2025 Honda Pilot vs. Kia Telluride

2025 Honda Pilot vs. Kia Telluride — Best SUV Showdown

When it comes to midsize SUVs, two models stand out in 2025: the Honda Pilot and the Kia Telluride. Both vehicles have made a big splash in the market, offering comfort, style, and performance for families and adventure-seekers alike. If you’re deciding which one to pick, here’s a detailed comparison between the Kia Telluride vs. the Honda Pilot so you can make the best choice for your needs.

Exterior Design and Dimensions

The new Honda Pilot showcases a bold front grille, sculpted lines, and LED headlights and taillights. It also features a convenient hands-free power tailgate and available panoramic sunroof for added luxury.

The 2025 Kia Telluride has a more aggressive front grille, updated LED headlights, and a more aerodynamic body shape. Dual power sunroofs and 20-inch alloy wheels contribute to its premium look.

Both SUVs offer a blend of ruggedness and sophistication, but the Telluride has a more sporty and modern appearance, while the Pilot features a robust and practical design.

Performance and Powertrain

The Honda Pilot comes with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque and pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) are available, with a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity.

The Kia Telluride features a slightly more powerful 3.8-liter V-6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, and pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It also offers FWD and AWD configurations, with a similar maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

Fuel Efficiency

Both SUVs offer nearly identical fuel economy ratings:

• Honda Pilot: With a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, the Pilot achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway) for the FWD model and 21 mpg combined (19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway) for the AWD version.
• Kia Telluride: With a 3.8-liter V-6 engine, the Telluride offers a similar fuel economy with 22 mpg combined (20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway) for the FWD model and 20 mpg combined (18 mpg city and 23 mpg highway) for the AWD version.

Interior Comfort and Quality

The Honda Pilot features a spacious cabin with high-quality leather-trimmed seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, and noise-reducing materials, ensuring a quiet and comfortable ride. Its second-row seats slide and recline for added flexibility, and the third row is spacious enough for adults.

The Kia Telluride offers a more luxurious cabin with premium materials, such as nappa leather, heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs, and dual panoramic sunroofs. It also features Kia’s Quiet Zone Interior, which minimizes noise for a serene driving experience.

While both SUVs provide excellent comfort and quality, the Telluride offers a high-end, luxury experience, whereas the Pilot emphasizes practicality and family-friendly features.

Technology and Infotainment

In the tech department, both SUVs come with the latest technology. The Honda Pilot features:

• A standard 7-inch touch screen (9-inch screen available)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• A 12-speaker BOSE audio system
• A voice-recognition navigation system.

In comparison, the Kia Telluride offers:

• A larger 12.3-inch dual-screen setup, incorporating the digital instrument cluster and touch screen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• A Harman Kardon sound system
• Innovative features such as a digital key for smartphone access

Safety Features and Ratings

The 2025 Honda Pilot and the 2025 Kia Telluride both excel in safety, but the Honda Pilot stands out with its comprehensive safety suite and top ratings. The Pilot earned the prestigious Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ rating. It also comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite, which includes features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, the Pilot’s enhanced rear seat belts and Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure keep you and your passengers safe.

While the Kia Telluride also boasts a Top Safety Pick+ rating and strong safety features, including highway driving assist and second-row side airbags, the Honda Pilot’s extensive standard safety technologies and innovative engineering give it a slight edge in overall safety and occupant protection.

Reliability and Warranty

Honda has a reputation for building reliable vehicles, and the Pilot is no exception. While it’s newer to the market, the Kia Telluride has also demonstrated impressive reliability in that short time. Both models received high marks from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power for dependability.

Kia takes the lead in warranty coverage. The Telluride comes with a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Pilot offers a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Telluride’s extended coverage could give you additional peace of mind.

Pricing and Trim Levels

The Honda Pilot starts at $40,200 for the base Sport trim, which includes a robust suite of standard features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Honda Sensing safety suite. The top-tier Black Edition, priced at $54,580, adds luxurious touches such as red ambient LED lighting and exclusive black trim accents.

The Kia Telluride starts at a lower $36,190 for the base LX trim, but it lacks some of the advanced features found in the Pilot’s base model. Pricing for the highest trim, the SX Prestige X-Pro, starts at $53,385 and includes premium features such as nappa leather seats and a head-up display.

Make Your Choice at #1 Cochran Honda Boardman

When comparing the 2025 Honda Pilot vs. the Kia Telluride, it’s clear both SUVs have distinct advantages. The Pilot has a reliable reputation and slightly better fuel efficiency, while the Telluride offers a luxurious experience and generous warranties. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.

If you’re leaning toward the Honda Pilot, visit us at #1 Cochran Honda Boardman. Our friendly staff can arrange a test-drive and answer all your questions. Experience the Honda Pilot’s comfort, performance, and versatility for yourself. Schedule your test-drive today and take the first step toward owning your perfect family SUV.