Victor Rusk
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If you're shopping for a three row midsize SUV in 2026, the conversation has changed in a big way. Kia recently launched an all-new second generation Telluride, and it brings a fresh redesign, a torquey turbocharged four cylinder, an available turbo hybrid powertrain, more interior space, and even stronger real world credentials. The Honda Pilot, meanwhile, continues with its current generation (lightly updated for 2026) and its proven V6 formula.
Both remain excellent choices for families who need space, comfort, and capability without jumping into full size territory. But after spending time with the details and thinking about what actually matters on daily drives, road trips, and long term ownership, the new Telluride pulls further ahead for most buyers. Here's the honest, no hype breakdown.
Pricing and Value
The 2027 Telluride opens at a starting MSRP around $39,190 for the LX front wheel drive model (roughly $40,735 including destination). Even nicely equipped examples with all wheel drive and popular options stay competitive in the low to mid $40,000s before you reach the loaded trims.
The current Honda Pilot starts higher, typically in the low $42,000 range depending on trim and destination. When you option both to similar equipment levels, the Telluride continues to offer more content for the money. You can often step into a higher content Telluride - with more standard tech, nicer wheels, or available all wheel drive - while still coming in under a comparably equipped Pilot.
That value equation gets even better when you consider the available turbo hybrid. It delivers serious efficiency without asking you to give up much in capability. For families who rack up miles, that can translate into real savings at the pump over the years.
Exterior Design and Presence
The 2027 Telluride arrives with a complete redesign. It adopts a more boxy, rugged Range Rover-esque profile with updated lighting, a bolder grille, and cleaner surfacing that feels modern and upscale. The X-Line and especially the enhanced X-Pro trims add serious presence with increased ground clearance, protective cladding, and off road oriented details like an available electronic limited slip differential and underbody camera on higher X-Pro models.
The Pilot has a purposeful, truck like stance that some owners love for its no nonsense look. After its earlier redesign, it carries a more squared off appearance. Next to the fresh Telluride, though, it can feel a touch less contemporary. If you want your family SUV to look current and capable whether you're pulling into the school lot or heading toward the mountains, the new Telluride makes a stronger statement.
Interior Space, Comfort, and Quality
This is one area where the new Telluride makes clear progress. With a longer wheelbase and overall length, it delivers more generous second and third row room. Kia highlights class leading second row legroom and thoughtful second row seat design that makes accessing the third row easier while allowing child seats to stay in place. Cargo space behind the third row improves to around 22 cubic feet, with maximum capacity reaching about 89 cubic feet.
The Pilot remains very practical, especially with its removable second row center seat that lets you quickly switch between seven and eight passenger configurations. It offers strong cargo flexibility in certain setups. However, the Telluride's increased dimensions and clever packaging give it a slight edge in outright passenger comfort for longer trips.
Inside, the Telluride continues its tradition of feeling more premium than its price suggests. Materials, fit and finish, and overall ambiance lean upscale, with higher trims offering even richer touches. The Pilot is functional and has improved in recent years, but it still leans more toward practical family hauler than near luxury crossover. The new Telluride simply feels more special when you spend time behind the wheel or in the back seats. And think about - Honda can't give the Pilot its best effort when that must go to the Infiniti QX60. The Telluride doesn't have that problem...
Performance, Driving Dynamics, and Capability
Here's where the new Telluride makes one of its biggest leaps. The standard powertrain is now a 2.5 liter turbocharged four cylinder making 274 horsepower and a stout 311 lb ft of torque. That torque figure is a meaningful jump over the Pilot's 262 lb ft from its 3.5 liter V6. In real world driving, you'll feel stronger mid range pull for highway passing and merging, especially when the vehicle is loaded with passengers and gear.
The available turbo hybrid takes it further with a combined 329 horsepower and 339 lb ft. It pairs strong acceleration with excellent efficiency. Both versions use an eight speed automatic that's smooth and responsive.
