2020 Kia Telluride vs 2020 Honda Pilot

Historically, drivers who needed to haul more than seven passengers were limited to minivans, but nowadays there are plenty of options in the market that satisfy that demand. The full-size crossover class has arisen to answer the needs of those who seek tons of space but don’t want to sacrifice in capability or efficiency. Whether you need them for their off-road prowess or simply want to enjoy a more comfortable ride, models of this segment do not disappoint.

Debuting this year, the 2020 Kia Telluride has already gained an unprecedented success, bringing in a differential value to such a crowded segment. A luxurious style, a host of standard safety features, and a comfortable and well-equipped cabin make the Telluride one of the top models in its class. Up against it is the 2020 Honda Pilot, another popular model that has long belonged to the full-size SUV realm. Continue reading to find out which one offers the best value.

Has the 2020 Kia Telluride Dethroned the 2020 Honda Pilot?

The chard above says it all. The 2020 Kia Telluride is not just a competent model in the three-row SUV segment, it is a class leader. Despite starting at similar price tags, the Telluride beats the Pilot in every single aspect, beginning with performance. Under its hood sits a 3.8-liter 6-cylinder engine that comes paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and delivers 291 horsepower. The engine on the 2020 Honda Pilot is matched to a 6-speed automatic and puts out 280 horsepower. The Telluride can also pull more than the Pilot, achieving a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Despite this difference in power, the Telluride is slightly more efficient than the Pilot, achieving a higher combined mpg rating.

In terms of interior space, the Telluride also takes the win. This all-new Kia offers passengers more legroom in the first- and second-row seats, and about the same space in the third row. Fitting all your gear in the trunk of the Telluride won’t be an issue either. Behind the rear seats, this three-row SUV has 21 cubic feet of space, versus the 16.5 cubic feet offered on the Honda Pilot. For maximum cargo capacity, you can fold down the third and second rows to make use of 87 cubic feet of room.

The new Telluride is loaded with fanciful features, even on its base trim. By looking at its starting price no one would expect such level of refinement. Standard on each Telluride you will find an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Sofino® synthetic leather seat trim, and all the driver-assist features that come with the Kia Drive Wise safety suite, including Blind Spot Detection. To enjoy most of these features on the 2020 Pilot, you need to upgrade to higher trims.