2025 Kia Telluride vs 2026 Honda Pilot

Nearly every mainstream car company offers at least one family-friendly, midsize three-row SUV. Kia has three, and the Telluride is the largest of its gas-powered models. (The electric-only EV9 is slightly larger). The Telluride debuted in 2020 to critical acclaim and commercial success. Since then, it has received several updates but not a redesign. We took a 2025 Kia Telluride on a nearly 2,000-kilometre family road trip and remain impressed with this stylish and capable Kia.

Verdict: Aging technology caused some irritation during a five-day road trip in the 2025 Kia Telluride. Otherwise, it was perfectly suited to long-distance travel whether rolling down a highway, roaming a major city, or romping down trails.

While it has a more truck-like presence, the 2026 Honda Pilot remains fundamentally the same as before—and that's a good thing. It's the automaker's midsize three-row crossover SUV, competing against family-focused models such as the Toyota Grand Highlander and the Ford Explorer.

Verdict: Clever features help the Pilot stand out from other three-row SUVs. Our only major complaint is the lack of a more fuel-efficient model.