The Pilot's 3.5 liter V6 with its 10 speed automatic remains smooth and refined. Some drivers still prefer the character of a traditional V6. But the Telluride's turbo four (and especially the hybrid) delivers stronger low end torque and, in hybrid form, quicker overall response.
Towing capacity is competitive. The gas Telluride can pull up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The hybrid is rated around 4,500 pounds. The Pilot matches the 5,000 pound mark on all wheel drive models. Both handle weekend trailers, boats, or campers confidently, with the Telluride's extra torque providing a reassuring edge when you're loaded.
All wheel drive is available across the lineup on both vehicles, with terrain modes and the X-Pro's enhanced hardware (including electronic limited slip differential) giving the Telluride strong credentials for light off-road or snowy conditions. The Pilot's TrailSport trim remains a capable choice for similar duties.
Ride and handling are comfortable and composed in both. The Telluride feels planted and confident, with the new chassis delivering a refined experience. The Pilot is stable and easy to drive. Test both if you can - preferences here are personal - but the Telluride's updated tuning and torque advantage make it feel more effortless in many situations.
Fuel Economy
This category now heavily favors the Telluride thanks to the hybrid option. The gas only Telluride posts competitive numbers around 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined for front wheel drive and slightly lower for all wheel drive.
The turbo hybrid changes the game. Certain front wheel drive EX models are EPA rated up to 34 city / 36 highway / 35 combined, with total driving range estimates reaching as high as 637 miles on a tank. All wheel drive hybrid versions remain strong in the low 30s combined. That's class leading efficiency for a three row SUV with this much capability.
The Pilot's figures stay in the familiar range - roughly 19 city / 27 highway for front wheel drive and a bit less for all wheel drive. It's respectable, but the Telluride hybrid offers a clear advantage if you want to spend less time at the pump without downsizing.
Technology and Features
The new Telluride brings a modern tech experience with a large standard 12.3 inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, available larger digital clusters, and higher trims offering expansive display real estate (up to nearly 30 inches combined in some configurations). Available premium audio (including Meridian on top trims), wireless charging, and thoughtful family features like USB-C ports throughout and available rear entertainment keep it current.
The Pilot received meaningful updates for 2026, including a standard 12.3 inch touchscreen across the lineup and some cabin quieting improvements. It's much improved over earlier versions. Still, the Telluride's fresh architecture and generous standard equipment give it a slight edge in feeling more up to date right from the lower trims.
Both offer comprehensive suites of driver assistance features. The Telluride's systems are generally well calibrated and less nagging in daily use.
Safety and Ownership Peace of Mind
Both earn strong safety ratings and come well equipped with modern driver aids. The Telluride continues to post excellent marks and benefits from Kia's strong structural engineering.
The biggest ownership advantage remains Kia's warranty - which almost doubles Honda's: five years / 60,000 miles basic and ten years / 100,000 miles on the powertrain. That's meaningful coverage that extends well into the typical ownership period. The Pilot carries Honda's more traditional three year / 36,000 mile basic and five year / 60,000 mile powertrain warranty. Both brands have good reliability reputations, but the Telluride's longer coverage provides extra confidence, especially with the new powertrains.
...when all is said and done...
The Honda Pilot is still a strong, refined choice. Its V6 smoothness, flexible seating, proven track record, and strong resale value will keep it on many shopping lists. If you specifically want that traditional V6 character or maximum second row configuration flexibility on a budget, it deserves a close look.
But the all new 2027 Kia Telluride moves the goalposts. The redesign brings fresher styling and more interior space. The turbocharged four cylinder delivers noticeably more torque than before. The available hybrid offers class leading efficiency and strong performance. Feature content remains generous, the driving experience is confident and comfortable, and that legendary Kia warranty is still in place.
For most families, the Telluride now represents an even better balance of capability, efficiency, style, space, and long term value. Whether you choose the already efficient gas version or step up to the hybrid, you're getting a vehicle that feels modern, well thought out, and genuinely enjoyable to own.
If you're cross shopping these two right now, the new Telluride is worth moving to the top of your list. The gap has widened in its favor.
