2027 Kia Telluride vs. 2026 Honda Pilot in Rochester, MN

Two capable three-row SUVs. One stronger case for Minnesota families who want hybrid efficiency, confident power, and longer warranty coverage behind every mile.

Shop Kia Telluride Inventory View Current Kia Specials

The 2027 Kia Telluride and 2026 Honda Pilot both earn respect in the three-row SUV segment. The Pilot brings a proven V6, a clean family cabin, and Honda's well-earned reputation for reliability. The Telluride answers with available hybrid power, stronger available torque, premium interior design, and Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

At Tom Kadlec Kia in Rochester, MN, we help families from Stewartville, Byron, Owatonna, Austin, and Winona compare what actually matters before they buy. Our family-owned dealership has served southern Minnesota drivers since 1979.

Fuel Economy

Up to an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined (Telluride Turbo-Hybrid EX FWD).

Torque Advantage

339 lb-ft of available torque on the Turbo-Hybrid vs. 262 lb-ft on the Pilot.

Warranty Confidence

10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty vs. Honda's 5-year/60,000 miles.

Driver Assistance Depth

Up to 29 available driver assistance and collision avoidance features.

Performance

The Telluride Pulls Harder When It Counts

The 2026 Honda Pilot is no slouch. Its 3.5L V6 makes 285 horsepower and pairs with a 10-speed automatic. Many Honda shoppers love that combination because it feels familiar and smooth. We'll give it that.

But torque is what families actually feel. The gas Telluride already has the Pilot covered at 311 lb-ft versus 262. Add the Turbo-Hybrid and that number climbs to 339 lb-ft.

Edmunds tested the Pilot driving experience and called it a "mixed bag," noting average acceleration and frequent transmission hunting in traffic. The Telluride Hybrid AWD ran 0–60 mph in 7.0 seconds in the same testing. It also cruised quietly at 70 mph — a detail that matters on US-52 runs between Rochester and the Twin Cities.

For families heading to Owatonna with a full cabin and a trailer hitch, that torque advantage is real. The Telluride simply pulls harder.

View Available Telluride Inventory
Comfort

A Cabin Built for the Long Haul — Not Just the Commute

Both SUVs take the three-row family mission seriously. Cargo room. Cupholders. Space for winter coats, hockey bags, and road trip snacks.

The Pilot has improved for 2026. Honda upgraded the sound insulation and steering feel. The standard 12.3-inch touchscreen is sharp. For a family that wants simple, practical, and reliable, the Pilot still delivers.

The Telluride pushes past that. Its cabin feels more polished and deliberate. Available panoramic display layouts, clean control surfaces, and a quieter ride give it a different quality feel. It is not just a family hauler. It feels like a place the family actually wants to spend time.

Drivers moving out of an older SUV will notice the difference immediately.

Explore New Kia Specials
Technology

Smart Features That Actually Help on Minnesota Roads

Honda Sensing comes standard on the 2026 Pilot. That matters. Core driver-assistance systems across the full lineup is the right approach, and Honda deserves credit for committing to it.

The Telluride's available driver-assistance package goes deeper. Kia lists up to 29 available driver assistance and collision avoidance features on the 2027 Telluride. Think blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic, lane-keeping support, and more. All available across the lineup with trim awareness.

These features earn their keep on Rochester roads. School pickup traffic. Dark winter commutes. Snowy merges on US-52. A system that helps support driver awareness in those conditions is worth comparing closely.

No safety system replaces an engaged driver. But more available capability is a real advantage when conditions get tough.

View Service Specials
Value

Longer Coverage. Lower Fuel Costs. Better Long-Term Math.

Value is not just what the window sticker says. It is what the SUV costs to own through the first winter, the first 50,000 miles, and the first major repair.

The Telluride Turbo-Hybrid makes a strong case on fuel alone. At up to an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined, versus the Pilot's up to an EPA-estimated 22 MPG combined, the annual fuel savings for a Minnesota family driving 15,000 miles per year are significant.

Then add the warranty. Kia backs the Telluride with a 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. Honda's factory coverage is shorter: 3-year/36,000-mile limited and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain.

The Pilot is not a weak choice. It has a loyal following for good reason. But the Telluride gives Rochester shoppers a more complete long-term value story: lower fuel costs, stronger available power, and a warranty that keeps families covered well past the first 60,000 miles.

