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The 2022 Kia Telluride is currently the highest-ranking midsize three-row SUV on the market. The Telluride SX is the fully loaded version of the popular South Korean SUV model. How does the Telluride SX match up against the Honda Pilot’s Elite trim? Time for 2022 Kia Telluride SX vs. 2022 Honda Pilot Elite.

Key differences between the 2022 Kia Telluride SX and 2022 Honda Pilot Elite

  • The Honda Pilot Elite is the more expensive midsize SUV.
  • The Kia Telluride SX makes more horsepower than the 2022 Honda Pilot Elite.
  • The Kia Telluride SX includes more safety features than the Honda Pilot Elite.

2022 Kia Telluride SX vs. 2022 Honda Pilot Elite by pricing and specs

Midsize Three-row SUV 2022 Kia Telluride SX2022 Honda Pilot Elite
Price$42,690$49,120
Engine/ Horsepower 3.8L V6/ 291 HP3.5L V6/ 280 HP
MPG20 city / 26 highway19 city / 26 highway
A comparison table highlighting the key differences in pricing and specs between the 2022 Kia Telluride SX and 2022 Honda Pilot Elite

The 2022 Kia Telluride SX is packed with value

A light gray 2022 Kia Telluride driving on a wet road.
2022 Kia Telluride | Kia

According to Car and Driver, the 2022 Kia Telluride SX is the best Telluride trim for the money. Top trim levels don’t always provide the most value for their price, but the SX’s features are tough to beat.

The Kia Telluride SX comes standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 7.0-inch display instrument cluster. It has 8.0 inches of ground clearance and a skid plate. It also features a surround-view monitor for mild off-roading.

The SX includes heated and ventilated leather-trimmed front seats. It also features second-row captain’s chairs for passengers. The three-row SUV includes sunroofs for the first and second row of seats.

The top trim level Telluride comes with a wireless phone charger and a Harman Kardon 10-speaker sound system. The SX trim takes an already capable midsize SUV and gives it a significant tech and comfort upgrade.

The 2022 Honda Pilot Elite reveals the midsize SUV’s true potential

A blue 2022 Honda Pilot on the road.
2022 Honda Pilot | Honda

The Honda Pilot has been around for almost two decades. Since its debut, it has climbed to the top of midsize SUV ranks more than a handful of times. Like many other models in the Japanese automaker’s lineup, the Pilot demonstrates excellent balance in terms of comfort, power, and tech.

The 2022 Honda Pilot Elite comes with all the bells and whistles (and it should for its price). The Pilot Elite features an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It includes smart entry with a walk-away auto-lock system to ensure that the vehicle is always locked when unoccupied.

The Pilot Elite comes with heated and ventilated front seats as well as heated second-row captain’s chairs. It also has WiFi hotspot capability and an in-car PA system called CabinTalk.

2022 Kia Telluride SX vs. 2022 Honda Pilot Elite: Which should you buy?

A green 2022 Kia Telluride is on display.
A green 2022 Kia Telluride is on display | Todd Korol/Toronto Star via Getty Images

The general consensus is that the 2022 Kia Telluride is an overall better midsize three-row SUV than the 2022 Honda Pilot Elite. The Telluride SX has more safety features and packs in incredible value for its price. That being said, the expensive Pilot Elite does feature amazing tech features that may have been too costly for Kia to add without drastically increasing its price.

The 2022 Kia Telluride SX is the better buy for consumers looking for the best deal. The 2022 Honda Pilot Elite seems to come with more cool features and add more comfort than the SX does. One of the Pilot Elite’s biggest flaws is its small infotainment system. Ultimately, the SX predictably wins the battle, but the Pilot Elite is nothing to sneeze at.


RELATED: Honda Pilot Drivers Can Comfortably and Affordably Carry 7 Other Passengers

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