When you’ve got to transport your family and all their stuff, a 3-row crossover SUV is the tool for the job. The Honda Pilot has been the answer for a generation. The Kia Telluride poses another solution.
Honda has built a reputation for reliability and value, while Kia has raised the bar on style and available features. The Pilot is Honda’s flagship SUV, and the Telluride serves the same function for the Kia brand.
Which 3-row SUV is best for you and your family? Let’s compare the Pilot and the Telluride to find out.
2025 Honda Pilot
2024 model shown
After a 2023 makeover that marked the beginning of the SUV’s fourth generation of production, the 2025 lineup faces a few changes with the base LX trim discontinued and the Black Edition becomes the top-end version. All Pilot models feature a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine putting out 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on most trim levels, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available for $2,100. Prices start at $41,595.
Honda Pilot Highlights
Torque-Vectoring AWD: Available on all trim levels but standard on TrailSport, Elite, and Black Edition, the second generation of Honda’s i-VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system optimizes available traction in all driving conditions and can send up to 70% of the engine’s torque to the rear axle, where it can distribute up to 100% of that torque to the left or right wheel when required. This ability can improve handling and maneuverability on slick or dry surfaces. You can get all-wheel drive on each Telluride trim, but not with torque vectoring.
Available 8-occupant flexibility: A removable second-row middle seat can be stored underneath the rear cargo floor, keeping it handy when your family makes friends. Buyers can choose a 7-passenger or 8-passenger configuration on most Telluride models, but not a flexible one.
Hit the trails: Following the trend toward adding rugged features to suburban SUVs, the Pilot’s TrailSport trim level comes with the i-VTM4 AWD system, a 7-mode drive system, hill-descent control, skid plates, roof rails, all-terrain tires on 18-inch alloy wheels, recovery points, and more off-road-friendly features. Kia matches this with its X-Line and X-Pro trim levels, though it offers fewer drive modes.
Read our Honda Pilot Expert Review or see 2025 Honda Pilot models for sale near you.
2025 Kia Telluride
The Telluride also received a 2023 makeover, its first since its debut for the 2019 model year. All Telluride models use a 3.8-liter V6 gasoline engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on most trim levels. You can upgrade to all-wheel drive for $2,000. Pricing starts at $37,585.
Kia Telluride Highlights
Available head-up display: View turn-by-turn navigation prompts, speed, intelligent cruise control settings, and blind-spot warnings in the upgraded 10-inch head-up display without taking your eyes off the road. A 10-inch head-up display is standard on the Pilot Elite but without the same range of capability.
Exceptional warranty: Kia protects Telluride buyers with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Each is significantly longer than Honda’s equivalent. If you keep your SUV for long, protection from surprise repair bills can be an absolute comfort.
Available Digital Key: Owners with iPhone, Apple Watch, and Samsung Galaxy smart devices can use them as virtual vehicle keys to lock, unlock, and drive and can share those keys with others via text messages. Honda does not offer this capability.
Read our Kia Telluride Expert Review or see 2025 Kia Telluride models for sale near you
Similarities
Up to 8-passenger seating and available off-road-oriented trim levels.
Conclusion
Most drivers would be happy with either of these two choices. The Telluride has a lower starting price, but the disparity narrows significantly at the top end of the range, with the SX Prestige X-Pro model starting at $54,780 versus the Pilot Elite’s top starting price of $55,975.
The Pilot’s four generations of production have honed the SUV into a fine family vehicle, one of the best minivan alternatives on wheels. Though the Telluride is a relatively new entry into the field, Kia did their homework. The Telluride is a stylish, tech-laden competitor.
The good news is you can’t go wrong in this comparison, where the right choice is more a matter of taste than most. Drive both, and the one that feels right is the SUV for you.
New 2025 Honda Pilot Prices
New 2025 Kia Telluride Prices
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$37,585 |
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$40,485 |
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$43,185 |
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$47,285 |
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$47,480 |
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$48,480 |
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$50,880 |
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$52,485 |
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$53,780 |
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$54,780 |
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The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for vehicles and vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Honda Pilot | 2025 Kia Telluride | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.5-liter V6 gasoline | 3.8-liter V6 gasoline |
| Horsepower | 285 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy (mpg) | 19 city/27 highway/22 combined (FWD) 19/25/21 (AWD) |
20 city/26 highway/22 combined (FWD) 18/24/20 (AWD) |
| Also Available | AWD | AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 inches | 114.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 199.9 inches | 196.9 inches |
| Width | 78.5 inches | 78.3 inches |
| Height | 71.0 inches | 68.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.8 feet | 38.4 feet |
| Headroom Front | 40.5 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Headroom 2nd Row | 40.2 inches | 40.2 inches |
| Headroom 3rd Row | 39.3 inches | 38.1 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.0 inches | 41.4 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 40.8 inches | 42.4 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 32.5 inches | 31.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 61.9 inches | 61.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 61.7 inches | 61.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 59.5 inches | 55.3 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 18.6/48.5/87.0 cubic feet | 21.0/46.0/87.0 cubic feet |