Kia Telluride vs Honda Pilot

When it comes to performance, the Kia Telluride clearly impresses. For example, the Telluride is powered by a 3.8‑liter V6 engine with an available all‐wheel‑drive system and up to 5,500 lbs. towing capacity.

This means whether you’re towing a small boat for a weekend on Tampa Bay or hauling gear for a family outing to Brandon, you’ve got real flexibility. This engine produces up to 291 horsepower, surpassing the Honda Pilot's engine output. 

In contrast, the Pilot offers a V6 engine as well—but its standard drivetrain and options don’t provide quite the same balanced combination of luxury, capability, and refinement. For instance, the Pilot’s specs show that with AWD, its towing capacity reaches up to 5,000 lbs.

When it comes to tech and connected features, the Telluride again shines. The Telluride features numerous amenities, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a dual 12.3-inch panoramic display, both available on higher trim levels. It also includes wireless phone charging, advanced driver assistance systems, and a suite of convenience features—many of which come standard or at lower trim levels than comparable features in many rival SUVs.* 

The Pilot also brings a solid technology package, including smartphone connectivity, driver‑assistive features, and more. However, to get the full premium experience in the Pilot, you often must move into higher trims—and even then, the cabin finishing and tech integration feel less refined than the Telluride.