2020 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Kia Telluride

The 2020 Honda Pilot was characterized by its dynamic styling, aligning with the contemporary Honda lineup. It featured thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille, with a subtle belt-line uptick around the rear side windows that cleverly masked its size, giving it a more streamlined appearance. Inside, the Pilot offered a modern cabin with a semi-digital instrument panel, combining analog fuel and engine-temperature gauges with a digital screen for other information. The cabin was spacious and comfortable, though it used hard plastics in many areas, which detracted from its overall refinement compared to rivals like the Kia Telluride.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia Telluride was praised for its terrific styling both inside and out, with no exterior detail warranting criticism. The interior was a model of contemporary design and quality execution, with only some glossy hard plastic on the lower parts as a minor flaw. The transmission shifter was strategically placed to preserve storage space, and its operation imparted a sense of quality. The Telluride's interior was available in black or gray unless opting for the SX trim, which offered more color choices. Overall, the Telluride's look and feel were highly regarded, with its design and execution setting a high standard in its class.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission on the LX, EX, and EX-L trims, while the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition received a 9-speed automatic transmission. The 9-speed offered more refined acceleration and potentially better fuel economy. Despite its unique shifter button setup, which replaced a conventional shifter, the Pilot's V6 provided strong acceleration for real-world driving. The ride was tuned for comfort, making it ideal for commutes and road trips, though it lacked athleticism. The Intelligent Traction Management System offered drive modes like Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand, enhancing traction in various conditions.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Kia's Drive Mode Select technology offered Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. Optional AWD included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, complemented by eight inches of ground clearance. The Telluride excelled in ride and handling, nearly eliminating "head-toss" with its suspension tuning. The MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, along with a self-leveling rear suspension on EX and SX trims, ensured a smooth ride. The Telluride's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined for AWD models, with real-world testing averaging 20.5 mpg.

The 2020 Honda Pilot offered a spacious 8-passenger cabin with second-row bench seating, while higher trims featured second-row captain’s chairs, reducing seating to seven. The third row was adult-friendly, and EX trims and higher provided one-touch fold-down rear seats for easy access. With the second and third rows folded, the Pilot offered 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly less than some competitors but more than the Mazda CX-9. The Pilot was designed for family hauling, with ample storage for toys and gear. Higher trims included a power liftgate and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a driver’s seat offering 14-way power adjustment and heating and ventilation for both front seats. The Prestige package added premium leather upholstery and acoustic sound-absorbing glass. The second-row captain’s chairs were heated and ventilated, with side-window sunshades and an overhead climate control panel. The third-row seat was accessible via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat, or through a pass-through between the captain’s chairs. The Telluride provided ample storage, with smartphone-friendly bins and USB ports. The "smart" hands-free power liftgate opened automatically when sensing the key fob nearby, revealing 21 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 87 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2020 Honda Pilot's LX trim featured a 5-inch color LCD screen with a 215-watt, 7-speaker stereo. Higher trims included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system, however, was criticized for its confusing layout and lack of a tuning knob. Features like HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Cabin Control Remote Capability were available on all but the LX trim. Navigation, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a premium audio system were standard on higher trims, with wireless charging available on the Elite and Black Edition.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The LX and S trims had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the EX and SX featured a 10.25-inch screen with navigation. Kia’s UVO Link Lite connected services were free for five years, offering features like Rear Occupant Alert and remote engine start. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons and stereo knobs. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon system, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode. The Prestige package added a head-up display with comprehensive information.

The 2020 Honda Pilot came standard with the HondaSensing suite, including forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured front and side-impact airbags, child-seat anchors, Vehicle Stability Assist, and traction control. Optional safety features included parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring. The Pilot earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating from the IIHS, with a Superior score in crash prevention technology.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included the Drive Wise suite, with blind-spot warning, lane-maintenance technology, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Highway Drive Assist, standard on EX and SX trims, offered semi-autonomous driving with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. Additional safety features included Rear Occupant Alert and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim added front parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its standard headlights received a Poor rating.