If you’re shopping for a midsize SUV that can handle family life, weekend adventures, and daily commuting in Missouri, chances are you’re considering two of the top contenders: the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2025 Honda Pilot.

Both SUVs offer spacious interiors, strong V6 engines, and a reputation for reliability, but they differ in features, value, and overall ownership experience. In this in-depth comparison, we’ll break down everything Independence MO, Lee’s Summit MO, and Blue Springs MO drivers need to know before choosing.

Price and Value: Kia Wins on Cost and Features

The 2025 Kia Telluride starts at $37,585, which is nearly $2,300 less than the base 2025 Honda Pilot. That alone is a win, but Kia doesn’t stop there. Even in base trims, Telluride offers features like:

• 12.3-inch touchscreen
• Synthetic leather seating
• Wireless phone charging
• Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control
• Dual-zone climate control

Honda Pilot’s base trim (Sport) starts at $39,900 and includes a smaller screen and fewer tech amenities. To match the Telluride’s feature set, most buyers need to step up to the Pilot EX-L, which pushes the price closer to $42,000.

Bottom line:

Telluride gives you more tech and comfort for less.

Interior Space and Comfort

Kia Telluride Interior Highlights:

• Best-in-class legroom (especially in 2nd row)
• Available premium Nappa leather
• Quiet, refined cabin with upscale feel
• Standard 12.3-inch curved display cluster
• Available heated/ventilated 2nd-row captain’s chairs
• Rear Occupant Alert with ultrasonic sensors

Honda Pilot Interior Highlights:

• Modern layout with clean Honda design
• 2nd-row bench or captain’s chairs available
• New removable middle seat (Elite trim)
• Tri-zone climate standard
• Less luxurious feel in base trims

Both SUVs seat 7 or 8 passengers, but the Telluride wins in ride quality and upscale finishes, especially at the price point.

Performance and Towing

Both SUVs are powered by naturally aspirated V6 engines:

• Telluride: 3.8L V6, 291 horsepower
• Pilot: 3.5L V6, 285 horsepower

Both offer AWD, but Telluride’s available X-Pro trim adds off-road tuned suspension and higher towing capacity (up to 5,500 lbs). The Pilot maxes out at 5,000 lbs.

Transmission:

• Pilot uses a 10-speed automatic for slightly smoother shifts
• Telluride sticks with a proven 8-speed, praised for responsiveness

In real-world driving, both are composed and capable, but the Telluride is often reviewed as more confident under load and more composed on uneven pavement.

Technology and Infotainment

Telluride Tech:

• Standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen (dual display)
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio available
• Digital key with phone-as-key capability
• Optional head-up display

Pilot Tech:

• 7-inch cluster / 9-inch touchscreen in base trims
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Optional Bose 12-speaker audio (Elite trim)
• No head-up display available
• No curved panoramic cluster

Telluride offers a more advanced tech experience from the start, especially with Kia’s Digital Cockpit layout and over-the-air updates.

Safety Features and Ratings

Both SUVs are extremely safe and include full suites of driver-assist tech.

Telluride – Kia Drive Wise:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Blind Spot View Monitor (on screen)
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Safe Exit Assist
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance
• Highway Driving Assist (available)

Pilot – Honda Sensing:

• Collision Mitigation Braking
• Road Departure Mitigation
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Traffic Sign Recognition

Both earn 5-star NHTSA ratings and are IIHS Top Safety Picks. However, the Telluride offers more standard safety technology earlier in the lineup, especially blind-spot camera features and advanced radar-based cruise options.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is close, but Pilot has a slight edge on the highway with AWD. In everyday driving, the difference is marginal, and most buyers won’t notice more than 1 MPG in real-world conditions.

Warranty and Reliability

Kia Telluride Warranty:

• 10 years / 100,000 miles (Powertrain)
• 5 years / 60,000 miles (Basic)
• 5 years / 60,000 miles (Roadside)

Honda Pilot Warranty:

• 5 years / 60,000 miles (Powertrain)
• 3 years / 36,000 miles (Basic)
• 3 years / 36,000 miles (Roadside)

Kia’s industry-leading warranty is a major win for long-term owners. You get double the coverage, more peace of mind, and lower long-term ownership cost.

Which SUV Is Right for You in Missouri?

Choose the 2025 Kia Telluride if you want:

• More features for the price
• Best warranty in the class
• Better towing and off-road trims
• Smoother, more luxurious interior
• Longer standard safety list

Choose the 2025 Honda Pilot if you want:

• Slightly better highway MPG
• Honda brand familiarity
• A cleaner dashboard layout
• Slightly smoother 10-speed transmission

Why Buy the Telluride from Bob Sight Kia in Independence MO?

Bob Sight Kia has been serving Missouri drivers for over 100 years and we’re proud to be one of the top 10 Kia dealers in the nation for customer satisfaction.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Transparent pricing with Price Match Promise
• Easy same-day test drive scheduling
• Huge selection of Telluride trims and colors
• No pressure, no hassle — just honest people
• Trusted by drivers from Independence, Lee’s Summit, and Blue Springs

Shop the 2025 Kia Telluride Today

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