Kia Telluride vs Honda Pilot

Shoppers cross-shopping the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot are weighing two well-regarded three-row SUVs with different personalities. The short answer: the Telluride starts several thousand dollars lower, offers a hybrid, and carries a longer 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, while the Pilot counters with a proven V6 and Honda’s strong reliability reputation. Here is the full comparison.

Kia Telluride vs Honda Pilot: specs compared

Specs compared

Specification Kia Telluride Honda Pilot
Starting MSRP About $39,190 About $43,900
Seating Up to 8 7 to 8
Base engine 2.5L turbo I4 3.5L V6 (285 hp)
Hybrid Yes (2.5L turbo, 300-plus hp target) No
Drivetrain FWD standard, AWD available FWD standard, AWD available
Max towing Up to 5,000 lbs Up to 5,000 lbs (AWD, properly equipped)
Basic warranty 5 yr / 60,000 mi 3 yr / 36,000 mi
Powertrain warranty 10 yr / 100,000 mi 5 yr / 60,000 mi
Assembly West Point, Georgia (USA) Lincoln, Alabama (USA)

By the numbers

Specification Kia Telluride Honda Pilot
J.D. Power initial quality Upper Midsize SUV segment winner Not a segment winner
Hybrid option Yes (300-plus hp target) No (V6 only)
Kelley Blue Book Multi-year 3-Row Best Buy Not the class Best Buy

Starting MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and may or may not include destination charges; it excludes taxes, title, and dealer fees. Contact us for current pricing.

Price and value

Price is the Telluride’s clearest edge here. It starts around $39,190, while the Pilot starts near $43,900, a difference of several thousand dollars before options. At ALM Kia South, a new Telluride also adds ALM VIP Club benefits and, on qualifying new vehicles, our Included Lifetime Warranty, stretching the value further.

Space and seating

Both are roomy three-row SUVs that seat seven or eight, with usable third rows and plenty of cargo space. The Pilot offers a rugged TrailSport trim for light off-road use, while the Telluride answers with its X-Line and X-Pro variants. For most families the interiors are close; it comes down to layout preference and feel.

Engines and hybrid

The Pilot uses a 3.5-liter V6 making 285 horsepower across the lineup, and it does not offer a hybrid. The Telluride uses a new turbocharged 2.5-liter four and, for the first time, adds a hybrid option. If you want a V6, the Pilot delivers; if you want turbo torque or a hybrid, the Telluride is the one that has it.

Towing

Both tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which covers most small campers, boats, and trailers. On the Pilot that maximum requires all-wheel drive and the tow package, so confirm the configuration if towing is a priority.

Warranty and reliability

This is where the Telluride pulls ahead on paper. It carries a 5-year / 60,000-mile basic and 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, versus the Pilot’s shorter 3-year / 36,000-mile basic and 5-year / 60,000-mile powertrain coverage. The Pilot earns its loyal following on Honda’s reliability reputation, but the Telluride has also ranked near the top of the segment for owner satisfaction.

The bottom line for Union City shoppers

Choose the Pilot if a V6 and Honda’s track record are your priorities. Choose the Telluride for the lower starting price, an available hybrid, the longer warranty, and the extra ownership perks at ALM Kia South. Browse our Telluride inventory or contact our team to compare them in person.

See all Kia Telluride comparisons

Kia Telluride vs Honda Pilot FAQ

Is the Kia Telluride better than the Honda Pilot?
It depends on your priorities. The Telluride starts several thousand dollars lower, offers a hybrid, and has a longer 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Pilot counters with a standard V6 and Honda’s strong reliability reputation. Both seat seven or eight and tow up to 5,000 pounds properly equipped.
What is the difference between the Telluride and the Honda Pilot?
The Telluride uses a turbocharged four-cylinder with an available hybrid and starts around $39,190; the Pilot uses a 3.5-liter V6 with no hybrid and starts near $43,900. The Telluride also carries a longer warranty. Both are three-row SUVs built in the United States.
Is the Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot cheaper?
The Telluride is more affordable to start, at about $39,190 versus about $43,900 for the Pilot, a difference of several thousand dollars before options and fees.
Does the Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot come in a hybrid?
The Telluride does; the Pilot does not. The Telluride now offers a hybrid alongside its turbocharged gas engine, while the Honda Pilot is offered only with a 3.5-liter V6.
Does the Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot have a better warranty?
The Telluride has the longer warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles basic and 10 years / 100,000 miles powertrain, versus the Pilot’s 3 years / 36,000 miles basic and 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain.
Are the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot reliable?
Both have strong reputations. The Pilot is known for Honda’s long-term dependability, and the Telluride has ranked near the top of the three-row segment for owner satisfaction since it launched. Either one is a confident pick when maintained on schedule.

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