Heading into its third year of production, the Kia Telluride is still a relative newcomer among 3-row midsize SUVs. But that hasn't stopped it from taking over as the segment's top model. Ranked number-one in its class by both Car and Driver and Edmunds, the Telluride has impressed consumers and critics alike with its bold executive style, upscale accommodations, and outstanding value.
Kia's largest SUV wouldn't look out of place among luxury models, and it offers a wealth of amenities at an affordable price point even in its most well-equipped configuration. It's one of the most appealing SUVs in its segment. And to show you what we mean, here's a quick look at how it compares to prominent class competitors: the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander.
Kia Telluride vs. Honda Pilot
- Performance: The Kia Telluride V6 powerplant (291 horsepower) is more powerful than the Honda Pilot's V6 (280 hp) while still managing to be slightly more efficient (23 vs. 22 mpg combined). Both models deliver adept on-road handling, especially for their size. However, the Telluride is better for venturing off the asphalt, with 8.0 inches of ground clearance and available self-leveling rear air suspension.
- Features: The Telluride and Pilot offer generously equipped base trim levels, with amenities like three-zone automatic climate control, touchscreen smartphone integration, and advanced driver aids like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. Still, the Telluride not only includes a larger touchscreen (10.25 vs. 8.0 inches) but also has a starting MSRP of $4,500 below the Pilot.
- Space: First and second-row passengers will appreciate the Telluride's extra legroom, which exceeds the Pilot by 0.5 and 4.0 inches, respectively. Plus, the Telluride offers greater cargo capacity with 21 cubic feet behind the third row (Pilot: 16 cu-ft) and 87 cubic feet with all rear seats folded (Pilot: 82.1 cu-ft).
Kia Telluride vs. Toyota Highlander
- Features: Despite a $2,000 lower starting MSRP, the Telluride comes standard with several amenities that the Highlander reserves for higher trim levels, including a larger touchscreen, simulated leather upholstery, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
- Seating and Cargo: Second and third-row passengers will enjoy more legroom in the Telluride, which offers an additional 1.4 and 3.7 inches, respectively, compared to the Highlander. Telluride also has more minimum and maximum cargo space than the Highlander (21 vs. 16 and 87 vs. 84.3 cu-ft).
- Style: While appearance is subjective, we're partial to the Telluride's expert blend of ruggedness and refinement. It's assertive yet elegant on the outside, while the interior provides a level of luxury and accommodation that's hard to match in its price range. Though attractive in its own right, the Highlander's redesign has a more car-like aesthetic that belies its SUV intentions. The Honda Pilot looks like a slightly boxier minivan.
Explore the 2022 Kia Telluride at John Starks Kia in Briarwood, near Long Island City
Reach out to John Starks Kia today for more information about the new Kia Telluride and its available configurations and financing opportunities. If you'd like to get behind the wheel and see for yourself what elevates the Telluride above the competition, we welcome you to visit our Kia dealership in Briarwood, Queens, for a test drive. We'd love to give you a tour.