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When you’re in the market for a new or used SUV, there are plenty of options to choose from, and deciding between models can be tough. Among the most popular three-row SUVs, the Toyota Sequoia, Kia Telluride, and Ford Expedition stand out as top contenders. Each has its own set of strengths, making them appealing for different types of buyers. Whether you’re looking for something rugged, tech-savvy, or family-friendly, the Sequoia, Telluride, and Expedition have features that will likely meet your needs.

To help you make an informed decision, let’s break down the key factors to consider when choosing between these three vehicles.

1. Performance and Engine Options

One of the first factors to consider when purchasing an SUV is performance. Depending on your needs, you may want a vehicle with strong towing capacity, off-road capabilities, or just a smooth, comfortable drive for everyday use.

Toyota Sequoia

The Toyota Sequoia offers a solid, truck-like ride with powerful performance, especially in its larger V8 engine configurations. With its 5.7L V8 engine, the Sequoia provides strong towing capabilities, making it an excellent option for those who frequently haul heavy loads, such as boats or trailers. The Sequoia’s towing capacity is up to 7,400 pounds, and it performs well off-road thanks to its solid rear axle and available four-wheel drive. However, it does come with relatively low fuel efficiency compared to some of its competitors, averaging around 13-17 mpg.

For a more recent, environmentally-conscious model, the 2023 Sequoia has switched to a more fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain. The i-FORCE MAX hybrid V6 offers more power, better efficiency, and a towing capacity of up to 9,000 pounds, making it a strong contender in the full-size SUV category.

Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride offers a 3.8L V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower, which is more than adequate for daily driving, long road trips, and moderate towing. With a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, it might not match the Sequoia or Expedition in terms of sheer towing power, but it’s a solid choice for family-oriented buyers who don’t need to haul heavy loads regularly.

While the Telluride might not be as rugged as the Sequoia or Expedition, its smooth ride and strong performance on highways and urban roads make it a perfect choice for those looking for a comfortable, reliable SUV. It’s also more fuel-efficient than the Sequoia, with an average of 20-26 mpg.

Ford Expedition

The Ford Expedition is another powerhouse in the full-size SUV category. Its base 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine delivers an impressive 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, while the upgraded Max version offers even more power. The Expedition has a significant towing capacity of up to 9,300 pounds, making it ideal for drivers who need to tow large trailers, boats, or RVs. It’s also available with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), and its driving experience is smoother and more refined than the Sequoia, offering better fuel efficiency (17-23 mpg).

If you’re looking for a balance of power and comfort for towing and long trips, the Expedition is a great option.

Verdict: If towing and hauling capacity are your priorities, the Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia offer top-tier performance. However, if you’re looking for something more fuel-efficient and less focused on towing, the Kia Telluride is a better fit.

2. Interior Space and Comfort

An SUV is often chosen for its spaciousness, and all three of these models excel in this area, but each brings a slightly different focus to the table.

Toyota Sequoia

The Sequoia is a full-size SUV with generous room in both the front and back rows. It comfortably seats up to eight passengers with a traditional bench seat in the second row, though many models are equipped with a more comfortable captain’s chair configuration. It’s a great option for families who need ample space for both passengers and cargo. The Sequoia’s third row can accommodate adult passengers, though some may find it a bit tight compared to competitors. If you need to haul a lot of luggage or gear, the Sequoia offers a spacious cargo area that can be expanded by folding down the back seats.

Kia Telluride

The Telluride may be smaller than the Sequoia, but it offers an impressively spacious interior for a mid-size SUV. It seats up to eight passengers, and the third row is surprisingly roomy for adults, offering more space than many of its competitors in the segment. Additionally, the Telluride’s high-end trims—like the SX Prestige—offer premium features such as Nappa leather upholstery, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and a premium sound system. The Telluride is also designed with convenience in mind, offering generous cargo space and easy-to-fold rear seats that provide plenty of flexibility for carrying both passengers and gear.

Ford Expedition

The Ford Expedition is a large, full-size SUV, and it shines in terms of both passenger space and cargo capacity. It comfortably accommodates up to eight passengers with plenty of legroom, especially in the second and third rows. The Expedition’s cargo space is also expansive, and the Expedition MAX version offers even more room for gear. The third row in the Expedition is spacious, and it folds flat to provide even more cargo space when needed. The interior is also more refined, especially in the higher trims, with options like leather seating, a large touchscreen, and available premium audio systems.

Verdict: For maximum passenger and cargo space, the Ford Expedition is the clear winner, especially if you plan to use the third row regularly. The Kia Telluride offers excellent passenger comfort for a mid-size SUV, and the Toyota Sequoia is a strong choice for large families that need ample room, but the Expedition’s size makes it a leader in overall space.

3. Technology and Features

When it comes to modern technology and comfort features, all three SUVs offer impressive options, though the availability of features varies by model year and trim level.

Toyota Sequoia

The Sequoia is well-equipped, with recent models offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an intuitive infotainment system. Toyota’s Safety Sense package is standard on most models, providing safety features like lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. However, compared to the Telluride and Expedition, the Sequoia’s interior tech can feel a bit outdated, especially in older models.

Kia Telluride

The Telluride stands out for its high-tech features, even in base trims. A 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera system are available. The Telluride also includes a suite of safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additionally, it offers available UVO telematics, allowing remote start, climate control, and tracking features via your smartphone.

Ford Expedition

The Ford Expedition comes with a large infotainment screen and a powerful SYNC 3 system, offering features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims are equipped with a 12-inch digital display, giving it a modern, tech-savvy feel. In terms of safety, the Expedition includes Ford Co-Pilot360, which offers features like blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist.

Verdict: The Kia Telluride likely leads in terms of tech features, especially for its price. The Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia also have good technology offerings, but the Telluride’s user-friendly interface and premium features make it a standout in the tech department.

4. Price and Value

When considering new vs. used, pricing is always an important factor.

Toyota Sequoia

The Sequoia is on the pricier side, especially if you’re looking for newer models with advanced features like the hybrid powertrain. However, it holds its value well, and used models are often available with high mileage, making them a good value in terms of long-term reliability.

Kia Telluride

The Telluride is relatively affordable for its size and features, especially in base trims. It offers excellent value for the money with its long list of standard features, spacious interior, and premium feel. Since it’s a newer entry into the market, used prices might be a bit higher for recent models.

Ford Expedition

The Expedition is typically priced higher than the Sequoia and Telluride, especially for higher trims and the Max version. However, used models can offer a good balance of luxury and practicality, especially considering its premium tech and comfort features.

Verdict: If budget is a concern, the Kia Telluride provides great value, especially for those looking for a lot of features at a lower price. The Ford Expedition offers excellent value if you need a full-size SUV with lots of space and towing capacity. The Toyota Sequoia is pricier, but its durability and reliability may justify the cost for buyers looking for a long-term investment.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between the Toyota Sequoia, Kia Telluride, and Ford Expedition depends on your specific needs and priorities.

Ultimately, each of these SUVs offers unique advantages—so consider what matters most to you, and you’ll be well on your way to making the right choice.