Start Your Financing Application

2027 Kia Telluride vs. 2026 Honda Pilot: Side-by-Side Comparison

Category 2027 Kia Telluride 2026 Honda Pilot Edge
Standard Horsepower 274 hp 285 hp Honda Pilot
Maximum Available Horsepower 329 hp, Turbo-Hybrid 285 hp Kia advantage
Standard Torque 311 lb-ft 262 lb-ft Kia advantage
Maximum Available Torque 339 lb-ft, Turbo-Hybrid 262 lb-ft Kia advantage
Available Hybrid Powertrain Yes No Kia advantage
EPA-Estimated Combined MPG Up to 35 MPG, Turbo-Hybrid EX FWD Up to 22 MPG, Pilot FWD Kia advantage
Main Display 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation Standard 12.3-inch touchscreen Kia advantage
Available Driver Assistance Features Up to 29 available features Honda Sensing standard Kia advantage
Limited Basic Warranty 5-year/60,000-mile 3-year/36,000-mile Kia advantage
Powertrain Warranty 10-year/100,000-mile 5-year/60,000-mile Kia advantage

MSRP note: Use "starting at" for all MSRP references. Verify current Kia and Honda pricing against live inventory and window stickers before publication.

Which Three-Row SUV Is the Right Fit?

The 2026 Honda Pilot is a smart, proven family SUV. Drivers who prefer a traditional V6 setup and Honda's familiar reliability story have a solid choice.

But the 2027 Kia Telluride gives Rochester families more: available hybrid efficiency that cuts fuel costs, stronger available torque for a full cabin, premium tech, deeper available safety features, and a warranty advantage that extends coverage well past what Honda offers at the factory.

Visit Tom Kadlec Kia to compare trims in person, explore available Telluride inventory, and take one for a drive on Rochester roads.

Shop Telluride Inventory View Current Specials Apply for Financing

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2027 Kia Telluride better than the 2026 Honda Pilot?

For many Rochester-area families, the Telluride has the stronger overall case. It offers available hybrid power, higher available torque, up to an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined on the Turbo-Hybrid, and longer Kia limited warranty coverage. The Pilot remains a smart pick for drivers who prefer a traditional V6 and Honda's family-SUV reputation.

Does the 2027 Kia Telluride get better gas mileage than the Honda Pilot?

The Telluride Turbo-Hybrid has a clear MPG advantage. Kia lists up to an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined for the Telluride Turbo-Hybrid EX FWD. Honda lists the 2026 Pilot FWD at up to an EPA-estimated 22 MPG combined. Final mileage varies by trim, drivetrain, road conditions, and driving habits.

Which SUV has the better warranty, the Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot?

Kia's warranty coverage gives the Telluride a clear advantage. Kia offers a 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. Honda's factory coverage is shorter at 3-year/36,000-mile limited and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain. Always confirm warranty details with the dealer at time of purchase.

Where can I compare the Kia Telluride near Rochester, MN?

Tom Kadlec Kia is located at 4444 US-52 N in Rochester, MN. Call us at 507-281-2222 or stop in to compare Telluride trims, available hybrid options, tech features, and current inventory. We also serve drivers from Stewartville, Byron, Owatonna, Austin, Winona, and surrounding southern Minnesota communities.

Test Drive the 2027 Kia Telluride at Tom Kadlec Kia

The 2027 Kia Telluride gives Minnesota families a genuinely stronger choice. Available hybrid efficiency, confident torque, a premium cabin, deeper driver-assistance tech, and Kia's long limited warranty coverage come together in one well-built three-row SUV.

The 2026 Honda Pilot is a worthy competitor. That is exactly what makes this comparison worth having. When the full picture is on the table, the Telluride stands out for families who want more than just enough.

Come see us at Tom Kadlec Kia in Rochester. Our team is ready to help you compare, configure, and drive.

View Video Test Drive

Search Vehicles

Search By Keyword:
Search By Filters:

Contact Us

Main 507-281-2222 Parts 507-361-2701 Sales 507-281-2222 Service (888) 249-0104
3101 Wilder Rd NW
Rochester, MN 55901
Get Directions

Saved Vehicles

You don't have any saved vehicles!

Look for this Save icon

Once you've saved some vehicles, you can view them here at any time.

Tom Kadlec Kia 44.19754721795554, -92.5553627329694.