If you’re in the market for a three-row SUV near Conway or Central Arkansas, two models that might be on your list are the upcoming 2027 Kia Telluride and the 2026 Toyota Highlander. Both the Telluride and the Highlander are known for delivering comfort, versatility, and family-friendly features. Still, when you look closely, one stands out in the areas that matter most in everyday life. At Crain Kia of Conway, we’ve compared them head-to-head so you can decide with confidence before you visit our showroom. Vehicle Comparison 2027 Kia Telluride Horsepower 274 AWD Availability Available Fuel Economy / Range 35 MPG MPGe Seating Capacity 8 passenger seating Top Features Available 1st & 2nd-row Relaxation Seats Enhanced capability w/ Telluride X-Pro Available outboard heated seats in all 3 rows Towing Capacity 5,000 lbs Find Your Kia Telluride 2026 Toyota Highlander Horsepower 265 AWD Availability Available Fuel Economy / Range 35 MPG MPGe Seating Capacity 8 passenger seating Top Features High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) glass Digital rearview mirror with HomeLink® Two 120V outlets (1500W shared) Towing Capacity 5,000 lbs View Our Used Inventory Interior Space & Comfort Inside, the 2027 Telluride offers generous seating for up to eight passengers, with especially roomy second- and third-row seating to keep even adults comfortable on long drives. Premium materials, thoughtful design, and available creature comforts make it a standout choice for families. The Highlander also offers a pleasant cabin with good features, but its third row is tighter and better suited for kids, and cargo space is smaller than in the Telluride. Edge: Kia Telluride — for more interior space and passenger comfort. Capability & Everyday Driving Both SUVs handle city traffic and highway driving confidently, but the Telluride separates itself when the road gets rough. Its available rugged-ready trims offer enhanced ground clearance, terrain drive modes, and AWD hardware that help on gravel roads, rural trails, and during inclement weather. The Highlander focuses more on refined on-road comfort. While it’s smooth and capable, it doesn’t match the Telluride’s off-road confidence or adventurous stance. Edge: Kia Telluride — for capability beyond just paved streets. Performance & Power The 2027 Kia Telluride offers updated powertrain options, led by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing about 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive. Kia also offers a hybrid variant with a combined output near 329 horsepower, delivering impressive efficiency and power — ideal for highway cruising or towing for weekend adventures. The 2026 Toyota Highlander, meanwhile, comes with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making approximately 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and available AWD. Edge: Kia Telluride — for stronger performance options and a hybrid option. Technology & Connectivity Both SUVs come with modern tech like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, touchscreen infotainment, and plenty of USB charging ports. The Telluride’s larger standard touchscreen and available premium audio system offer a more immersive and connected experience, with many features available even on lower trims. The Highlander includes capable tech, but many desirable upgrades are reserved for higher trim levels — meaning you may need to spend more to get similar features. Edge: Kia Telluride — for more standard tech and connectivity. Safety & Driver Assistance Both vehicles are made with safety in mind. The Telluride offers a broad suite of standard driver-assistance features like forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Highlander also brings Toyota Safety Sense features across the lineup, but several advanced systems may require higher trims to access. Edge: Tie – both vehicles offer strong safety technology designed to protect drivers and passengers. Ownership Value & Warranty One major advantage for Kia is its industry-leading warranty, which includes 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage and roadside assistance, adding peace of mind for years to come. Toyota’s warranty is solid but shorter, typically 5-year / 60,000-mile for the powertrain. Edge: Kia Telluride — for stronger long-term protection and ownership value. Stay Tuned with Crain Kia of Conway At Crain Kia of Conway, we’re closely watching the release of the 2027 Kia Telluride and will share updates as soon as official details, availability, and arrival timelines are announced. If you’re interested in learning more or want to be among the first to know when the Telluride arrives, we invite you to check back soon or contact our team for the latest information. Visit Crain Kia of Conway today to explore our wide selection, take a test drive, and discover flexible financing options.