The Pilot isn't suddenly a bad vehicle - far from it. But the Telluride simply gives you more of what most people actually use and appreciate every day, wrapped in a fresh package with serious long term protection.
If you liked my article, please give it a share! I'd love for more people to read it.
Both remain excellent choices for families who need space, comfort, and capability without jumping into full size territory. But after spending time with the details and thinking about what actually matters on daily drives, road trips, and long term ownership, the new Telluride pulls further ahead for most buyers. Here's the honest, no hype breakdown.
Pricing and Value
The 2027 Telluride opens at a starting MSRP around $39,190 for the LX front wheel drive model (roughly $40,735 including destination). Even nicely equipped examples with all wheel drive and popular options stay competitive in the low to mid $40,000s before you reach the loaded trims.
The current Honda Pilot starts higher, typically in the low $42,000 range depending on trim and destination. When you option both to similar equipment levels, the Telluride continues to offer more content for the money. You can often step into a higher content Telluride - with more standard tech, nicer wheels, or available all wheel drive - while still coming in under a comparably equipped Pilot.
That value equation gets even better when you consider the available turbo hybrid. It delivers serious efficiency without asking you to give up much in capability. For families who rack up miles, that can translate into real savings at the pump over the years.
Exterior Design and Presence
The 2027 Telluride arrives with a complete redesign. It adopts a more boxy, rugged Range Rover-esque profile with updated lighting, a bolder grille, and cleaner surfacing that feels modern and upscale. The X-Line and especially the enhanced X-Pro trims add serious presence with increased ground clearance, protective cladding, and off road oriented details like an available electronic limited slip differential and underbody camera on higher X-Pro models.
The Pilot has a purposeful, truck like stance that some owners love for its no nonsense look. After its earlier redesign, it carries a more squared off appearance. Next to the fresh Telluride, though, it can feel a touch less contemporary. If you want your family SUV to look current and capable whether you're pulling into the school lot or heading toward the mountains, the new Telluride makes a stronger statement.
Interior Space, Comfort, and Quality
This is one area where the new Telluride makes clear progress. With a longer wheelbase and overall length, it delivers more generous second and third row room. Kia highlights class leading second row legroom and thoughtful second row seat design that makes accessing the third row easier while allowing child seats to stay in place. Cargo space behind the third row improves to around 22 cubic feet, with maximum capacity reaching about 89 cubic feet.
The Pilot remains very practical, especially with its removable second row center seat that lets you quickly switch between seven and eight passenger configurations. It offers strong cargo flexibility in certain setups. However, the Telluride's increased dimensions and clever packaging give it a slight edge in outright passenger comfort for longer trips.
Inside, the Telluride continues its tradition of feeling more premium than its price suggests. Materials, fit and finish, and overall ambiance lean upscale, with higher trims offering even richer touches. The Pilot is functional and has improved in recent years, but it still leans more toward practical family hauler than near luxury crossover. The new Telluride simply feels more special when you spend time behind the wheel or in the back seats. And think about - Honda can't give the Pilot its best effort when that must go to the Infiniti QX60. The Telluride doesn't have that problem...
Performance, Driving Dynamics, and Capability
Here's where the new Telluride makes one of its biggest leaps. The standard powertrain is now a 2.5 liter turbocharged four cylinder making 274 horsepower and a stout 311 lb ft of torque. That torque figure is a meaningful jump over the Pilot's 262 lb ft from its 3.5 liter V6. In real world driving, you'll feel stronger mid range pull for highway passing and merging, especially when the vehicle is loaded with passengers and gear.
The available turbo hybrid takes it further with a combined 329 horsepower and 339 lb ft. It pairs strong acceleration with excellent efficiency. Both versions use an eight speed automatic that's smooth and responsive.
The Pilot's 3.5 liter V6 with its 10 speed automatic remains smooth and refined. Some drivers still prefer the character of a traditional V6. But the Telluride's turbo four (and especially the hybrid) delivers stronger low end torque and, in hybrid form, quicker overall response.
