2025 Kia Telluride Dare To Compare
2025 Kia Telluride S vs. 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L – More Power, More Comfort, and Better Value
When comparing the 2025 Kia Telluride S vs. the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L, the Telluride offers better value and superior interior comfort, making it a top contender in the competitive 3-row midsize SUV category. Priced significantly lower at $39,390—compared to the Pilot EX-L’s $43,500 starting MSRP—the Telluride gives drivers thousands in savings without compromising on performance or features. Even with all-wheel drive, the Telluride S remains more affordable at $41,390, versus the Pilot’s $45,600 AWD-equipped price. Adding AWD still cost less than the starting price of 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L allowing you to get the AWD benefits while undercutting the price of the base price.
The Telluride also wins in performance with a powerful 291-horsepower V6 engine, slightly outperforming the Pilot’s 285 horsepower. But where Kia truly shines is interior comfort: passengers in the second row enjoy an impressive 42.4 inches of rear legroom, compared to the Pilot’s 40.8 inches, providing a more spacious and relaxing experience for adults and teens alike. Front legroom also edges ahead at 41.4 inches, vs. 41.0 inches in the Pilot. Additionally, the Telluride S includes a sunroof as standard, a premium touch that Honda only offers on higher, more expensive trims. For families searching for the best value 3-row SUV 2025 or Kia Telluride vs Honda Pilot space and features, the Telluride clearly comes out on top.
2025 Kia Telluride S vs. 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander XLE – Better Warranty, More Cargo, and Lower Price
When placed side-by-side with the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander XLE, the 2025 Kia Telluride S offers a more affordable and better-equipped package. With a starting price of $39,390, the Telluride undercuts the Grand Highlander XLE by over $4,200, and that price gap holds even when both vehicles are equipped with all-wheel drive: $41,390 for the Telluride vs. $45,230 for the Grand Highlander. That kind of savings opens room in the budget for accessories, upgrades, or lower monthly payments—while still providing a vehicle loaded with upscale features.
In terms of practicality, the Telluride also boasts slightly more usable cargo space at 21.0 cu. ft., compared to the Grand Highlander’s 20.6 cu. ft., making it better for families hauling luggage, groceries, or sports gear. Rear passengers will also appreciate the Telluride’s generous 42.4 inches of second-row legroom, far surpassing the Grand Highlander’s 39.5 inches. Engine performance is another area where the Telluride leads, delivering 291 horsepower, compared to 265 horsepower in Toyota’s SUV. And when it comes to long-term ownership peace of mind, Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty is vastly superior to Toyota’s 5-year/60,000-mile drivetrain and 3-year/36,000-mile basic coverage. For buyers searching “Kia Telluride vs Toyota Grand Highlander reliability” or “3-row SUV with best warranty and value,” the Telluride S dominates.
Conclusion: Why the 2025 Kia Telluride S Is the Best Midsize 3-Row SUV for Families
Across every critical category—price, power, interior space, standard features, and warranty coverage—the 2025 Kia Telluride S proves itself as the smarter midsize SUV choice. It provides more legroom, better performance, and industry-leading warranty protection, all at a lower price point than both the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L and the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander XLE. Whether you’re a growing family looking for the best 3-row SUV for comfort and space, or a savvy shopper comparing Telluride vs Pilot vs Grand Highlander, the Telluride S delivers more value without compromise.
If you’re in the market for a new SUV that checks every box—affordability, reliability, features, and space—the 2025 Kia Telluride S should be at the top of your list.
