Honda Pilot Advantages Over The Kia Telluride Explained
Your hunt for a three-row, family-friendly SUV has likely led you to compare the Honda Pilot vs. Kia Telluride. Both aim to offer families an ideal blend of comfort, capability, and value, but which one really delivers across the board? Let's dive into the matchup – you'll soon want to plan your next visit to Planet Honda New Hampshire to experience the winner: the Honda Pilot.
Honda Pilot vs. Kia Telluride at a Glance
- The Honda Pilot delivers 285 horsepower with a 10-speed automatic for smoother shifting; the Telluride's eight-speed transmission feels less refined.
- The Honda SUV offers 48.5 cubic feet behind the second row, offering a better blend of combined passenger and cargo space.
- Certain safety and assistive features that are present on the Honda Pilot are absent on the Telluride.
- The excess of Kia Telluride trims may be overwhelming to find your ideal setup compared to the Honda Pilot.
Honda Pilot Vs. Kia Telluride Specs
The Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride are both powered by a V-6 engine, with the 3.5-liter motor in the Pilot producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and confidently. The 2025 Telluride 3.8-liter engine makes slightly more horsepower and an equivalent amount of torque. It also relies on an eight-speed automatic transmission, which won't offer as much gear responsiveness when passing on the highway.
AWD is available on both models, and when you consider the seven available drive modes that the Pilot offers, it's clear Honda focused on creating a versatile SUV that adjusts seamlessly to terrain or weather. The Pilot also has a better AWD mileage, earning an EPA-estimated 19/25/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1 compared to the EPA-estimated 18/23/20 MPG (City/Highway/Combined) earned by the Telluride.2
If you're shopping on a budget but want comparable performance, a used Honda Pilot could give you plenty of value and capability without the brand-new price tag.
Interior Comfort & Cabin Space
Both SUVs offer seating for up to eight, but the Honda Pilot vs. Kia Telluride cabin space comparison shows where the Pilot pulls ahead for practical families. The Pilot offers up to 158.4 cubic feet of passenger volume along with 87 cubic feet of maximum cargo space – up to 111.8 cubic feet if you include floor space.
The Kia Telluride also has 87 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume, but it falls short when you need to move cargo and passengers together. With the third row folded down, the Telluride only has 46 cubic feet of cargo space. The Pilot has 48.5 cubic feet, letting you bring more without sacrificing additional seating.
For even more versatility, higher trims of the Honda are equipped with a multi-function second row with a removable and stowable second seat. This means that you can simplify access to the third row or adjust the cabin without committing to a smaller seat number.
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| 2025 Honda Pilot Sport | 2025 Kia Telluride LX | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V-6 | 3.8L V-6 |
| Horsepower | 285 | 291 |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain |
|
FWD |
| EPA-Est. AWD MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) | 19 / 25 / 211 | N / A |
| Exterior Dimensions (Length / Width / Height) | 199.9 / 78.5 / 71 in | 196.9 / 78.3 / 68.9 in |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Max Cargo Space (Behind Third / Second / First Row) | 18.6 / 48.5 / 87 cu ft | 21 / 46 / 87 cu ft |
Honda Pilot vs. Kia Telluride: Reliability & Safety Tech
While both models are built with advanced driver-assistance systems, the Honda model offers features like the Road Departure Mitigation System. This kicks in to help keep your Pilot from unintentionally leaving the road entirely. You won't find this available on the Telluride.
If you do want to wander off the beaten path, the Pilot has available TrailWatch, an off-road camera system to give you even more visibility of the terrain underneath you and obstacles ahead, letting you and your family enjoy the journey with reliable confidence and peace of mind.
Kia Telluride vs. Honda Pilot Trim Options
The 2025 Honda Pilot comes in the following editions:
- Sport
- EX-L
- TrailSport
- Touring
- Elite
- Black Edition
The 2025 Kia Telluride has an exorbitant number of trims, including:
- LX
- S
- EX
- SX
- EX X-Line
- EX X-Pro
- SX X-Line
- SX Prestige
- SX Prestige X-Line
- SX Prestige X-Pro
While some may find the higher amount of trims appealing, it could still prove more difficult for others to find the right one. For example, if you're content with the base model for the Honda Pilot but desire AWD capability, you can opt for that configuration. The entry-level trim of the Telluride, on the other hand, can't be upgraded with AWD. Instead, you'd have to spring for a higher variant and take on additional upgrades that you may not have wanted.
2025 Honda Pilot vs. Kia Telluride: Which Should You Choose?
At the end of the day, both SUVs are strong contenders, but the Honda Pilot manages to offer a better balance of performance, practicality, and value. Its versatile interior, standard and available safety tech, and refined driving experience give it the edge.
Visit Planet Honda NH to test-drive this well-rounded SUV and discover firsthand why it continues to be a top pick for New England families. If you'd like to see how this three-row vehicle stands against other class leaders, be sure to check how we compare the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Honda Pilot more reliable than the Kia Telluride?
According to Consumer Reports, the 2025 Honda Pilot predicted reliability score is 17 points higher than the Kia Telluride rating.3, 4 This means that drivers who choose the Pilot can enjoy the confidence that this three-row model likely offers. Consumer Reports also notes that Honda ranks fourth in terms of new car reliability,5 while Kia is positioned in ninth place out of 22 automotive brands.6
Which SUV has more cargo space: the Pilot or Telluride?
The Pilot and Telluride are somewhat well-matched in terms of cargo space. The Telluride has 21 cubic feet of storage behind the third row, while the Pilot provides 18.6 cubic feet. Behind the second row, the Pilot wins with 48.5 cubic feet compared to the Telluride's 46 cubic feet. Lower both rear rows, and both models provide 87 cubic feet of max cargo volume.
Does the Honda Pilot hold its value better than the Telluride?
When you consider that the Honda Pilot is better equipped for adventurous drives with features like Trail Torque Logic and underbody skid plates standard on the TrailSport trim, it's apparent that the Pilot holds its value better than the Telluride. When you finance or lease a Honda Pilot, you can get a family-friendly daily driver and available off-roading features all in one.