2026 Honda Pilot vs Kia Telluride for Summer Road Trips in Covington, LA

Planning a summer road trip from Covington, Mandeville, New Orleans, Slidell, or Hammond? The 2026 Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride are three-row SUVs with seating for up to eight passengers and plenty of family-friendly features.

Both SUVs offer V6 power, flexible seating, modern technology, and available all-wheel drive. However, the Honda Pilot stands out with more maximum cargo space, a stowable second-row center seat, seven available drive modes, and the rugged TrailSport trim.

For Louisiana families who want one SUV for daily driving, summer vacations, towing, and outdoor trips, the 2026 Honda Pilot is a capable and versatile choice.

Browse the new Honda Pilot inventory at Honda of Covington to explore available trims, colors, and features.

Why Choose the Honda Pilot for a Summer Road Trip?

Road trips require room for more than passengers. Families may also need space for suitcases, coolers, strollers, beach supplies, camping equipment, and sports gear.

The 2026 Honda Pilot provides seating for up to eight and up to 113.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. Its stowable second-row center seat lets you switch between eight-passenger seating and a more open second-row layout.

The Pilot also features a 285-horsepower V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, available i-VTM4® all-wheel drive, and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity on AWD models.

2026 Honda Pilot Road Trip Highlights

• Seating for up to eight passengers
• Stowable second-row center seat
• Up to 113.7 cubic feet of cargo space
• Hidden cargo storage compartment
• 285-horsepower V6 engine
• 10-speed automatic transmission
• Up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity on AWD models
• Available i-VTM4® all-wheel drive
• Seven-mode drive system
• Available Google built-in
• Available Wi-Fi hotspot
• Available panoramic moonroof
• Available hands-free power tailgate

Honda Pilot vs Kia Telluride Cargo Space

Cargo space can make a major difference on a long vacation. The Honda Pilot offers up to 113.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, while the provided Telluride information lists up to 87 cubic feet.

That extra room can make it easier to pack luggage, groceries, outdoor equipment, and other bulky items. The Pilot also includes a hidden cargo compartment and an available hands-free power tailgate.

Both SUVs can seat up to eight passengers. However, the Pilot’s stowable second-row center seat provides more flexibility. Families can use the center seat when they need room for eight or store it to make third-row access easier.

Pilot advantage: The Pilot provides more maximum cargo space and a flexible seating design for changing passenger and storage needs.

Performance and Towing for Summer Travel

The Honda Pilot uses a 285-horsepower V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Kia Telluride information lists a 291-horsepower V6.

While the Telluride has slightly more listed horsepower, the Pilot offers a seven-mode drive system that can help drivers adjust to different road conditions. Available modes include Tow, Snow, Sand, Trail, and Sport.

AWD Pilot models can also tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. This capability can be useful for families planning to bring a properly equipped trailer or additional recreational equipment.

Honda Pilot Performance Benefits

• 285-horsepower V6
• 10-speed automatic transmission
• Available i-VTM4® AWD
• Seven available drive modes
• Up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity on AWD models

Pilot advantage: The Pilot combines strong V6 performance with multiple drive modes, available all-wheel drive, and useful towing capability.

Honda Pilot TrailSport Road Trip Benefits

The Honda Pilot TrailSport is designed for families who want more rugged capability. It is a strong option for trips that include camping, fishing, hiking, parks, cabins, or rougher roads.

The TrailSport adds adventure-focused styling and enhanced AWD capability while keeping the Pilot’s three-row seating and flexible cargo space.

Why Consider the Pilot TrailSport?

• Rugged exterior styling
• Adventure-focused equipment
• Enhanced all-wheel-drive capability
• Trail and Sand drive modes
• Three-row seating
• Up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity
• Flexible cargo room

Interior Comfort and Technology

The Honda Pilot offers several features that can make long drives more comfortable. Available equipment includes tri-zone climate control, a panoramic moonroof, a hands-free power tailgate, and upgraded interior materials.

