2027 Kia Telluride vs Pilot, Palisade and Ascent
The three-row SUV you pick usually comes down to a handful of things: power, towing, seating and how it handles a long High Desert drive with the whole family. The 2027 Kia Telluride is all-new, and it now offers a turbo-hybrid. Here is how it lines up against three popular rivals, the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade and Subaru Ascent, using each manufacturer’s published figures.
Figures are from manufacturer releases and specification pages. Towing requires additional equipment. Check each model’s details for the trim you want.
2027 Kia Telluride vs Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is the V6 in this group. Honda lists a 3.5L V6 with 285 hp for the 2026 model, while the Telluride has moved to a turbo four-cylinder and an available hybrid.
| 2027 Kia Telluride | 2026 Honda Pilot | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L turbo or turbo-hybrid | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 274 hp turbo, 329 hp hybrid | 285 hp |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic (turbo), 6-speed automatic (hybrid) | 10-speed automatic |
| Towing | Up to 5,000 lb (turbo), 4,500 lb (hybrid) | 3,500 lb (2WD), 5,000 lb (AWD) |
| Seating | 7 or 8 | 8 (7 on TrailSport) |
| Fuel economy | Hybrid: Kia estimates up to 35 mpg combined (not EPA) | EPA: 22 mpg combined (2WD), 21 combined (AWD) |
The takeaway: the Pilot has no hybrid option, so shoppers who want better fuel economy in a three-row SUV will want to look at the Telluride hybrid. If you want a V6 and a 10-speed automatic, the Pilot is the one with that setup.
2027 Kia Telluride vs Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade is the closest match, since it is a sibling brand and also offers a gas engine and a hybrid. Hyundai lists a 3.5L V6 with 287 hp and a 329 hp hybrid for the 2026 Palisade.
| 2027 Kia Telluride | 2026 Hyundai Palisade | |
|---|---|---|
| Engines | 2.5L turbo or turbo-hybrid | 3.5L V6 or 2.5L turbo-hybrid |
| Horsepower | 274 hp turbo, 329 hp hybrid | 287 hp V6, 329 hp hybrid |
| Towing | Up to 5,000 lb (turbo), 4,500 lb (hybrid) | 5,000 lb (V6), 4,000 lb (hybrid) |
| Hybrid fuel economy | Kia estimates up to 35 mpg combined (not EPA) | Hyundai estimates 34 mpg combined |
| Seating | 7 or 8 | Up to 8 |
The takeaway: the two hybrids list the same 329 hp. Kia lists 500 lb more towing for its hybrid (4,500 lb vs 4,000 lb), and the Palisade is the one with a V6 gas option. Because both fuel economy figures are manufacturer estimates, compare them with caution.
2027 Kia Telluride vs Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent is the all-wheel-drive choice, with Symmetrical AWD standard and a 2.4L turbo four-cylinder that makes 260 hp.
| 2027 Kia Telluride | 2026 Subaru Ascent | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L turbo or turbo-hybrid | 2.4L turbo four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 274 hp turbo, 329 hp hybrid | 260 hp |
| Towing | Up to 5,000 lb (turbo), 4,500 lb (hybrid) | 5,000 lb |
| Seating | 7 or 8 | 7 or 8 depending on trim |
| Cargo behind third row | 22.3 cu ft (turbo), 21.3 cu ft (hybrid) | 17.6 cu ft in most models |
| Drivetrain | FWD or available AWD | Symmetrical AWD standard |
The takeaway: the Ascent comes with AWD on every trim, while the Telluride offers FWD or AWD. Kia lists more room behind the third row, and the Telluride is the one with a hybrid option.
What stands out about the 2027 Telluride
- A hybrid is available. Kia says the turbo-hybrid makes 329 hp, up to 38 hp more than the previous model.
- Room behind the third row. Kia lists 22.3 cu ft with all seats up on the turbo, and up to 86.9 cu ft with the seats folded.
- Off-road trim. The X-Pro adds an electronic limited slip differential, a center differential lock and 9.1 inches of ground clearance, according to Kia.
- Tech. Dual 12.3-inch displays and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on every trim.
Honest limits to know about
- The hybrid tows up to 4,500 lb, 500 lb less than the turbo. If you tow often, that matters.
- Kia’s fuel economy numbers for the hybrid are estimates and not official EPA ratings.
- Specifications for each competitor come from the manufacturer’s own listings and can change by trim and model year.
Want to go deeper? See how the Telluride compares with the Toyota Grand Highlander, how it stacks up against the Sorento and Sportage, whether to pick the hybrid or gas, and what’s new for 2027.
What else do High Desert shoppers ask about the 2027 Telluride?
Is the 2027 Kia Telluride more powerful than the Honda Pilot?
Kia lists 274 hp for the standard turbo and 329 hp for the hybrid. Honda lists 285 hp for the 2026 Pilot’s V6. So the Telluride hybrid is higher on paper, while the standard turbo is slightly lower. Horsepower is only one part of how a three-row SUV drives, so a test drive is the best way to compare.
Which three-row SUV tows the most?
Towing is close in this group. Kia lists up to 5,000 lb for the 2027 Telluride turbo and up to 4,500 lb for the hybrid. Honda lists 5,000 lb for the 2026 Pilot with AWD, and Hyundai lists 5,000 lb for the gas Palisade and 4,000 lb for the hybrid. Subaru lists 5,000 lb for the Ascent. Towing needs the right equipment, so check the details for the trim you want.
Does the 2027 Kia Telluride come as a hybrid?
Yes. The 2027 Telluride offers a turbo-hybrid with 329 hp. Kia estimates up to 35 mpg combined for an EX FWD hybrid with 18-inch tires. That figure is a Kia estimate and not an official EPA rating.
How many people does the 2027 Telluride seat?
Kia lists 7 or 8 passenger seating. Second-row captain’s chairs are available, and the LX and gas EX use a bench seat. The Pilot, Palisade and Ascent also offer 7 or 8 passenger seating depending on trim.
Where can I see the 2027 Telluride in Victorville?
Valley Hi Kia is at 14644 Valley Center Dr in Victorville. You can browse Telluride inventory online and schedule a test drive. Inventory changes often, so call (760) 955-0046 to confirm a vehicle is available before you visit.
Compare them in person
The best way to compare three-row SUVs is to drive them. Browse Telluride inventory, then schedule a test drive at Valley Hi Kia, 14644 Valley Center Dr in Victorville.
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