In the US, the Toyota Highlander has long been one of the most recognizable family crossovers, but the current generation is nearing its end: in 2026, the vehicle will become fully electric. Meanwhile, the price of the gasoline version has risen to $47,000 (over 20.5 million tenge). SlashGear compared it with four competitors priced under $45,000 (about 19.7 million tenge), according to infohub.kz.

The new generation Kia Telluride arrived for the 2027 model year. The crossover grew larger, gained a new interior, and a 2.7-liter turbo engine producing 274 horsepower. The LX FWD version is priced at $39,200 (about 17.2 million tenge) in the US. The warranty is five years or 96,000 kilometers for the vehicle and 10 years or 160,000 kilometers for the powertrain. In automotive publication rankings, the Telluride took first place, while the Highlander came in 15th and 14th.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade has also been updated. The base SE FWD version costs $39,400 (about 17.3 million tenge), offers a 12.3-inch screen with navigation, and an eight-speaker audio system. Additionally, there is more legroom in all three rows. The XRT Pro version has increased ground clearance, off-road tires, and a rear self-locking differential. In Motor Trend and Car and Driver rankings, the model took second place, while U.S. News & World Report and Edmunds placed it fourth.

The Ford Explorer is built on a rear-wheel-drive platform. The base engine is a 2.3-liter turbo producing 300 horsepower, while a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 400 horsepower is available for higher trims. After a 2025 update, the crossover received a new front end and a 13.2-inch infotainment screen. In the U.S. News & World Report ranking, it trails the Highlander, but in Car and Driver and Edmunds it holds seventh place.

The Volkswagen Atlas is aimed at family trips: the three rows have enough space for adults, and there is still room for luggage behind the third row. After a 2024 update, the SUV gained a 269-horsepower turbo engine. Pricing starts at $39,300 (about 17.3 million tenge). Equipment includes three-zone climate control, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12-inch infotainment screen, and heated and ventilated front seats. In U.S. News & World Report and Car and Driver rankings, the Atlas took ninth place, while Edmunds placed it eighth.

Earlier, Kursiv Auto reported on the best and worst Japanese family crossovers.