2024 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Honda Pilot

The 2024 Kia Telluride was available in five core trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. The X-Line treatment could be added to all but the LX and S, while the X-Pro package was reserved for the top trims. The X-Line package included standard all-wheel drive (AWD) with a center locking differential, increased ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, unique grille and wheel designs, and roof rails. The X-Pro package added 18-inch matte-black wheels with all-terrain tires and heavy-duty engine cooling, increasing the towing capacity to 5,500 pounds. Prices ranged from $35,990 to $53,185, excluding destination charges. The SX Prestige with the X-Line package, including extra features, had an MSRP of $54,270.

The Telluride's design attracted buyers with its appealing forms and proportions. The Wolf Gray paint complemented the blacked-out X-Line styling, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the test car featured a black interior with premium Nappa leather seats, though other color options like Mahogany brown and Sage Green were available. These complemented the simulated open-pore wood trim and helped hide the shiny plastic in the interior's lower portions. Despite some plastic elements, the SX Prestige nearly met luxury SUV standards with its soft leather, artificial suede headliner, and 24-inch dual-screen digital display panel.

The 2025 Honda Pilot was offered in Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims. The Sport was affordable but lacked amenities, making the EX-L a recommended upgrade. Prices ranged from $40,200 to $54,580, plus a $1,395 destination charge. The Black Edition, based on the Pilot Elite, featured black wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, and black badges. Inside, it had black leather seats with red perforation accents, red contrast stitching, and red ambient lighting. The cabin also included "Black Edition" embossing on the head restraints and floor mats.

The Pilot's design aimed for a rugged look, especially with the TrailSport trim, but the Black Edition's custom look suited suburban environments. The interior featured thoughtful design and quality materials, though the digital driver display and infotainment system appeared dated. Despite this, the technology was competitive, offering practical storage solutions. The Pilot's interior was functional, with comfortable seating and family-friendly features, though it lacked a significant "wow factor."

The 2024 Kia Telluride featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds, with the X-Pro package increasing this to 5,500 pounds. The AWD system included a locking center differential and various driving modes, including Snow. Ground clearance was 8.0 inches, rising to 8.4 inches with the X-Line and X-Pro packages. The Telluride offered good acceleration and passing power but was not fuel-efficient, averaging 19 mpg in combined driving and 17.5 mpg in city driving.

The Telluride's driving experience was refined, with brake-induced Torque Vectoring Cornering Control and responsive steering. The ride was firm at lower speeds but soft and compliant at higher velocities, absorbing road undulations effectively. Off-road, the Telluride was more capable than expected, handling various terrains with ease.

The 2025 Honda Pilot had a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, generating 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds and offered multiple driving modes, including Trail and Sand. The AWD system featured torque vectoring and up to 8.3 inches of ground clearance for the TrailSport.

The Pilot provided good acceleration, though the transmission occasionally felt slow to downshift. Fuel economy was unimpressive, averaging 20 mpg on the evaluation loop. An adaptive-damping suspension system would have benefited the Elite and Black Edition models, as the ride quality was soft on undulating roads. The Pilot's handling was predictable and secure, with properly calibrated steering and braking systems. Off-road, the Pilot was capable, though not designed for extreme overlanding.

The 2024 Kia Telluride offered a comfortable interior, especially in higher trims. The SX Prestige X-Line featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a dual sunroof. The controls were oriented horizontally, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Storage space was generous, with a hands-free power liftgate and 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2025 Honda Pilot excelled in form and function, with three rows of comfortable seats and thoughtful storage solutions. The Black Edition's front row had a 10-way power driver seat but only a four-way passenger seat. The second row was roomy, with a removable center section for captain’s chairs. The third row was habitable for adults, and the Pilot featured a triple-zone climate control system. Cargo space was 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86.5 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2024 Kia Telluride came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, requiring a cable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Kia Connect subscription plans offered various features, including remote engine starting and climate pre-conditioning. The test vehicle had satellite radio, wireless charging, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Additional tech included a digital key function, a camera-based rearview mirror, and a 10-inch head-up display.

The 2025 Honda Pilot featured a 10.2-inch digital gauge panel and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Pilot's voice recognition system was inconsistent, and the wireless charging pad was not recessed. The CabinTalk feature allowed communication with passengers, and a small head-up display was available.

The 2024 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive Kia Drive Wise suite, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Highway Driving Assist provided semi-autonomous capabilities, with upgrades available depending on the trim. The Telluride earned a five-star overall crash test rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.

The 2025 Honda Pilot came with Honda Sensing safety features, including forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The Black Edition had parking sensors and a multi-view camera system. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems had some issues, but the Pilot earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA.