2023 Honda Pilot vs. 2023 Kia Telluride
A Detailed Comparison
The 2023 Honda Pilot and the 2023 Kia Telluride are both exceptional midsize SUVs that cater to families and individuals seeking versatile, comfortable, and reliable vehicles. These two SUVs are popular choices in the market and offer a great mix of performance, space, and features.
The 2023 Honda Pilot has been completely redesigned, featuring a more rugged, truck-like appearance and updated interior. The Pilot comes with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine producing 285 horsepower and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The interior offers seating for up to eight passengers and provides a range of standard and optional features, including a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies called Honda Sensing.
On the other hand, the 2023 Kia Telluride maintains its impressive reputation as a top choice in the midsize SUV segment. With a smooth ride quality, luxurious interior, and spacious third-row seating, the Telluride is a strong contender in the market. The Telluride is powered by a 3.8-liter V-6 engine generating 291 horsepower and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. For the 2023 model year, the Telluride introduces two new subtrim levels, the X-Line and X-Pro, adding more off-road capability and style to the lineup.
When comparing these two SUVs, potential buyers should consider their preferences in design, features, and brand loyalty. The Honda Pilot offers a modern, streamlined exterior and a new 10-speed automatic transmission, while the Kia Telluride provides a rugged look, off-road-focused subtrims, and a generous warranty. Both vehicles offer advanced safety features and spacious, family-friendly interiors.
2023 Honda Pilot vs. 2023 Kia Telluride: Side-by-Side Comparison
In this side-by-side comparison, we’ll delve into the details of these two SUVs to help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs.
| Feature | 2023 Honda Pilot | 2023 Kia Telluride |
| Exterior Design | Modern, truck-like | Rugged, bold |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Engine | 3.5-liter V-6 | 3.8-liter V-6 |
| Fuel Economy | 19 / 27 / 22 FWD 19 / 25 / 21 AWD (City/Highway/Combined) | 20 / 26 / 23 FWD 18 / 24 / 21 AWD (City/Highway/Combined) |
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 291 hp |
| Best Off-Road Capability | TrailSport trim | X-Line and X-Pro subtrims |
| Limited Warranty | 3-year/36,000-mile | 5-year/60,000-mile |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5-year/60,000-mile | 10-year/100,000-mile |
| Seating Capacity | Up to 8 passengers | Up to 8 passengers |
| Second-Row Captain’s Chairs | Optional on EX-L trim | Available on most trims EX or above |
| Safety Features | Honda Sensing | Kia Drive Wise |
Exterior Styling
Honda Pilot: The 2023 Honda Pilot showcases a boxier and more truck-like design, giving it a rugged overall appearance. The new Pilot’s styling aligns with other recent models in the Honda lineup, such as the CR-V SUV and the Civic compact sedan and hatchback.
Kia Telluride: The 2023 Telluride retains its bold and distinctive look, featuring a wide grille, sleek LED headlights, and muscular lines. The X-Line and X-Pro subtrim levels further enhance the Telluride’s rugged appeal with unique exterior styling elements and a slightly higher ride height.
Performance and Efficiency
Honda Pilot: The 2023 Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower, paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. The SUV is available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. As of now, there is no hybrid powertrain available for the 2023 Honda Pilot.
Kia Telluride: The 2023 Telluride comes with a 3.8-liter V6 engine, generating 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. Two new subtrim levels, the X-Line and X-Pro, are introduced, offering a slightly higher ride height, reworked traction control system, and exterior styling tweaks. The X-Pro also features all-terrain tires and an increased towing capacity of 5,500 pounds. No hybrid option is currently available for the Telluride.
Interior and Comfort
Honda Pilot: The 2023 Pilot offers a redesigned cabin with seating for up to eight passengers across three rows. It features a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster as standard. The TrailSport, Touring, and Elite trims come with a larger 9.0-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Elite trim also comes with a 10.2-inch gauge cluster. Additional features include optional second-row captain’s chairs, a panoramic sunroof, and a 12-speaker Bose stereo system on the Touring and Elite models.
Kia Telluride: The Telluride boasts a luxurious interior, accommodating up to eight passengers. New 12.3-inch displays are introduced for the instrument panel and infotainment system, with the larger instrument panel display limited to SX models and above. The updated infotainment display comes standard, and it is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional premium features include ventilated front and rear seats, Nappa leather upholstery, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.
Cargo Space and Storage
Honda Pilot: The 2023 Pilot has a more voluminous cargo area than ever before, with flexible seating configurations to accommodate different storage needs. When we get a chance, we’ll see for ourselves how many suitcases can fit inside the Pilot’s cargo area and update this story with test results.
Kia Telluride: The Telluride offers ample cargo space, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both
the second and third rows folded down. There’s plenty of room for luggage, sports equipment, or home improvement supplies, making the Telluride a versatile choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Safety Features
Honda Pilot: The Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features comes standard on all trims, offering automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlamps.
Kia Telluride: The Telluride comes standard with the Kia Drive Wise suite of advanced safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Smart Cruise Control (SCC). New driver assistance systems for 2023 include intelligent speed warning, an optional front collision avoidance system that works at intersections, and an upgraded Highway Drive Assist system with automatic lane changes.
Trim Levels and Pricing
Honda Pilot Trim Levels and Pricing:
LX – Starting at $37,295
Sport – Starting at $40,695
EX-L – Starting at $43,395
Touring – Starting at $47,795
TrailSport – Starting at $49,395
Elite – Starting at $53,395
Kia Telluride Trim Levels and Pricing:
LX – Starting at $37,250
S – Starting at $39,200
EX – Starting at $42,900
SX – Starting at $47,000
SX X-Line – Starting at $50,500
SX X-Pro – Starting at $51,500
SX Prestige – Starting at $52,000
SX Prestige X-Line – $53,300
SX Prestige X-Pro – $54,300
Reliability and Owner Satisfaction
Consumer Reports have given 3 out of 5 for reliability rating and highest owner satisfaction rating to 2023 Kia Telluride. 2023 Honda Pilot not yet rated by Consumer Report as it is an all-new model with limited data.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Honda Pilot: The 2023 Pilot comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Honda does not offer complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Kia Telluride: Kia offers a generous warranty for the Telluride, including a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, Kia also does not provide complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Conclusion
The 2023 Honda Pilot and the 2023 Kia Telluride are both exceptional midsize SUVs, offering attractive designs, spacious interiors, and advanced safety features. While both vehicles have similar engine specifications and no hybrid options, your choice will likely depend on design preferences, specific features, and brand loyalty.
The Honda Pilot offers a slightly more modern and streamlined exterior design, as well as a new 10-speed automatic transmission for improved performance. The Pilot also has a wide range of trim levels, catering to various budgets and feature preferences.
Meanwhile, the Kia Telluride boasts premium features, a rugged appearance, and new X-Line and X-Pro subtrim levels for enhanced off-road capability. The Telluride also offers a generous warranty, giving buyers added peace of mind.
Ultimately, it is recommended to test drive both vehicles and consider your specific needs and preferences and model reliability before making a decision.
