Head-to-head · vehicle level
Honda Pilot vs. Kia Telluride
Honda Pilot 70Kia Telluride 80on the MotiveGrid ScoreKia Telluride about $572 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2027 Kia Telluride is the cheaper one to own — roughly $572 less over five years.
The Kia Telluride is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Honda Pilot vs. Kia Telluride
| Metric | Honda Pilot | Kia Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| MotiveGrid Score | 70 | 80 |
| Cost of Ownership | 71 | 72 |
| Powertrain | 60 | 60 |
| Driver Assistance | 43 | 32 |
| Livability | 53 | 63 |
| Safety | 75 | 100 |
| 5-Year Cost to Own | $58,449 | $57,877 |
| Depreciation (5-yr) | $20,816 | $20,771 |
| Fuel / Energy (5-yr) | $15,304 | $15,304 |
| Insurance (5-yr) | $10,865 | $10,760 |
| Maintenance (5-yr) | $1,790 | $1,915 |
| Tires (5-yr) | $2,150 | $2,150 |
| Financing (5-yr) | $6,379 | $5,896 |
| Registration (5-yr) | $1,145 | $1,080 |
| Starting Price | $42,395 | $39,190 |
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 291 hp |
| MPG (combined) | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Cargo volume | 18.6 cu ft | 21 cu ft |
| Seating | 8 | 8 |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Kia Telluride scores higher overall.
Honda Pilot
0
/ 100
Kia Telluride
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Winner: Telluride
$572 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Evenly matched
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Winner: Pilot
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Winner: Telluride
+10 pts
Easy to maneuver and park
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Winner: Telluride
+25 pts
IIHS Top Safety Pick+
Full standard crash-avoidance suite
02
Which vehicle is right for you
🏆
Kia Telluride is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $572 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Honda Pilot still wins if your priority is best for driver assistance.
Daily commuter
Honda Pilot
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Kia Telluride
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Kia Telluride
Much stronger safety with slightly more cargo room
Highway driver
Honda Pilot
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Kia Telluride
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Honda Pilot
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$974
$58,449 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$974/mo
Kia Telluride
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$965
$57,877 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$965/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Honda Pilot would need 128.2 years to recoup its $3,205 price premium ($25/yr in savings) — longer than most people own a car. Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Where these rank
- Honda Pilot ranks #3 of 3 in Cheapest 3-Row SUV to Insure.

