2022 Honda Pilot vs Kia Telluride

Many potential clients find the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride three-row SUVs alluring. They are not only spacious but also feature elegant cabins and impressive abilities. Additionally, they also have many modern technologies embedded in them. For contemporary customers, they are heaven.

There are four trims of the Telluride, a model that was first released not too long ago. The Telluride has become quite popular in a short amount of time because of its practicality, value, and performance. Honda makes seven trims of the Pilot. The Pilot has undergone some changes over its long tenure in the market, and the 2022 model year is impressive in many ways.

The Powertrain

For these vehicles, both automakers have remained true to the V6 engine. They can also be equipped with all-wheel drive. The Honda's 3.5-liter engine produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine is equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters as standard. Pilots with front-wheel drive have a Snow Mode and a standard Eco Assist feature, which improves their performance in ice situations. Intelligent traction management systems on all-wheel-drive cars feature distinct snow, sand, and mud modes.

The engine on the Telluride is slightly larger, having a displacement of 3.8 liters. It can make 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It works along with an electronically controlled eight-speed automatic transmission, and the Sportmatic sports shifter can give drivers more control over shifting.

There are four drive modes on the Telluride. Comfort mode is likely the default mode for most people. There is an Eco mode as well as Sport and Smart modes. Bright mode is a dynamic mode that adjusts to the situation and can provide a more customized experience. If the SUV has all-wheel drive, it would also have Snow Mode and the ability to lock AWD into place.

Since the power difference isn't that substantial between these models, it makes sense that they can tow the same weight. They both have towing capacities of 5,000 pounds if they've been set up with the proper equipment. This is good news for anyone who may occasionally haul work equipment or other cargo with them.

One more advanced feature is available with the Telluride, but not the Pilot. It's a self-leveling rear suspension. It can level out the vehicle and enhance handling if the cabin is weighted down with heavy cargo in the back.

After being stopped on a hill for a stop sign or red light, vehicles can sometimes roll backward before gaining the momentum they need to start moving again. Fortunately, both models have a hill start assist, which holds pressure on the brakes until the gas pedal is engaged. These models also have traction control programs that are ready to make adjustments at any time. Hybrid cars are becoming much more famous, but Kia and Honda decided against them while designing the Pilot and Telluride. Apart from being less efficient, Pilot and Telluride cars can still, at least, be compared to each other.

Fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive Honda Pilot is calculated to be 20 miles per gallon in the city and 27 miles per gallon on the highway. Each number decreases by one mile per gallon if the SUV has all-wheel drive. A front-wheel-drive Kia Telluride can attain up to 20 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway. If a Telluride has all-wheel drive, it will acquire an evaluated 19 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway.

Drivability

These SUVs are easy to maneuver. They're not as big as full-size trucks or SUVs, so they can still be parked in packed areas and deliver agility while maneuvering. They're almost the same stature; the Pilot is a half-inch longer. The Pilot has a narrowly taller cabin, though the Telluride sits a slightly higher off the ground.

Inside their cabins is space for up to 8 passengers, including the driver. As one would expect, the front rows are spacious and comfortable. The second row in the Telluride has a generous 42.4 inches of legroom. Comparatively, the Pilot has 38.4 inches of legroom. This is still a good amount of space, allowing adults to ride in the row without an issue.

The third rows of these models are much smaller. The Telluride only has 31.4 inches of legroom back there, and the Pilot has 31.9 inches of third-row legroom. Someone taller might be able to squeeze back there on short trips, but this would be better on long journeys. If the back row of either vehicle is not being used, then it could be folded down to make more space for cargo. Folding down both the second and third rows can considerably expand cargo capacity. The maximum cargo volume in the Telluride is 87 cubic feet, and it's approximately 84 cubic feet in the Pilot.

The cargo holds are more undersized when the rear seats are occupied. The Pilot has about sixteen cubic feet of load room behind the seating area. This is only a bit bigger than some sedans' trunk areas. The Telluride has been developed to have more space, with twenty-one cubic feet in its back cargo hold. Both SUVs can have two separate seating arrangements. The first type is the typical one. It would give the vehicle a bench seat in the middle row. In this case, 3 people can fit together on the bench, with room for three more passengers in the third row. The other setup is to have a pair of captain's chairs in the middle row. This would bring the total seating capacity down to seven only, but it does open the cabin and gives it a more executive style.

