2025 Kia Telluride vs. Honda Pilot: Why the Telluride Takes the Crown in New Bern
If you’re comparing three-row SUVs in eastern North Carolina — from New Bern to Jacksonville, Greenville, or Kinston — the 2025 Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot are likely on your list. They’re both roomy and practical, but only one of them goes the extra mile in style, comfort, and value. The edge clearly goes to the Telluride.
What You Need to Know First
First things first… let’s talk about pricing and what you get. Below is a quick glance at how the 2025 Kia Telluride and 2025 Honda Pilot stack up on key stats.
2025 Kia Telluride
Starting MSRP:
$36,390
MPG:
20 city / 26 hwy
Trim Levels:
5*
2025 Honda Pilot
Starting MSRP:
$40,200
MPG:
19 city / 27 hwy
Trim Levels:
6
* The 2025 Kia Telluride offers 5 core trims: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. Some trims offer rugged variants for added capability:
- X-Line: Available on EX, SX, and SX Prestige
- X-Pro: Available only on SX and SX Prestige
Style That Turns Heads
2025 Kia Telluride
Rugged. Premium. Confident. The 2025 Kia Telluride looks like it belongs in a luxury SUV lineup — without crossing into luxury pricing. You get a bold front end, signature LED lighting, muscular fenders, and optional blacked-out X-Pro styling that means business. It’s the kind of SUV you notice pulling up next to you at a stoplight… and kinda wish you were driving.
2025 Honda Pilot
Functional but forgettable. The 2025 Pilot has a clean look and a practical silhouette, but it plays it safe — maybe too safe. It doesn’t bring the same visual drama or curb appeal. Think suburban carpool more than “weekend warrior.” There’s nothing wrong with it… but there’s not much to get excited about either.
Interior Comfort & Tech
2025 Kia Telluride
Comfort that speaks volumes — quietly. The 2025 Telluride offers one of the smoothest, quietest rides in its class, and the cabin is nothing short of impressive. From available Nappa leather seats to ceiling-mounted second-row air vents that keep everyone comfortable, every inch is designed with passengers in mind. The wide 12.3″ infotainment screen is perfectly positioned for both driver and front passenger, and the dual panoramic displays tie everything together with a sleek, modern edge. It’s refined, tech-savvy, and honestly hard to beat.
2025 Honda Pilot
Comfortable, but not quite elevated. Honda keeps things practical and functional in the 2025 Pilot. The materials are nice enough, and the layout is clean, but there’s a noticeable difference in feel. The infotainment system is improved, but it still doesn’t offer the same wow factor or seamless integration as the Telluride. It gets the job done — but don’t expect to be blown away.
Performance & Handling
Kia Telluride
Power, confidence, and real-world capability. Every 2025 Telluride comes equipped with a 3.8L V6 engine delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it offers smooth, confident acceleration and a well-weighted steering feel that drivers love. Available all-wheel drive and up to 8.4 inches of ground clearance give it true off-road chops — especially in the X-Line and X-Pro trims. Speaking of capability: the Telluride can tow up to 5,500 lbs when properly equipped, making it a reliable partner for weekend adventures or work duties. Add in available self-leveling rear suspension, and it’s easy to see why the Telluride feels composed wherever it goes.
Honda Pilot
Balanced but less adventurous. The 2025 Pilot also comes with a V6 engine and available all-wheel drive, offering steady performance for daily driving and light off-road use. Towing capacity tops out at 5,000 lbs, which covers most needs but doesn’t quite match the Telluride’s max. Handling is composed, though not particularly exciting, and while it gets the job done, the Pilot doesn’t offer specialized trims with the same off-road focus or rugged suspension tuning. It’s capable — just not quite as commanding.
Features & Everyday Value
Kia Telluride
Premium features. Everyday usefulness. Every Telluride comes equipped with a wide 12.3″ infotainment touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, navigation, and available Wi-Fi. Need more? Higher trims offer wireless charging, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon® system, and even a Driver Talk feature that lets you speak to passengers in the third row through the rear speakers—because shouting over road noise isn’t it.