2025 Kia Telluride vs Mazda CX-90: Top Family SUV in Conway
Performance Interior & Technology Utility Safety & Warranty CTAs 2025 Kia Telluride 2025 Mazda CX-90 Vehicle Details Image Brand / Model Kia Telluride 2025 Mazda CX-90 Starting MSRP $36,390 $38,045 Performance Horsepower 291 hp 280 hp Fuel Economy (City/Hwy) 20/26 23/28 Interior & Technology Seating Capacity Up to 8 Up to 8 Infotainment Screen 12.3-inch 12.3-inch Feature Spotlight Spacious Cabin Off-road Trims User-Friendly Tech 10-Year Warranty Turbocharged Power Standard AWD Elegant Interior Wireless Tech Utility Towing Capacity (lbs) 5,000 3,500 – 5,000 Bed Length (in) 87 75.2 Safety & Warranty Key Safety Feature — — Warranty 10-year/100,000-mile 3-year/36,000-mile AWD Availability Available Standard Shop Now Find Your New Telluride Shop Used at Crain Kia Choosing the Right Three-Row SUV for Central Arkansas If you're looking for a new three-row SUV in Conway, AR, you're probably comparing the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2025 Mazda CX‑90. Both are popular midsize SUVs, but when it comes to space, power, safety, and value, one clearly stands out. At Crain Kia of Conway, we're here to break down which SUV is best for families, road trips, and everyday driving in Central Arkansas. Performance That Fits Arkansas Roads Kia Telluride: Under the hood, the 2025 Telluride features a strong 3.8-liter V6 engine that gives you 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It tows up to 5,500 pounds, perfect for hauling boats or campers around Greers Ferry Lake or the Ouachita Mountains. It drives smoothly on highways and handles well on back roads. You can expect around 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. Mazda CX‑90: The CX‑90 uses a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine. It delivers more horsepower (up to 340 hp in higher trims) but also comes with a higher price tag. Its fuel economy is slightly better, but its turbo engine may require more maintenance in the long term. For many Conway drivers, the Telluride’s V6 is the more reliable choice. Built for Adventure in Central AR Telluride X-Line and X-Pro trims are built for more than city driving. They come with all-terrain tires, off-road tuned suspension, and higher ground clearance (8.4 inches). Whether you’re exploring trails near Petit Jean State Park or heading out to a campsite, these trims are ready for Arkansas adventures. Mazda CX‑90 includes standard all-wheel drive, but it doesn’t offer a "true" off-road trim. It may handle dirt roads fine, but it’s not fine-tuned for rougher trails. Smart Technology That’s Easy to Use Kia Telluride: The Telluride offers a large 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus USB-C ports in all three rows, and available Harman Kardon speakers. Navigation and a digital dashboard are also available. Kia’s Drive Wise safety tech comes standard and is easy to use. Mazda CX‑90: It also has modern tech, with either a 10.25-inch or 12.3-inch screen. It supports CarPlay/Android Auto, but Mazda’s system is a bit harder to use and less responsive than Kia’s. Most of the better tech features are only available in higher trims. Comfortable Cabin and Cargo Room Kia Telluride: Inside, the Telluride is roomy and built with quality. You can seat seven or eight people, and even the third row offers real space for adults. You’ll get up to 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and over 87 cubic feet with seats down. Available options include Nappa leather, ventilated seats, and dual sunroofs. Mazda CX‑90: The interior looks high-end and offers six-, seven-, or eight-seat options. But the third row is tighter, and there’s only about 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind it. It’s great for couples or smaller families, but not ideal for bigger groups or long road trips around Central Arkansas. Safety Comes Standard Kia Telluride: Safety is a top priority. The 2025 Telluride earned a 5-star NHTSA safety rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Standard features include: Forward Collision Avoidance Blind-Spot Monitoring Rear Cross-Traffic Alert Lane Keeping Assist Smart Cruise Control Optional 360° Camera Mazda CX‑90: Mazda also scores high in crash tests. It has the i-Activsense safety system, but several key features are only included on top trims. Kia gives you more safety technology at every level. Our Choice The Kia Telluride offers more of what families in Conway and Central Arkansas need in a midsize SUV: More space for passengers and cargo Off-road-ready trims for Arkansas trails 10-year/100,000-mile warranty for long-term peace of mind User-friendly technology in every trim Award-winning safety features Whether you're commuting to Little Rock, taking a family trip to Lake Conway, or just running errands in town, the 2025 Telluride delivers comfort, power, and value that’s hard to beat. Visit Crain Kia of Conway Today See the 2025 Kia Telluride in person at Crain Kia of Conway. We offer a wide selection of trims, special financing, and top-rated service for customers across Conway, Little Rock, Greenbrier, and all of Central Arkansas. Stop by for a test drive today.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.