Three-row SUV rivals
The Kia Telluride fields the widest trim range at 10 trims. The Kia Telluride tows the most of the group at Up to 5,000 lb. None of these is a flat upgrade over the others — the right pick depends on which of those axes matters for the job. This comparison weighs Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Honda Pilot using each vehicle's own verified manufacturer and EPA-sourced facts instead of a single averaged rating: together they cover 23 trims across 9 linked sources, so any one of them can be checked against its own primary record instead of taken on this page's summary alone. Configuration, not badge name, decides which one actually fits a specific job. Check the exact trim and powertrain before treating any single vehicle's specification as settled, and open each full record below for the complete sourced trail.
Lineup overview
The redesigned 2027 Telluride replaces the V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four making 274 horsepower and adds the first-ever Telluride Hybrid at 329 horsepower combined (EX is the hybrid entry point). X-Line, X-Pro and Prestige combinations create a broad marketed trim matrix with different capability, styling and cabin equipment.
The 2025 Palisade pairs a 291-horsepower V6 with front- or all-wheel drive and seven- or eight-passenger interiors depending on trim and seating layout.
The 2025 Pilot uses a 285-horsepower V6 and ten-speed automatic. Seating layout, AWD status and capability equipment change across the six-trim range.
Side-by-side matrix
Every figure below is the published family range across all trims — open each full record before applying a number to one specific vehicle.
| Decision field | Kia Telluride | Hyundai Palisade | Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine options | 2.5L turbo four-cylinder or 2.5L turbo hybrid | 3.8L V6 | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower range | 274 / 329 hp | 291 hp | 285 hp |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD |
| Seating | 7 or 8 | 7 or 8 | 7 or 8 |
| Maximum towing | Up to 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb | Up to 5,000 lb |
| Trim count | 10 trims | 7 trims | 6 trims |
Starting MSRP by trim is not yet independently verified across every vehicle in this record — pricing changes often enough mid-model-year that this page cites manufacturer configurators rather than publish a number that could go stale. Every other field above is sourced and dated per vehicle.
Trim ladders
LX → S → EX → SX → EX X-Line → EX X-Pro → SX X-Line → SX Prestige → SX Prestige X-Line → SX Prestige X-Pro
SE → SEL → XRT → SEL Premium → Limited → Calligraphy → Calligraphy Night
Sport → EX-L → TrailSport → Touring → Elite → Black Edition
Where each one wins
Ranked directly from the sourced figures above — nothing here is an opinion.
Up to 5,000 lb, ahead of the Hyundai Palisade's 5,000 lb, the Honda Pilot's Up to 5,000 lb. Maximums require the specific powertrain and equipment noted in each full record.
10 trims against the Hyundai Palisade's 7, the Honda Pilot's 6. More trims means finer-grained equipment choices, not necessarily better equipment at any one price.
Technology and what changed
The X-Line and X-Pro suffixes are configuration branches, not standalone features that apply across the range. MY2027 real additions: the 2.5L turbo four (274 hp, 311 lb-ft) replaces the V6 and a first-ever hybrid (329 hp, 339 lb-ft combined) starts at EX; SX gains a dual panoramic curved display, Meridian Premium Audio and dual sunroofs; SX Prestige adds Nappa leather, a head-up display and heated/ventilated second-row seats; X-Pro gets real off-road hardware. 9.1 inches of ground clearance and all-terrain tires, not just cosmetic badging.
Calligraphy Night is an appearance branch of the upper range; it should not be treated as a different powertrain.
Black Edition sits above Elite for 2025; TrailSport remains the distinct off-road-oriented configuration.
Open the evidence
Nearby comparisons
Sources
Kia Telluride official model page · FuelEconomy.gov vehicle data · NHTSA vehicle data and recalls
Hyundai Palisade official model page · FuelEconomy.gov vehicle data · NHTSA vehicle data and recalls
Honda Pilot official model page · FuelEconomy.gov vehicle data · NHTSA vehicle data and recalls