2025 Honda Pilot vs 2025 Kia Telluride
Comparison Overview
The battle for three-row dominance pits the polished 2025 Honda Pilot against the aggressively styled 2025 Kia Telluride. The Pilot excites with a revised 3.5L V6 pushing out 285 hp and featuring a sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission, aiming for refinement across its substantial 199.9-inch length. Conversely, the Telluride grabs attention with a slightly punchier 291 hp output from its engine, delivered through a traditional 8-speed automatic, all while boasting a more accessible MSRP of $36,390—a significant $3,810 saving over the Honda. While both models manage a respectable 22 MPG combined and rely on FWD in their base trims, the Telluride maximizes utility by offering 21 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Pilot's 18.6 cu ft. The driving dynamics offer a choice between Honda's engineered smoothness and Kia's compelling value proposition.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride wins for commuters due to its lower $36,390 MSRP, making daily driving economics more appealing.
2025 Kia Telluride
The Telluride offers superior family utility with 21 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Pilot's 18.6 cu ft.
2025 Honda Pilot
Enthusiasts might prefer the Pilot for its more complex 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission paired with 285 hp.
2025 Kia Telluride
The Telluride presents undeniable value by delivering 291 hp for a price thousands lower than the Honda Pilot.
Choose the Honda Pilot if...
- You prioritize engineering refinement, evidenced by the Pilot's smooth 10-speed transmission.
- You prefer the stability provided by the larger exterior dimensions, measuring 199.9 inches long.
- You are dedicated to the Honda brand experience, accepting a $40,200 starting MSRP for it.
Choose the Kia Telluride if...
- Saving money is paramount, as the Telluride starts $3,810 cheaper at $36,390.
- You need maximum functional space, benefiting from the Telluride’s larger 21 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prefer the slightly higher base horsepower rating of 291 hp.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda Pilot | Kia Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 199.9" | 196.9" |
| Width | 78.5" | 78.3" |
| Height | 71.0" | 68.9" |
| Wheelbase | 113.8" | 114.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Honda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Honda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.5 L | 3.8 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 285 hp @ 6100 rpm | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Honda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Honda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/27 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.5/499.5 mi. | 376.0/488.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 18.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Honda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Honda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 240W | — |
| Speaker System | 7 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Honda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Honda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.5 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 61.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.4 in. | 58.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Honda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.8 in. | 42.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.7 in. | 61.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.4 in. | 58.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Honda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 20 x 8.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/50R | P245/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Honda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Honda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Pilot and 2025 Kia Telluride.
What is the main difference in pricing between the 2025 Pilot and the 2025 Telluride?
The 2025 Kia Telluride carries a significant advantage with a base MSRP of $36,390. The 2025 Honda Pilot starts higher at $40,200, creating a $3,810 price gap between the two base models.
Which crossover has better utility for hauling gear?
The Kia Telluride leads in cargo space, offering 21 cubic feet behind the third row, whereas the Honda Pilot provides a slightly tighter 18.6 cubic feet for storage.
How do the horsepower figures compare for these FWD crossovers?
The Kia Telluride nudges ahead with 291 horsepower available from its engine, compared to the Honda Pilot's 285 horsepower output.
Are the fuel economy ratings different between the two vehicles?
Both models achieve an identical 22 MPG combined rating on regular unleaded fuel. The Telluride offers marginally better city mileage at 20 MPG versus the Pilot’s 19 MPG city rating.
What transmission setup differentiates the driving feel of the two cars?
The Honda Pilot utilizes a more complex 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which often implies smoother ratio changes during acceleration. The Telluride employs a dependable 8-speed automatic transmission.
How do the physical sizes of the base FWD models stack up?
The Honda Pilot is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 199.9 inches in length and standing 71.0 inches tall. The Telluride is slightly shorter in length at 196.9 inches and considerably lower at 68.9 inches in height.
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