The Kia Telluride is a surprising and capable new SUV in Kia’s lineup. It’s won a list of awards and sales are gaining major traction. But let’s be real. What does the Telluride have to offer that the Chrysler Pacifica doesn’t? After we pit them against each other, you may find yourself wanting to avoid the Kia Telluride and opt for the Chrysler Pacifica instead.

Sure the Kia Telluride is a stylish and bold SUV with all-wheel-drive and luxurious family friendly amenities. But the Chrysler Pacifica has all that, too. Plus a hybrid option. Plus sliding doors.

The Kia Telluride

You may have already read that we think the Chrysler Pacifica could be better than the Kia Telluride. The Kia Telluride is a fantastic SUV and we aren’t trying to hate on it. It best the Chrysler in a few key areas.

For instance, the Chrysler Pacifica’s max towing capacity is about 1500 pounds less than the Kia Telluride. Additionally, the Telluride comes with the Kia factory warranty which is one of the best in the industry.

It’s also rugged yet sleek at the same time and if you’re judging a car based solely on its tow rating and look, the Kia Telluride may turn out to be the vehicle of your choice.

However, when it comes to pretty much everything else the Pacifica has the Telluride beat. If you are looking for an excellent and capable family car, the Chrysler Pacifica offers pretty much everything the Kia SUV offers and more.

The Chrysler Pacifica

The Chrysler Pacifica is part of the new era of minivans. It’s taken the US market by storm and families everywhere are choosing this as their next vehicle. Why? Because it’s a minivan, and it’s awesome.

In addition to comparably plush leather interior and sweet updated infotainment in the upper trim levels, the Chrysler Pacifica offers family friendly options like back seat entertainment. The Telluride mysteriously doesn’t offer this feature.

Each vehicle has a similar powertrain with plenty of power for maneuvering –– especially equipped with an all-wheel-drive powertrain. But the Chrysler Pacifica reigns supreme when it comes to fuel economy. Though its fuel mileage is just a little better than the Telluride, the Chrysler Pacifica offers a hybrid version. One more edge the Chrysler has on the Kia.

The Chrysler Pacifica also boasts more cargo room than the Telluride. Really, unless you have something against minivans, the Telluride pales in comparison to the Pacifica.

The Chrysler Pacifica instead

When you look at the specs on these two family vehicles, the Telluride gets left in the dust. Similar options, similar fuel economy, and similar drivetrains make these entirely comparable, even though one is an SUV and one is a minivan.

The Chrysler minivan has a starting price in the $27,235 – $44,695 range and the Kia SUV has price range of $31,890 – $43,790. So even the prices are very much the same.

But, if you are looking for a well-round and capable family vehicle with plenty of space and fun for the whole family, avoid the Kia Telluride for the Chrysler Pacifica instead.