2025 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder often boils down to prioritizing slightly different strengths in the highly competitive three-row crossover segment. If you're grappling with maximizing interior space versus achieving marginally better fuel economy, these two are very close competitors, with starting MSRPs nearly identical at $36,390 for the Telluride and $36,400 for the Pathfinder. Power-wise, the Telluride edges out the Pathfinder, offering 291 hp compared to the Nissan's 284 hp, though both run on regular unleaded. Where they truly diverge is in utility; the Telluride provides a substantial 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, while the slightly taller Pathfinder (68.9 inches vs 70.9 inches) offers less flexibility with only 16.6 cu ft. Despite these close numbers, the overall package strongly favors one vehicle depending on your daily driving needs.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder wins marginally on efficiency, achieving a combined 23 MPG versus the Telluride's 22 MPG.
2025 Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is the better choice for families needing extra gear capacity, offering 21 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Pathfinder's 16.6 cu ft.
2025 Kia Telluride
The Telluride appeals more to those seeking better immediate power output, boasting 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque versus the Pathfinder's 284 hp and 259 lb-ft.
2025 Kia Telluride
Since the Kia Telluride has a lower starting MSRP of $36,390 and offers more cargo space, it presents slightly better overall value.
Choose the Kia Telluride if...
- You need maximum hauling capability, as the Telluride offers 21 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer slightly more raw power from your standard engine, as the Telluride produces 291 hp.
- You want the lowest starting point, as the Telluride is listed at $36,390, beating the Pathfinder by $10.
Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...
- You prioritize maximizing miles between fill-ups, as the Pathfinder achieves a 23 MPG combined rating.
- You want the added control of a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission over the standard 8-speed.
- You prefer a slightly taller vehicle stance, as the Pathfinder stands at 70.9 inches high.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Telluride | Nissan Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.9" | 197.7" |
| Width | 78.3" | 77.9" |
| Height | 68.9" | 70.9" |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 114.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.8 L | 3.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm | 284 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm | 259 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/26 MPG | 20/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 376.0/488.8 mi. | 370.0/499.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.8 gal. | 18.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.9 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.6 in. | 60.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.9 in. | 58.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Manual |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 35.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.2 in. | 59.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 58.0 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P245/60R18 | 255/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Telluride and 2025 Nissan Pathfinder.
Which vehicle gets better gas mileage for highway driving?
The Nissan Pathfinder offers a slight advantage on the highway, achieving 27 MPG compared to the Kia Telluride’s 26 MPG. Both vehicles utilize regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs predictable.
Is there a significant difference in power between the two crossovers?
Yes, the Kia Telluride holds a small but noticeable advantage in performance, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Nissan Pathfinder follows closely behind with 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque.
Which car is physically bigger or more spacious?
The Kia Telluride is substantially better for cargo if you use the third row, offering 21 cubic feet compared to the Pathfinder’s 16.6 cubic feet. However, the Pathfinder is slightly taller overall at 70.9 inches versus the Telluride's 68.9 inches.
Are the starting prices for the 2025 models close?
Yes, they are nearly identical for these base configurations; the Telluride starts at $36,390, just $10 less than the Pathfinder's $36,400 MSRP.
Do these vehicles have different types of automatic transmissions?
They do; the 2025 Kia Telluride uses a standard 8-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder features a 9-speed shiftable automatic, which might offer slightly different shift characteristics during driving.
Both models come standard with FWD; are they the same size?
They are very similar in footprint, with the Telluride measuring 196.9 inches long and the Pathfinder measuring 197.7 inches long. The Pathfinder is marginally narrower at 77.9 inches versus the Telluride's 78.3 inches.
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