The 2026 Honda Pilot and 2026 Kia Telluride give families in Columbia, Jefferson City, Ashland, Fulton, Moberly, and surrounding Central Missouri communities two three-row SUVs for commuting, school activities, family trips, and everyday errands. Both models provide three rows of seating, V6 power, available all-wheel drive, modern connectivity, advanced driver-assistance technology, and towing capability.
The 2026 Honda Pilot combines a 3.5-liter V6, 10-speed automatic transmission, flexible seating, and available i-VTM4® all-wheel drive. Columbia Honda helps drivers throughout Central Missouri compare the Pilot with the Telluride and determine which SUV best fits their family's needs.
2026 Honda Pilot vs 2026 Kia Telluride Comparison
| Feature | 2026 Honda Pilot | 2026 Kia Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 3.8L V6 |
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 291 hp |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Seating | Up to 8 | Up to 8 |
| Available AWD | i-VTM4® AWD | Available AWD |
| Maximum Towing | Up to 5,000 lbs. | Up to 5,000 lbs. |
| Touchscreen | 12.3-inch | 12.3-inch available |
| Safety Technology | Honda Sensing® | Kia Drive Wise |
Specifications vary by trim and configuration. What stands out: the Telluride edges ahead in horsepower, while the Pilot counters with a smoother-shifting 10-speed automatic and available i-VTM4® all-wheel drive built to help distribute torque when families need it most.
Power and Performance on Central Missouri Roads
The 2026 Honda Pilot uses a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission manages power, while available i-VTM4® all-wheel drive helps distribute torque when additional traction is needed. Properly equipped Pilot models can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
2026 Honda Pilot Performance Highlights:
- 3.5-liter V6 engine
- 285 horsepower
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Available i-VTM4® all-wheel drive
- Up to 5,000-pound towing capacity
2026 Kia Telluride Performance Highlights:
- 3.8-liter V6 engine
- 291 horsepower
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- Available all-wheel drive
- Up to 5,000-pound towing capacity
Verdict:
The Telluride's V6 produces a bit more horsepower, but the Pilot's smoother-shifting 10-speed automatic and available i-VTM4® all-wheel drive make it a well-rounded choice for commuting and family trips throughout Columbia, Jefferson City, and Central Missouri.
Flexible Seating and Interior Space
The 2026 Honda Pilot is designed around changing family needs. Depending on configuration, the Pilot seats up to eight passengers, while available second-row captain's chairs create seating for seven. Select configurations also provide a removable second-row center seat, giving families additional flexibility when arranging passengers and cargo.
2026 Honda Pilot Interior Highlights:
- Seating for up to eight passengers
- Available second-row captain's chairs
- Removable second-row center seat on applicable trims
- One-touch second-row access
- Up to 112.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume on applicable trims
2026 Kia Telluride Interior Highlights:
- Three-row passenger seating
- Available second-row captain's chairs
- Flexible rear seating
- Available leather-trimmed seating
- Configurable cargo area
Verdict:
The Pilot stands out for its flexible cabin, with second-row seating and generous cargo space that make it easy to
adapt for passengers, gear, and everyday family needs.
Technology That Connects Drivers and Passengers
The 2026 Honda Pilot uses a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™. Google built-in is also available, while higher trims add features such as Bose® premium audio and a head-up display.
2026 Honda Pilot Technology Highlights:
- 12.3-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay®
- Wireless Android Auto™
- Google built-in
- Available Bose® premium audio
2026 Kia Telluride Technology Highlights:
- Available 12.3-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- Available premium audio
- Wireless charging capability
- Available digital displays
Verdict:
The Pilot stands out with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and Google built-in, delivering an intuitive, connected cabin without requiring a higher trim.
Honda Sensing® and Everyday Safety Technology
The 2026 Honda Pilot includes Honda Sensing®, a collection of driver-assistance technologies designed to support awareness on city streets and highways. Available systems can provide additional assistance when changing lanes, approaching traffic, parking, or traveling on longer trips.
