Midsized Three-Row SUV Face-Off: Honda Pilot vs. Kia Telluride
The new king of midsized SUVs takes on an established competitor
In the battle of midsized three-row SUVs, the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride are worthy competitors. Neither SUV deviates much from the standard SUV formula. They’re very close in many ways, including size, towing capacity, and fuel economy. They have roomy cabins, use six-cylinder engines, and a number of active safety systems come standard.
When the Telluride burst onto the scene for 2020 it upended the status quo among midsized SUVs, making every established player look old, dowdy, and boring—especially the Pilot, which was a five-year-old design at the time.
For 2023, both the Kia and Honda have undergone some changes. The Kia’s are mostly cosmetic, with a few updates to the interior. The Pilot, on the other hand, is a full redesign. The result is that these models now have some major differences. So which one performs better? Which is more enjoyable to drive? Which is easier to live with?
