It’s the special editions you want
It seems Honda has its sights set on the new Kia Telluride when it redesigned the Pilot for 2023. The Kia Telluride has had a major makeover for 2023, while the Honda Pilot is all new now, but on paper they’re shockingly similar. Now, these two seven-passenger SUVs seemed poised to compete head-on with similar prices, similar sizes, and similar features. Which is better may depend on which special edition you choose?
What’s new in these SUVs for 2023?
The Honda Pilot is 100% new for 2023. From the frame up, Honda has redesigned the Pilot with an eye on its off-road version, the new TrailSport special edition. The full range of Pilots now has a stiffer frame, more powerful V6, and a longer and wider body. Speaking of that body, the Pilot has always catered to people’s dislike of minivans, or those of us who like a van’s immense cargo capacity and passenger capacity but just don’t want a van.
The Telluride also received a major update for 2023 and was named SUV of the Year by MotorBiscuit. The Telluride simply got a reskin for 2023, which made the Telluride even more attractive, at least on the outside. Like the Honda, it’s well-equipped with a powerful V6, but has a street-ready design that the Honda can’t match.
The Pilot and the Telluride share a similar space
Most of the interior specs are about the same on both, and both have ample legroom, even on the way back. The Kia can be specified with a center bench seating up to eight people, as can the Honda. The Honda has 32.5 inches of rear legroom, while the Kia has about an inch less. While the back rows aren’t particularly comfortable for full-size adults, they’re both roomy enough for kids and for emergencies.
The interior of the Honda Pilot has a total of 87 cubic feet of storage space. Not surprisingly, so does the Kia Telluride. Their external dimensions are also almost identical. The Telluride is 197 inches long and 78 inches wide, while the Honda is about three inches longer and about 0.5 inches wider.
Both have powerful V6 engines and available all-wheel drive
The Honda has a newer version of its narrow-angle V6 that now produces 285 hp, which is a slight increase over the previous version. The Telluride’s V6 makes 291 ponies, making the engines’ power a wash between the two. The Telluride gets 21 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway, while the Honda gets 19 MPG in the city and 22 on the highway in two-wheel drive.
Both can be ordered as front-wheel drive SUVs or four-wheel drive vehicles. However, none have a low-speed transfer case.
Honda Pilot vs. Kia Telluride: The features are also about the same
Depending on the disguise you choose, these two are incredibly similar. The base models each add several driver assistance features such as Lane Keep Assist and Emergency Brake Assist. In top-level trims, you can order giant screens, leather, heated and ventilated seats, and other luxe extras that elevate these two to a Yukon Denali-like level of interior luxury. The Kia has a modern, clean look with its new steering wheel. The Honda’s interior is more purposeful, with an all-black cabin that gives it a staid feel.
The special editions distinguish the Kia Telluride and the Honda Pilot
For 2023, Honda tapped into the growing off-road trend with the new off-road TrailSport package. It adds off-road tires, skid plates, all-wheel drive, and a slight lift to its off-road suspension to give it more capability than the stock Pilot. It definitely looks the part for camping and trail running.
Kia went for a tougher street style with the Telluride for 2023. The updated Telluride has low front valence and low-profile tires that make it look better ahead of the club than your next Ranger station, especially in the X-Line trim. The X-Pro trim is the dirt-oriented version, but aside from the tires, it’s more of a looks package.
How much does a 2023 Honda Pilot or Kia Telluride cost?
The base version of the Pilot is the Sport, which starts at $39,150. There you can order the EX-L, TrailSport and Touring packages. Top-level touring starts at $46,450. The TrailSport starts at $48,350 and comes standard with all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is a $2,000 option.
The LX base version of the 2023 Kia Telluride starts at a slightly lower $35,690. The X-Line is $45,485 and the X-Pro is $49,885. The top-of-the-line SX Prestige X-Pro starts at $52,785. All-wheel drive is a $2,000 option.