2026 Honda Pilot Safety Highlights:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System™
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
- Road Departure Mitigation System
- Lane Keeping Assist System
- Available Blind Spot Information with Cross Traffic Monitor
2026 Kia Telluride Safety Highlights:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Smart Cruise Control
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
Verdict:
Honda sensing gives Pilot drivers a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features designed for added confidence on city streets and highways.
Capability for Central Missouri Driving
The Pilot offers available i-VTM4® all-wheel drive and selectable drive modes that allow drivers to adjust vehicle behavior for different conditions. Depending on configuration, drive modes include Normal, ECON, Sport, Snow, Tow, Trail, and Sand.
The available TrailSport trim adds equipment intended for drivers who want additional capability beyond paved roads. For everyday Central Missouri driving, the Pilot combines available traction technology with a 5,000-pound maximum towing rating when properly equipped.
Verdict:
Selectable drive modes and the available TrailSport trim give the Pilot added versatility for Central Missouri's mix of highway commutes, rural roads, and weekend getaways.
What Do Experts Say About the 2026 Honda Pilot?
MotorTrend's 2026 Honda Pilot review highlights the SUV's functionality and versatility, particularly its spacious first two rows, practical storage, easy-to-use controls, and refined ride. MotorTrend also notes that the 2026 updates improve the Pilot's steering feel and cabin quietness.
"In terms of functionality and versatility, the Pilot excels."
Source: MotorTrend 2026 Honda Pilot Expert Review
What Are 2026 Honda Pilot Owners Saying?
A 2026 Honda Pilot Touring owner shared their experience after driving the vehicle for about 6,000 km. The owner specifically described the Pilot as quiet and smooth while highlighting its spacious cabin and performance on dirt roads.
"Pilot handles great on dirt roads. Super quiet, smooth, and insanely spacious."
Source: Reddit 2026 Honda Pilot Owner Experience
Columbia Honda Perspective
Families comparing the 2026 Honda Pilot and 2026 Kia Telluride often want a three-row SUV that can handle commuting, passengers, cargo, and weekend travel without becoming difficult to live with. The Pilot addresses those needs through its V6 powertrain, flexible seating, available i-VTM4® AWD, modern technology, and Honda Sensing® safety technologies.
Columbia Honda serves drivers throughout Columbia, Jefferson City, Ashland, Fulton, Moberly, and surrounding Central Missouri communities.
Frequently Asked Questions: 2026 Honda Pilot vs 2026 Kia Telluride
How much can the 2026 Honda Pilot tow?
A properly equipped 2026 Honda Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Does the 2026 Honda Pilot offer all-wheel drive?
Yes. The Pilot offers available i-VTM4® all-wheel drive for additional traction and stability.
What engine powers the 2026 Honda Pilot?
Every 2026 Honda Pilot uses a 3.5-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque.
Does the 2026 Honda Pilot have a large touchscreen?
Yes. The 2026 Pilot features a 12.3-inch touchscreen.
Which SUV is better for Missouri road trips?
The Pilot provides three-row seating, flexible cargo space, available AWD, V6 power, and a comfortable cabin, making it well suited for family road trips throughout Missouri.
Where can I test-drive the 2026 Honda Pilot in Columbia, MO?
Columbia Honda serves drivers from Columbia, Jefferson City, Ashland, Fulton, Moberly, and nearby Central Missouri communities.
Explore the 2026 Honda Pilot at Columbia Honda
The 2026 Honda Pilot combines three-row seating, V6 performance, flexible cargo capability, modern technology, Honda Sensing®, and available i-VTM4® all-wheel drive. Drivers throughout Columbia and Central Missouri can explore Pilot trims, compare available features, and experience the SUV at Columbia Honda.
*EPA-estimated MPG. Actual mileage may vary.