The cabin itself is beautifully laid out and surprisingly upscale across the lineup. Choose the SX or SX Prestige and you’re looking at driver memory settings, ventilated second-row seats, a suede-like headliner, and available Nappa leather that truly elevates the space. Storage is generous, and with room for up to eight and a cavernous cargo area, the Telluride feels built for families who do it all—and want it all.
Honda Pilot
Capable, but more conservative. The Pilot’s feature list checks all the expected boxes: Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, a responsive touchscreen, and available third-row USB ports. Higher trims offer leather seating and Bose® premium audio, but many of the most appealing features—like a head-up display or ventilated rear seats—simply aren’t available. Cabin materials are solid and family-friendly, but don’t feel quite as upscale in comparison.
The Pilot is roomy and versatile with seating for up to eight, but it lacks the clever touches that make the Telluride stand out. You’ll get a reliable SUV with strong practicality, just without some of the comfort-driven details Kia bakes into every level.
Warranty & Confidence
2025 Kia Telluride
Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is one of the best in the industry, offering long-term peace of mind and unbeatable value.
2025 Honda Pilot
The Pilot includes a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is standard — but doesn’t come close to Kia’s coverage.
2025 Kia Telluride Trims & Starting MSRP
Explore the full trim lineup below and find the perfect blend of capability, comfort, and value that fits your lifestyle.
Core Trims
LX – Starting at $36,390: 12.3″ touchscreen, 8-passenger seating, full suite of safety tech.
S – Starting at $38,290: 20″ alloy wheels, heated front seats, power sunroof.
EX – Starting at $41,590: Leather seat trim, ventilated front seats, smart power liftgate.
SX – Starting at $45,790: Dual 12.3″ displays, Harman Kardon® audio, dual sunroofs.
X-Line & X-Pro Variants
EX X-Line – Starting at $45,485: AWD, rugged X-Line design, higher ground clearance.
EX X-Pro – Starting at $46,385: AWD, enhanced towing, 18″ all-terrain tires.
SX X-Line – Starting at $49,685: AWD, X-Line style upgrades, advanced terrain capability.
SX X-Pro – Starting at $50,585: AWD, upgraded towing capacity, off-road features.
Premium Luxury Trims
SX Prestige – Starting at $50,690: Nappa leather, head-up display, ventilated second row.
SX Prestige X-Line – Starting at $51,590: Luxury + AWD capability with rugged design details.
SX Prestige X-Pro – Starting at $52,485: The top-tier Telluride — built for adventure, wrapped in comfort.
Need help choosing the right trim? Contact Kia of New Bern and our team will walk you through your options, pricing, and current offers.
Proud to Serve Military Families
Kia of New Bern proudly supports the military community stationed at MCAS Cherry Point, Camp Lejeune, New River Air Station, and beyond. As a token of appreciation, we offer exclusive discounts and financing for active duty and retired service members.
Why Military Families Love the Telluride
The 2025 Kia Telluride is bold, confident, and built to handle whatever life throws your way. From PCS moves to weekend getaways, its spacious interior, strong V6 engine, and advanced safety features make it a perfect fit for military life.
Exclusive Military Savings
Ask us about military incentives and how we can help you get the most out of your next vehicle purchase. We’re here to serve those who serve — with personalized support every step of the way.
Which SUV Should You Choose?
The 2025 Honda Pilot remains a solid contender in the three-row SUV segment, but the 2025 Kia Telluride stands out with its refined interior, advanced features, and strong value across every trim. From the way it drives to the way it’s designed, the Telluride brings a level of confidence and capability that’s hard to match.
Thinking about making the switch or upgrading to the 2025 Telluride? Visit Kia of New Bern to explore the full 2025 Telluride lineup. Our team is here to help you compare trims, review current offers, and find the right fit for your lifestyle.
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.