Towing capacity is competitive. The gas Telluride can pull up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The hybrid is rated around 4,500 pounds. The Pilot matches the 5,000 pound mark on all wheel drive models. Both handle weekend trailers, boats, or campers confidently, with the Telluride's extra torque providing a reassuring edge when you're loaded.
All wheel drive is available across the lineup on both vehicles, with terrain modes and the X-Pro's enhanced hardware (including electronic limited slip differential) giving the Telluride strong credentials for light off-road or snowy conditions. The Pilot's TrailSport trim remains a capable choice for similar duties.
Ride and handling are comfortable and composed in both. The Telluride feels planted and confident, with the new chassis delivering a refined experience. The Pilot is stable and easy to drive. Test both if you can - preferences here are personal - but the Telluride's updated tuning and torque advantage make it feel more effortless in many situations.
Fuel Economy
This category now heavily favors the Telluride thanks to the hybrid option. The gas only Telluride posts competitive numbers around 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined for front wheel drive and slightly lower for all wheel drive.
The turbo hybrid changes the game. Certain front wheel drive EX models are EPA rated up to 34 city / 36 highway / 35 combined, with total driving range estimates reaching as high as 637 miles on a tank. All wheel drive hybrid versions remain strong in the low 30s combined. That's class leading efficiency for a three row SUV with this much capability.
The Pilot's figures stay in the familiar range - roughly 19 city / 27 highway for front wheel drive and a bit less for all wheel drive. It's respectable, but the Telluride hybrid offers a clear advantage if you want to spend less time at the pump without downsizing.
Technology and Features
The new Telluride brings a modern tech experience with a large standard 12.3 inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, available larger digital clusters, and higher trims offering expansive display real estate (up to nearly 30 inches combined in some configurations). Available premium audio (including Meridian on top trims), wireless charging, and thoughtful family features like USB-C ports throughout and available rear entertainment keep it current.
The Pilot received meaningful updates for 2026, including a standard 12.3 inch touchscreen across the lineup and some cabin quieting improvements. It's much improved over earlier versions. Still, the Telluride's fresh architecture and generous standard equipment give it a slight edge in feeling more up to date right from the lower trims.
Both offer comprehensive suites of driver assistance features. The Telluride's systems are generally well calibrated and less nagging in daily use.
Safety and Ownership Peace of Mind
Both earn strong safety ratings and come well equipped with modern driver aids. The Telluride continues to post excellent marks and benefits from Kia's strong structural engineering.
The biggest ownership advantage remains Kia's warranty - which almost doubles Honda's: five years / 60,000 miles basic and ten years / 100,000 miles on the powertrain. That's meaningful coverage that extends well into the typical ownership period. The Pilot carries Honda's more traditional three year / 36,000 mile basic and five year / 60,000 mile powertrain warranty. Both brands have good reliability reputations, but the Telluride's longer coverage provides extra confidence, especially with the new powertrains.
...when all is said and done...
The Honda Pilot is still a strong, refined choice. Its V6 smoothness, flexible seating, proven track record, and strong resale value will keep it on many shopping lists. If you specifically want that traditional V6 character or maximum second row configuration flexibility on a budget, it deserves a close look.
But the all new 2027 Kia Telluride moves the goalposts. The redesign brings fresher styling and more interior space. The turbocharged four cylinder delivers noticeably more torque than before. The available hybrid offers class leading efficiency and strong performance. Feature content remains generous, the driving experience is confident and comfortable, and that legendary Kia warranty is still in place.
For most families, the Telluride now represents an even better balance of capability, efficiency, style, space, and long term value. Whether you choose the already efficient gas version or step up to the hybrid, you're getting a vehicle that feels modern, well thought out, and genuinely enjoyable to own.
If you're cross shopping these two right now, the new Telluride is worth moving to the top of your list. The gap has widened in its favor.
The Pilot isn't suddenly a bad vehicle - far from it. But the Telluride simply gives you more of what most people actually use and appreciate every day, wrapped in a fresh package with serious long term protection.
If you liked my article, please give it a share! I'd love for more people to read it.
