2026 Honda Pilot vs. 2026 Kia Telluride: Which 3-Row SUV is Right for You?

June 15th, 2026 by

A red Honda Pilot driving through rain off-road

New Honda Pilot For Sale in Vero Beach

Choosing Between the 2026 Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride

For families in Vero Beach, the 2026 Honda Pilot offers a blend of suburban utility and coastal style, fitting in easily at the McKee Botanical Garden or local beach parks. While the 2026 Kia Telluride remains a strong competitor with its own styling updates, the Pilot focuses on standardizing high-demand technology across its entire lineup. Learn which one best suits your lifestyle at Vatland Honda, our Honda dealership in Vero Beach, FL.

Which One is Superior: Pilot vs. Telluride

Performance

Performance in the 3-row segment is defined by smooth power delivery and the ability to haul a full load of passengers. The Honda Pilot utilizes a 3.5L V6 engine producing 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, managed by a ten-speed automatic transmission. While the Kia Telluride uses a 3.8L V6 engine with 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, it relies on an eight-speed automatic instead. The extra gears in the Honda transmission allow for more precise shifts and optimized engine speeds during highway merging or towing.

Comfort

Many of our customers prioritize interior volume and the ability to configure seats quickly for different types of gear. The new Pilot provides up to 112 cubic feet of total cargo space with the rear seats folded, edging out the Telluride’s 87 cubic feet of maximum volume. For those who frequently visit the Fort Pierce Inlet for boating or fishing trips, the Pilot’s cargo area is designed with a hidden storage compartment under the floor, perfect for keeping wet gear away from the upholstery. The Pilot also features a stowable second-row middle seat, allowing you to switch between an eight-passenger bench and a seven-passenger captain’s chair layout without leaving parts in your garage.

Safety and Technology

Safety is a primary concern for 3-row SUV buyers, and the 2026 Honda Pilot carries an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating. The Honda Sensing suite is standard on every trim, featuring:

  • Collision Mitigation Braking System
  • Road Departure Mitigation
  • Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
  • Post-collision braking

The Telluride offers its own suite, but the Pilot additionally standardizes a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, giving you more technology for a more simplistic drive.

Visit Our Honda Dealer in Vero Beach, FL

With its superior handling, greater cargo space, and excellent standard technological amenities, the Honda Pilot stands out from the competition. If you want a closer look at this model, feel free to schedule a test drive at our Honda dealership in Vero Beach, FL, also serving the Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Melbourne, and Sebastian areas. If you have any other questions about this model and how it stacks up against other SUVs, please contact us online at Vatland Honda.

New Honda Pilot For Sale in Vero Beach

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