Honda Pilot vs Kia Telluride

Performance and Engine Comparison

When we compare the Honda Pilot vs Kia Telluride performance, both SUVs offer capable powertrains designed for family hauling. The differences in their engines affect how they drive and how much fuel they use.

The 2025 Honda Pilot comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth shifting and good fuel economy for highway driving.

The Kia Telluride uses a 3.8-liter V6 engine that makes 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While it has slightly more power, the Honda's newer 10-speed transmission often feels more refined during daily driving.

Fuel Economy Differences

Fuel efficiency is important for Florida families who drive longer distances. The Honda Pilot achieves 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway with front-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive version gets 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

The Kia Telluride gets 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with front-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive model achieves 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The Honda Pilot offers better fuel economy in both configurations, which can save money over time.

Towing Capacity

Both SUVs can handle family towing needs. The Honda Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Kia Telluride matches this with a 5,000-pound towing capacity. This means both can handle boats, trailers, or campers for Florida adventures.

Interior Space and Comfort Features

Interior space matters when you're choosing a family SUV. We find that families care most about passenger comfort, cargo room, and how easy it is to access the third row. Both the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride excel in different areas.

The Honda Pilot offers 152.9 cubic feet of passenger space across three rows. The second row can seat three people or use captain's chairs for easier third-row access. Behind the third row, you get 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded.

The Kia Telluride provides more overall space with 178.6 cubic feet of passenger volume. It offers 21.0 cubic feet behind the third row and 46.0 cubic feet with the third row folded. The Telluride's larger size gives passengers more room to stretch out.

Technology and Convenience

Both SUVs come well-equipped with modern technology. The Honda Pilot includes a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 10.2-inch touchscreen adds more features and better graphics.

The Kia Telluride features an 8-inch touchscreen standard, with a 12.3-inch display available on higher trims. It also includes wireless smartphone integration and offers more premium features like a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system on upper trim levels.

Seating Configurations

The Honda Pilot can seat up to eight people with a second-row bench seat. Captain's chairs reduce capacity to seven but make third-row access easier. The seats are comfortable for long Florida road trips.

The Kia Telluride seats up to eight people as well, but its larger size means more comfortable seating in all three rows. The second-row captain's chairs are particularly spacious and feel more premium than the Honda's.

Safety Features and Reliability Comparison

Safety is a top priority for families, and both the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride earn high safety ratings. We want to help you understand how their safety systems compare and what reliability means for long-term ownership.

The Honda Pilot comes standard with Honda Sensing, which includes collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assist. These features work together to help prevent accidents and reduce driver fatigue on long trips.

The Kia Telluride includes Kia Drive Wise safety features as standard equipment. This system provides forward collision avoidance, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane keeping assist. Both systems offer similar protection, but they work slightly differently.

Safety Ratings

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Honda Pilot a 5-star overall safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a Top Safety Pick for 2024 when equipped with specific headlights.

The Kia Telluride also earned a 5-star NHTSA rating and received IIHS Top Safety Pick recognition. Both SUVs perform well in crash tests and offer excellent protection for families.

Honda Reliability Advantage

Honda has a strong reputation for reliability and long-term durability. The Pilot benefits from Honda's proven V6 engine and transmission technology. Many Honda vehicles run well past 200,000 miles with proper maintenance.

Kia has improved its reliability significantly in recent years and offers a longer warranty. The Telluride comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty compared to Honda's 5-year/60,000-mile coverage. This shows Kia's confidence in their newer SUV.

At Space Coast Honda, we see Honda vehicles that have served families reliably for many years. The Pilot's track record gives many customers confidence in their purchase decision.

Pricing and Value Analysis

When comparing Honda Pilot vs Kia Telluride pricing, the initial cost is just part of the story. We help customers understand the total cost of ownership, including fuel costs, maintenance, and resale value over time.

The 2025 Honda Pilot starts at $39,550 for the Sport trim level. The EX-L trim starts at $44,400, while the top Touring trim begins at $50,900. These prices reflect Honda's focus on proven technology and reliable performance.

The Kia Telluride starts lower at $36,190 for the LX trim. The S trim begins at $40,090, and the top SX trim starts at $47,890. The Telluride offers more luxury features for less money, making it attractive to budget-conscious families.

Long-Term Value Considerations

Honda vehicles typically hold their value better than most competitors. The Pilot's strong resale value means you'll get more money back when you trade or sell. This can offset the higher initial purchase price over time.

The Kia Telluride is newer to the market, so its long-term resale value isn't fully established. However, Kia's improved reputation and the Telluride's popularity suggest it should hold value reasonably well.

Maintenance costs tend to be lower for Honda vehicles due to their reliability and the availability of parts and service. At Space Coast Honda, we provide excellent service to keep your Pilot running smoothly for years to come.

Which Offers Better Value?

The answer depends on your priorities. If you want more luxury features for less money upfront, the Kia Telluride offers excellent value. If you prioritize long-term reliability and resale value, the Honda Pilot may be worth the extra cost.

We encourage customers to consider their total ownership timeline. Families who keep vehicles for many years often find Honda's reliability and resale value make it the better long-term investment.