2021 Honda Pilot vs. 2021 Kia Telluride
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Honda Pilot and 2021 Kia Telluride contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Honda Pilot and the 2021 Kia Telluride.
In comparing the 2021 Honda Pilot's and the 2021 Kia Telluride's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Honda Pilot has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and resale value. The 2021 Kia Telluride has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. The 2021 Honda Pilot and 2021 Kia Telluride have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Honda Pilot's and the 2021 Kia Telluride's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2021 Honda Pilot ranges from $26,452 to $37,200 while a used 2021 Kia Telluride is priced between $27,992 to $41,139.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Honda Pilot loses 43.6 percent of its value and the 2021 Kia Telluride loses 46.1 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Honda Pilot retains 2.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Kia Telluride.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Honda Pilot’s base engine makes 280 horsepower, and the 2021 Kia Telluride base engine makes 291 horsepower. Both the Pilot and the Telluride are rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 527 and 489 miles respectively. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2021 Kia Telluride has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2021 Honda Pilot has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room and rear shoulder room. The 2021 Honda Pilot and 2021 Kia Telluride are comparable in regards to rear head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2021 Honda Pilot and the 2021 Kia Telluride have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Overview
A relative newcomer to the field of midsize SUVs, the Kia Telluride costs slightly less than segment mainstay Honda Pilot. Still, it offers more in terms of standard driver-assistance tech, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, as well as an 8-inch touchscreen (compared to only 5 inches on Pilot). The Telluride also has sharper exterior styling and a high-quality cabin, including standard synthetic leather seats, as opposed to the Pilot’s cloth seat covers on the base LX trim. There’s more cargo room in the Telluride, too. The Kia’s engine has slightly more horsepower, but the Honda has the advantage in terms of fuel economy. Both SUVs provide a smooth ride, but the Telluride is more engaging to drive. While both Honda and Kia enjoy a solid reputation for quality and reliability, the Telluride has one of the best new-vehicle warranties in the industry, including powertrain coverage for up to 10 years.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$32,550
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,108
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,000 - $37,580
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$32,190
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,108
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,000 - $37,580
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$31,797
Price Range:
$26,452 - $37,200
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,068
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,840 - $46,487
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,126
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
53,556
# Good or Great Deals:
429
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$34,483
Price Range:
$27,992 - $41,139
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,068
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,840 - $46,487
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
665
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
67,025
# Good or Great Deals:
355
Honda Pilot Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
9.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Kia Telluride Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Honda Pilot
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.6 - 10.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
69.9%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Kia Telluride
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.6 - 10.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
32.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 32.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 32.1
Honda Pilot Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
6 out of / 39Ranking
6 out of / 18Ranking
6 out of / 17Ranking
6 out of / 16Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 21Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 39Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 30Ranking
21 out of / 28Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
42 out of / 67Ranking
50 out of / 67Ranking
54 out of / 59Kia Telluride Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 39Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 28Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 34Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 39Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 39Ranking
39 out of / 59Ranking
52 out of / 67Ranking
54 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2021 Honda Pilot Trim Levels
Black Edition, Elite, EX, EX-L, LX, SE, Touring, Touring w/Rear Captain's Chairs
2021 Kia Telluride Trim Levels
EX, LX, S, SX
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
280 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
262 foot-lbs @ 4700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.070 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
291 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
262 foot-lbs @ 5200 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 27 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
390 / 527 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.8 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 26 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
376 / 489 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
62 inches
Cargo Space:
16.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
83.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
169.4 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.2 inches
Cargo Space:
21 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
87 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
199.1 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3982 lbs
Width:
78.6 inches
Height:
70.6 inches
Length:
196.5 inches
Wheelbase:
111 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4112 lbs
Width:
78.3 inches
Height:
68.9 inches
Length:
196.9 inches
Wheelbase:
114.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P245/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Pearl
Gray
Modern Steel Metallic
Silver
Lunar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Black
Gray
Gravity Gray
Silver
Everlasting Silver
White
Glacial White Pearl / Snow White Pearl
Red
Sangria
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
