The midsize SUV segment is one of the most fiercely competitive, with models offering everything from family-friendly features to rugged off-road capabilities. The Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot are two of the most popular contenders in this category, each boasting an impressive range of features, performance capabilities, and overall value. But how do these two stack up against each other? Let’s break it down across key factors like design, performance, interior space, technology, and safety.
Design and Styling
When it comes to design, both the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2025 Honda Pilot offer bold, modern looks, but each vehicle takes a slightly different approach.
The 2025 Kia Telluride is all about commanding presence, with a large, angular front grille, sleek lines, and wide stance that gives it an imposing look on the road. The rear features updated LED lighting and an athletic profile that makes the Telluride appear both sophisticated and rugged. It’s designed to be stylish without compromising its family-oriented utility.
On the other hand, the 2025 Honda Pilot follows a more traditional SUV design with smooth, aerodynamic lines. Its front end is bold yet subtle, with a more restrained grille and a well-balanced body. The Pilot is perhaps less aggressive-looking than the Telluride, exuding a more approachable vibe.
Performance and Powertrains
Under the hood, both SUVs are powered by capable engines, but they offer different driving experiences.
The 2025 Telluride comes with a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine delivers a strong performance, with ample power for highway passing, towing, and daily driving. The Telluride offers both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, making it versatile enough to handle various driving conditions. Additionally, the Telluride is known for its smooth ride quality, making it a great option for long road trips and daily commuting.
The 2025 Pilot features a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 280 horsepower and the same 262 lb-ft of torque. This leaves the Pilot in a category slightly beneath the Telluride, in terms of power. Like the Telluride, it offers both FWD and AWD options. The Pilot does have a unique hybrid variant, which brings added fuel efficiency to the table. This makes the Pilot a good option for buyers who want to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing power.
Interior Space and Comfort
Both the Telluride and Pilot are designed to cater to families, and as such, they offer expansive interiors with three-row seating.
The Telluride stands out with its spacious and upscale interior. With room for up to eight passengers, it provides ample space in all three rows, making it one of the most comfortable midsize SUVs on the market. The materials used throughout the cabin are top-notch, with a luxurious feel, especially in higher trims. The Telluride’s interior is designed with premium touches like leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a modern infotainment system that makes it feel like a true luxury vehicle.
The Pilot also offers a spacious cabin with seating for up to eight passengers. Its interior is user-friendly, with easy access to the third row and ample legroom for passengers in the second row. While the materials and finishes are high quality, they don’t quite match the premium feel of the Telluride. The Pilot’s interior is more utilitarian, focused on function and practicality.
Technology and Safety Features
Both vehicles are equipped with advanced technology and safety features, but there are some notable differences in their offerings.
The Telluride comes with an intuitive 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with digital driver display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium audio system. It also offers a range of driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims include additional features like a 360-degree camera system, which is a great addition for parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.
The Pilot offers a similarly large touchscreen, but its tech offerings are a bit more basic in comparison. It includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a rear-seat entertainment system on higher trims, which could be a draw for families with younger kids. Honda’s suite of driver assistance technologies is standard on all trims and includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking.
When comparing the 2025 Kia Telluride to the 2025 Honda Pilot, both SUVs excel in different areas, but the Telluride takes the edge in terms of design, interior luxury, and overall refinement. The Telluride is a more stylish, upscale choice that feels premium from the inside out, while the Pilot offers practicality and a slightly more traditional SUV feel.
For families looking for performance, comfort, and advanced technology with a touch of luxury, the Kia Telluride is likely the better choice. However, the Honda Pilot could be a better fit for those who prioritize practicality, a larger range of standard safety features, and a more conservative, approachable design. Either way, both models are great options for families, and the decision largely comes down to personal preference.
