2024 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Honda Pilot

In Canada, the 2024 Kia Telluride was available in five trims: EX, SX, SX Limited, X-Line, and X-Pro, all featuring standard all-wheel drive. The X-Line trim added a centimetre of ground clearance and improved approach and departure angles, while the X-Pro trim enhanced off-road capabilities with 18-inch matte-black wheels and heavy-duty engine cooling, increasing towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. Prices ranged from $53,433 to $66,133, with the X-Line trim showcasing a striking Wolf Gray paint. The Telluride's design, with its attractive proportions and updated styling, continued to draw buyers, although opinions on the changes varied. Inside, the test model featured a black interior with premium Nappa leather seats, though other colour options like Mahogany brown and Sage Green were available, complementing the simulated open-pore wood trim.

The 2025 Honda Pilot was offered in Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, and Black Edition trims. The Black Edition featured black wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, and exclusive red accents inside. Prices ranged from $55,486 to $67,236. The Pilot's rugged design, introduced in 2023, was more pronounced in the TrailSport trim, while the Black Edition catered to suburban aesthetics. Inside, the Pilot boasted thoughtful design and quality materials, though the digital displays appeared dated. The cabin lacked a significant "wow factor," but practical storage solutions were a highlight.

The 2024 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, with the X-Pro trim increasing this to 2,495 kilograms. The Telluride featured a locking centre differential and multiple driving modes, including Snow and Sport. It had a ground clearance of 20.3 centimetres, rising to 21.3 centimetres in the X-Line and X-Pro trims. Fuel economy was a downside, with an average of 12.4 L/100 km on a mountainous loop and 13.4 L/100 km in city driving. Despite this, the Telluride delivered a refined driving experience with responsive steering and brakes, though its ride felt firm at lower speeds.

The 2025 Honda Pilot used a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. It could tow up to 2,268 kilograms and offered various driving modes, including Econ and Trail. The Pilot's AWD system featured torque vectoring and up to 21 centimetres of ground clearance in the TrailSport trim. Fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 14.1 L/100 km on the evaluation loop. The Pilot's handling was predictable, though the suspension exhibited unwanted body motion on mountain roads. The compliant suspension was beneficial in typical driving, and the Pilot maintained a connection with the road.

The 2024 Kia Telluride offered a comfortable interior, especially in higher trims with Nappa leather upholstery and heated and ventilated seats. The third-row seat accommodated adults, and a dual sunroof added light to the cabin. The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system was user-friendly, though metallic buttons were hard to read in bright light. The Telluride provided generous storage, including a hands-free power liftgate and 594 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,463 litres with seats folded.

The 2025 Honda Pilot excelled in form and function, with three rows of comfortable seats and thoughtful storage solutions. However, the front passenger seat lacked adjustability, which was a drawback for long trips. The second-row seats were roomy, and the third row was suitable for adults for short durations. The Pilot featured a triple-zone climate control system and a panoramic sunroof on top trims. Cargo space was ample, with 635 litres behind the third row and up to 3,219 litres with seats folded.

The 2024 Kia Telluride came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, requiring a cable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included a Kia Connect trial subscription, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Features like a blue-light filter, Quiet Mode, and a digital key function were available. The Telluride also offered a camera-based rearview mirror and a 10-inch head-up display.

The 2025 Honda Pilot featured a 10.2-inch digital gauge panel and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Black Edition had a 12-speaker Bose audio system, though wireless CarPlay had connectivity issues. The voice recognition system was inconsistent, and the head-up display was small. The Pilot included CabinTalk for communication with rear passengers.

The 2024 Kia Telluride impressed with its standard driver assistance features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Advanced Highway Driving Assist was available, though it performed best in specific conditions. The Telluride earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2025 Honda Pilot came with Honda Sensing safety features, such as forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. However, the adaptive cruise control had issues in traffic, and the lane-centring assist affected steering feel. The Pilot received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.