safer?
Both the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Related Reliability Comparisons

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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