The Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot are both three-row SUVs, but they also do things a little differently, so choosing between them may not be obvious outside of brand loyalty. To start, the Telluride offers a slightly bigger engine and a slightly lower price point, but both vehicles can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Let’s take a closer look.
Kia Telluride vs. Honda Pilot: Advantage Kia
The Kia Telluride offers room for up to eight passengers, or seven if you opt for the second-row captain’s chairs in higher trims. The Telluride shares the same platform as the Hyundai Palisade and has a similarly spacious interior with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. However, the Kia has more affordable lower trims than either the Palisade or the Pilot while still dabbling in luxury at the higher trims. The Telluride continues to win awards for its extreme value in features, performance, and price.
For a large SUV, the Telluride boasts a comfortable and agile ride. If you end up off the pavement, the Telluride can handle it with optional AWD and eight inches of ground clearance.
Inside, the Telluride is incredibly roomy. Even the third row is comfortable for adults. The seats are also positioned in a stadium style so everyone can see the road if they want to.
Kia Telluride vs. Honda Pilot: Advantage Honda
Like the Telluride, the Honda Pilot can seat seven or eight, depending on what seating configuration you choose. As previously mentioned, the Pilot has a slightly smaller V6 engine at 3.5 liters vs. the Telluride’s 3.8, but the two SUVs can tow the same amount at 5,000 pounds.
The Pilot’s engine also feels sufficiently powerful in most situations, and it gets slightly better gas mileage than the Telluride with AWD.
For the latest Pilot, Honda has added the TrailSport trim, which gives the Pilot a few extras for going off the pavement.
The Pilot starts at a higher price than the Telluride, but the new base model comes standard with many amenities, including heated front seats, 3-zone climate control, and smartphone integration. At the top end of the trim range, the Black Edition comes in either a white or black pearl coat to match black wheels and exterior trim.
Kia Telluride vs. Honda Pilot: Verdict
The Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot have several similarities, including a choice of one V6 engine, 3-row seating, optional AWD, and an NHTSA five-star safety rating. The Telluride offers a longer warranty, a lower base price, and more interior space. The Pilot offers stronger resale and reliability numbers with Honda’s proven track record and slightly better gas mileage on its AWD models. Truthfully, you can’t really go wrong with either SUV. It may come down to whether you enjoy the Telluride’s bold exterior styling or if you prefer the more neutral design of the Pilot.
Whichever SUV you choose, you’ll be getting a solid family hauler with plenty of power to tow a small trailer or boat.
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