In the Honda, heated front seats are standard, and so is a power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support. There is an option to get a Pilot with heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats. The Telluride doesn't come standard with a power-adjustable driver's seat, but most trims have one. Heated front seats are found in most trims, too, and some have ventilation in those seats. Heated and ventilated second-row seats are available, as is a heated steering wheel.

Most modern consumers value technology and appreciate it when it's merged into their daily use. Luckily, the Pilot and Telluride have excellent infotainment packages. The Pilot has Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an eight-inch touchscreen. Also, as a bonus, it has standard SiriusXM and HD Radio. At least two USB ports are included with every model. Some have wireless charging and two more USB charging ports in the second row.

Navigation is standard on the higher trims of the Pilot. It provides turn-by-turn directions and can be very convenient since it considers traffic. The top three trims have several more standard components, including a rear-seat entertainment system with two screens, wireless headphones, and a Blu-ray player. They also have ten-speaker sound systems, in-cabin intercom systems, Wi-Fi capability, and multi-zone audio so that volume can be at different levels in different rows of seats.

Most agree that Kia has done a better job regarding technology. The Telluride comes standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen and integrated navigation. That's right, every one of its models has a giant touchscreen and access to traffic information and directions. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and six charging ports are standard. Also standard is an intercom system and Quiet Mode, which can focus the sound in just the first row so that passengers can listen to their entertainment or enjoy some quiet time.

Higher trims of the Telluride can have seven total USB ports and wireless charging. The standard sound system has six speakers, whereas the Pilot has 7. Available on the Telluride is a ten-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. A few things are missing from the Telluride comparatively from the Pilot, such as the ability to act as a Wi-Fi hotspot and a rear-seat entertainment program.

Safety

Every one of the Pilot and Telluride trims has a number of driver-assist technologies. These can help drivers watch out for potential problems. If issues are detected, warnings will be given, and the SUVs could even take corrective measures by adjusting steering or applying pressure to the brakes. Advanced monitoring equipment allows these vehicles to sense potential frontal collisions and know when they're veering out of position. They also have automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Adaptive cruise control is found in both of them. When engaged, it can adjust speed depending on how fast the leading vehicle travels and how far away that vehicle is. The Telluride's adaptive cruise control program can take navigation information into account, so if the SUV is coming up on a curve, it can slow down appropriately.
The Telluride can have several other key safety components. It comes standard with a parking distance warning program that works when the vehicle is in reverse. Higher trims have parking distance sensors at the front as well. It has mitigation systems with blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. In contrast, the Honda Pilot will provide a warning but won't necessarily take action to prevent accidents with vehicles that the driver can't see. Further, the Telluride has a safe exit warning, and it can be upgraded with a heads-up display and a surround-view monitor.

Which Has the Best Value?

Despite being a bit more advanced, the Telluride has a lower starting price of 33,400 dollars than the Honda Pilot, which has a starting cost of about 38,000 dollars, displaying the huge difference.

The same is true for the more premium trims in the respective lineups. The SX trim of the Telluride costs a little more than $43,000, whereas the Black Edition trim of the Honda Pilot costs nearly $52,000. At this level, the Pilot comes standard will all-wheel drive. This type of drivetrain costs a bit extra with the Telluride, but the difference in price is still very noticeable.

These trims have luxurious features, such as heated and ventilated front seats plus ambient lighting. The Black Edition has a panoramic roof, while the SX has dual sunroofs, providing the same effect. There may be a few things different about these trims, but it is tough to say that the Pilot is worth much more money.

Which is Better?

In quite a lot of ways, the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride are very similar. They have just about the same amount of power, with the Telluride offering more legroom for its passengers. They also have solid infotainment systems and safety packages, though again, the Telluride seems to pull ahead in these areas.

When it comes to price, Telluride is the clear winner. Across the lineup, it's more affordable than the corresponding trims of the Honda Pilot. Considering it has a very nice cabin and a better infotainment system, it comes out as the clear pick.

Nevertheless, the Honda Pilot has relished a lot of triumphs over the years, and the decision to get a Pilot might be due to unwavering brand loyalty. It's challenging to dispute an automobile that has proven dependable and valuable. There is nothing major that the Pilot is lacking, so it would be perfect for a lot of people.

That being said, the Telluride seems more upscale than the Pilot at a more affordable price. If someone is coming at the decision objectively, then Telluride would most likely be the choice.