The 2025 Kia Telluride and 2025 Honda Pilot are two closely matched three-row SUVs. These competitors offer a nearly equal amount of space, tech, and style when getting your family from place to place. Since they share so many similarities, choosing between them comes down to the fine details. So which one is the better fit for you? Let’s break it down.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The 2025 Kia Telluride starts at $37,585 and goes up to $54,780.
- The 2025 Honda Pilot trims are between $41,295 and $55,675.
- The Telluride has ten trims to the Pilot’s six.
2025 Kia Telluride vs. 2025 Honda Pilot: Which SUV Offers the Best Value and Price for Your Budget?
The 2025 Kia Telluride has no significant changes from the year prior. Its starting MSRPs are:
- LX: $37,585
- S: $40,485
- EX: $43,185
- SX: $47,285
- EX X-Line: $47,480
- EX X-Pro: $48,480
- SX X-Line: $50,880
- SX Prestige: $52,485
- SX Prestige X-Line: $53,780
- SX Prestige X-Pro: $54,780
For 2025, Honda has introduced an addition to the lineup. The Black Edition trim features the following element:
- Gloss black 20-inch wheels
- Black Edition badges
- Blacked-out exterior elements.
- Embossed leather front seats and door mats with the Black Edition logo
- Deep read stitching on the steering wheel, seats, and door panels
- Standard with all-wheel drive.
The base trim, the LX trim has been discontinued for the new model year.
Pilot lineup prices are:
- Sport: $41,295
- EX-L: $44,595
- Touring: $48,595
- TrailSport: $50,495
- Elite: $54,175
- Black Edition: $55,675
Power and Performance: Which SUV Has the Edge—2025 Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot?
The Telluride features a 291 horsepower naturally aspirated V-6 cranking out 262 pound-feet of torque that pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheels drive; however, all-wheel drive is available for all trims, as is a self-leveling rear air suspension. If you’re a fan of the trail, consider the Telluride as it has 8.4 inches of ground clearance to make rough terrain that much easier to manage.
The Pilot features a 285 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive model as mostly standard—all-wheel drive is optional.
The Pilot has a 5,000-pound towing capacity on its all-wheel drive models, otherwise front-wheel drive versions have a 3,500 pound capacity. The Telluride matches that number on the LX, S, EX, and EX X-Line; however, the SX, SX X-Line, and SX Prestige can reach 5,500 pounds when properly equipped.
According to EPA estimates, the front-wheel-drive Telluride delivers the best fuel efficiency at 20 mpg/city and 26 mpg/highway. Opting for all-wheel drive lowers those numbers to 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The Pilot gets 19 mpg/city and 27/mpg highway.
Interior Features and Tech: A Side-by-Side Comparison of the Telluride and Pilot for 2025
Love it or hate it, the Kia Telluride’s bold exterior makes you stand up and take notice, but when you step inside, you’re met with a cabin that is upscale, comfortable, and packed with high-end features, especially in the top trims.
The SX trim takes luxury up a notch with perks like driver’s seat memory, a head-up display, heated and ventilated rear seats, a suede-like headliner, and plush Nappa leather. Plus, thanks to its longer body compared to the Kia Sorento, the Telluride offers even more space—whether you go for the eight-passenger setup with a bench seat or the seven-passenger layout with captain’s chairs.
Most of the Pilot's trims can seat up to eight, with second-row captain's chairs optional for EX-L trim. They are standard on the TrailSport. Touring and Elite models are designed to remove the middle seat section when you need more space. While first and second row seating is comfortable, the third row is a little confining for larger passengers. Cargo space is ample, even with all three rows of seats up.
Which Is the Better Buy? Final Thoughts on the 2025 Kia Telluride vs. 2025 Honda Pilot
While both SUVs are great options, the Kia Telluride stands out with its spacious interior and upscale features. If you're looking for a striking, well-rounded three-row SUV that doesn’t compromise on style or comfort, the Telluride is the better buy. Still not convinced? Stop by our showroom to experience it for yourself!