The midsize SUV segment has evolved into one of the most fiercely competitive automotive battlegrounds, offering families an impressive array of options that cater to their diverse needs. Among these contenders, the Kia Telluride is a top choice for its seductive combination of style, premium features, and exceptional value proposition.
Since its 2020 debut, this three-row SUV has consistently justified its position among the top class. It's won numerous awards, including U.S. News & World Report's best three-row midsize SUV for families and MotorTrend's SUV of the year. A comprehensive comparison against top contenders will help you understand why the Kia Telluride is a class leader.
Head-To-Head Comparisons: The Telluride vs. Top Competitors
Kia Telluride by Jason Lawrence is licensed with CC BY 2.0
The true measure of a vehicle is how it compares to its direct competitors, and the Telluride scores exceptionally when pitted against top contenders in its segment.
The Kia Telluride vs. the Hyundai PALISADE
The Telluride and the PALISADE are almost identical, which is unsurprising, as they share many design elements and the same chassis and powertrain. However, the Telluride edges out its corporate cousin with its more rugged and masculine styling, firmer suspension tuning, and a more cohesive overall design. The PALISADE's chrome-heavy exterior and softer ride may give it a more traditional luxury feel, but the Telluride's slightly edgier personality will appeal if you want more attitude in your SUV. The Telluride's lower starting price is the clincher.
The Kia Telluride vs. The Toyota Highlander
The Highlander brings Toyota's reputation for reliability and resale value to the table. Although it matches the Kia Telluride's seating capacity of eight, it falls short in interior space and standard features. Where the Highlander excels in fuel efficiency with its hybrid option, the Telluride offers better third-row accommodations and a more premium feel throughout the cabin. The Telluride's more powerful V-6 engine better balances performance and fuel economy, making it a versatile choice for daily driving around Corinth or long road trips.
The Kia Telluride vs. The Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is one of the oldest models in our Kia Telluride comparison, but it remains a strong contender with its spacious interior and smooth ride. Nevertheless, the Telluride has much to offer in overall value, such as its longer warranty, upscale interior materials, and more advanced infotainment system. The Telluride also boasts a larger cargo capacity when all seats are in use, making it a practical choice for families.
The Pilot's recent redesign still fails to raise the quality of its interior to that of the Telluride's luxurious cabin. Even the top Pilot trims, with their noticeably hard interior plastics, don't improve much over cheaper models. In contrast, the Telluride's cabin exudes a premium feel, with high-quality materials and attention to detail.
The Kia Telluride vs. The Mazda CX-9
The Mazda CX-9 is often considered the sportier option in this class, with its athletic handling and turbocharged engine. What it lacks in comparison with the Telluride is interior space and practicality for families. The Telluride offers more cargo capacity, a roomier third-row seat, and more standard features. Add its standard V-6 engine, which delivers ample power for daily driving, and you have a better all-around choice. While the Mazda focuses on driving dynamics, the Telluride provides a better mix of performance, comfort, and practicality that better serves the needs of most families.
The Kia Telluride vs. The Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent is a strong contender in the midsize SUV segment, with its standard all-wheel drive, spacious interior, and impressive safety features. Where it falls short against the Telluride is in its overall refinement and luxury feel. The Telluride's upscale cabin materials and interior design give it an edge over the Ascent's more utilitarian styling and cramped third-row seat.
The Telluride boasts a longer warranty than the Ascent, making it a better value if you want peace of mind. While the Accent's more fuel-efficient engine may appeal, the Telluride's V-6 offers a good balance of power and efficiency for most driving needs.
An In-Depth Feature Analysis: What Makes or Breaks Your Decision?
While Telluride's overall value and performance against its top competitors are impressive, it's the little things that can make or break a decision. Key features to consider when comparing the Telluride to other midsize SUVs include:
- A class-leading warranty: The Telluride offers a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, significantly longer than most competitors. This extended coverage gives you assurance and adds long-term value to your investment.
- An advanced all-wheel-drive system: The Telluride's available active on-demand all-wheel-drive system offers enhanced traction and stability in various weather conditions. It also includes a snow mode for added control in winter driving.
- Premium interior materials: The Telluride's interior is thoughtfully designed and features high-quality materials throughout, including soft-touch surfaces, leather upholstery, and wood trim accents. This attention to detail gives it a more upscale feel than many of its rivals.
- Cutting-edge technology: The Telluride's advanced technology includes a 12.3-inch touch-screen infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims offer 12.3-inch dual panoramic displays and additional safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and a head-up display.
- Cargo space and utility: When the second- and third-row seats are lowered, the Telluride provides up to 87 cubic feet of cargo capacity, making it one of the most spacious options in its class. The power liftgate and available roof rails add convenience.
Test-Drive the Telluride at Huffines Kia Corinth
The Kia Telluride's premium features, practical utility, and outstanding value make it a top choice for families and cement its strong position in the midsize SUV market. We invite you to experience the Telluride's advantages firsthand. Our knowledgeable staff will happily guide you through available new and preowned models, attractive financing options, and current special offers and incentives. Visit our dealership in Corinth, Texas, today, or contact us to schedule your test-drive. Don't wait to discover why the Telluride continues to win over discerning SUV buyers.