Are you trying to choose between the 2021 Kia Telluride and the 2021 Honda Pilot? Both are excellent mid-size SUVs and have their strengths, but the Kia Telluride still comes out on top. To check out the 2021 Kia Telluride in person, come by the showroom at Tom Kadlec Kia today. We can show you our new inventory and get you out on a test drive to see how you like driving one.
In the meantime, here’s everything you need to know when comparing the new Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot.
Price
The 2021 Kia Telluride comes in slightly cheaper than the 2021 Honda Pilot. MSRP on the Telluride LX base trim starts at $31,990. This version has a 3.8L V6 engine, three-row seating for up to eight people, and synthetic leather seats. Inside, it has an 8-inch touch-screen display with a rear camera, auto emergency braking, smart cruise control, plus one-touch sliding and folding second-row seats.
The 2021 Honda Pilot base LX model starts at $32,350. It has a 3.5L V-6 engine, a multi-angle rearview camera, seating for eight, and the Honda Sensing safety suite. Other included features are low-beam headlights, LED daytime running lights, low-beam headlights, push-button start, and hill start assist. One downside here is the infotainment is only a 5-inch screen that doesn’t have integration with your smartphone.
Towing
Both the 2021 Honda and Kia have an optional trailer hitch receiver. The maximum towing capacity is higher on the Kia Telluride. It can tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds while the Honda Pilot maxes out at 3,000 pounds.
Interior
When it comes to the interior of these mid-size SUVs, they have very similar to standard features and available upgrades. A couple of small differences include an option for a heated steering wheel, luggage rack, hands-free liftgate, and a remote trunk release on the Honda Pilot. A rear parking aid is standard on the Kia, while it’s an available upgrade on the Honda. The Kia also has a leather-wrapped steering wheel that comes standard.
Cargo Space
Cargo Space is one area where these two SUVs differ. The Kia Telluride comes out on top with more passenger room and cargo space. It has up to 87 cubic feet of cargo space and 178.1 cubic feet of passenger space. The Honda Pilot has up to 83.9 cubic feet of cargo room and 152.9 cubic feet of passenger room. This amount may not seem like very much of a difference, but it is noticeable on the models — especially since the Honda Pilot doesn’t come with automatic rear folding seats unless you purchase one of the higher trim levels.
Trim Levels
For 2021, the Kia Telluride has four different trim levels. In addition to the previously mentioned LX model, choose from the:
- Telluride S: Upgrades include a power sunroof, heated front seats, seating for seven with captain’s chairs in the second row, and roof rails. The touchscreen display is the same as the LX, but the S features a minimum of six USB ports. In addition to the LX safety features, the S also has blind-spot detection, auto emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, rear occupant alert, and safe exit assist. The Telluride S starts at $34,390.
- Telluride EX: The EX includes more luxury features such as leather seating for either seven or eight passengers, LED taillights, and heated and ventilated front power seats. You get an upgraded 10.25-inch display with UVO link and additional navigation features. Other features of the EX include automatic climate control, power-fold mirrors, a wireless charging station, and a smart power liftgate. The Telluride EX starts at $37,390.
- Telluride SX: The SX is the top-level Telluride and has leather seats, dual sunroofs, and LED exterior lighting all the way around. The SX has the same 10.25-inch size display, but with a surround system, Harman Kardon 10-speaker premium auto system, and a 7-inch LCD display in the instrument cluster. The SX also has front power seats with driver memory and second-row sunshades and starts at $42,190.
The 2021 Honda Pilot has six different trim levels for 2021. In addition to the base LX model previously mentioned, choose from the:
- EX: Has everything the LX does, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Intelligent Traction Management, and one-touch second-row seats offering easier access to the third-row. There’s an 8-inch high-resolution touch screen, tri-zone automatic climate control, remote engine start, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The EX starts at $34,930.
- EX-L: The EX-L starts at $38,360 and includes a one-touch power moon roof, leather-trimmed seats, two-position memory for the driver’s seat, a four-way power passenger seat, power tailgate, and an automatic dimming rearview mirror.
- Special Edition: This is new for 2021 and has many of the EX-L features, plus 20-inch black wheels and a foot-activated power tailgate. The Special edition starts at $38,960.
- Pilot Touring: The Touring has a rear entertainment system, LED auto headlights, heated front and rear seats, hands-free access power tailgate, roof rails, 590-watt premium audio system, Wi-Fi hot spot capability, Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System, and roof rails. This model starts at $42,920.
- Pilot Elite: This is the top trim and has a second-row captain’s chairs, panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, multi-zone audio, illuminated front and second-row beverage holders, and a heated steering wheel. The Elite starts at $48,420.
Safety Ratings
Both the 2021 Kia Telluride and 2021 Honda Pilot received a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Where they differ is the 2021 Kia Telluride was awarded the distinction of being a top safety pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.
Other Notable Differences
Another detail to point out is that the Kia Telluride has a much better available warranty than what comes standard from Honda. With the Kia Telluride, you get a five-year 60,000-mile basic warranty, whereas the Honda Pilot only has a three-year 36,000-mile basic warranty. The powertrain warranty also differs with the Kia Telluride coming out on top again. Its powertrain warranty is full coverage for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Honda only offers a 5-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
To learn more about the 2021 Kia Telluride, come chat with our knowledgeable sales team at Tom Kadlec Kia today. We’re happy to answer all your questions and get you out on a test drive.
Connect with us
Recent Blog Entries
Categories
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.