The Pilot also offers technology that can help drivers and passengers stay connected throughout the trip.

Available Honda Pilot Technology

• 12.3-inch color touchscreen
• 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
• Google built-in
• Wireless Apple CarPlay®
• Wireless Android Auto™
• Wireless phone charger
• Bose premium sound system
• Wi-Fi hotspot capability

The Kia Telluride offers dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays, Digital Key 2.0, wireless smartphone connectivity, and Highway Driving Assist 2.

The Telluride’s dual-screen layout is eye-catching, but the Pilot provides useful connectivity through available Google built-in, wireless smartphone integration, and Wi-Fi capability.

Honda Pilot Safety Features

Every 2026 Honda Pilot includes Honda Sensing®, a collection of safety and driver-assist technologies designed to support the driver.

Honda Pilot Safety and Driver-Assist Features

• Collision Mitigation Braking System™
• Road Departure Mitigation System
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Keeping Assist System
• Blind Spot Information System
• Cross Traffic Monitor
• Multi-View Camera System

The Telluride information lists features such as Highway Driving Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Both SUVs offer helpful driver-assistance technology, but Honda Sensing® is included throughout the Pilot lineup.

Which Honda Pilot Trim Is Best for Road Trips?

The 2026 Pilot lineup includes several trims for different types of travelers.

• Sport: A practical starting point with seating for up to eight and Honda Sensing®.
• EX-L: Adds more interior comfort and convenience for everyday family travel.
• TrailSport: Best for outdoor trips and drivers who want more rugged capability.
• Touring and Touring Blackout: Add upgraded technology and interior amenities.
• Elite and Black Edition: Offer premium features and exclusive styling.

For outdoor-focused families, the TrailSport may be the strongest fit. Shoppers who prioritize comfort and technology may prefer the Touring, Elite, or Black Edition.

Honda Pilot vs Kia Telluride FAQs

Is the Honda Pilot good for summer road trips?

Yes. The Pilot seats up to eight passengers and offers up to 113.7 cubic feet of cargo space, available all-wheel drive, multiple drive modes, and strong towing capability.

Which SUV has more cargo space?

The Honda Pilot offers up to 113.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. The provided Telluride information lists up to 87 cubic feet.

Which SUV seats more passengers?

Both the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride can seat up to eight passengers.

How much can the Honda Pilot tow?

AWD Pilot models can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Does the Honda Pilot offer all-wheel drive?

Yes. The Pilot offers the i-VTM4® all-wheel-drive system.

Is the Honda Pilot better than the Kia Telluride?

The Telluride offers upscale styling and an eye-catching dual-screen layout. The Pilot stands out with more maximum cargo space, a flexible stowable second-row center seat, seven drive modes, and a rugged TrailSport trim.

Test-Drive a 2026 Honda Pilot in Covington, LA

The Kia Telluride is a capable three-row SUV, but the 2026 Honda Pilot offers several useful benefits for summer road trips. It provides more maximum cargo space, flexible seating for up to eight, strong V6 performance, available all-wheel drive, and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity on AWD models.

Visit Honda of Covington at 100 Holiday Square Boulevard in Covington, Louisiana, or call (985) 892-0001 to schedule a test drive.

Honda of Covington proudly serves drivers from Covington, Mandeville, New Orleans, Slidell, Hammond, and surrounding Louisiana communities. Browse our new Honda inventory, value your trade, and explore available financing options today.

 

DISCLAIMERS

MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $1,495 destination charge, and accessories. Dealer prices may vary. MSRP does not include $455 charge for premium colors.

19 city/27 highway/22 combined mpg rating for 2WD trims. 19 city/25 highway/21 combined mpg rating for non-TrailSport AWD trims. 18 city/23 highway/20 combined mpg rating for TrailSport. Based on 2026 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.

Prices and colors may vary by trim. See your local dealer for more information.

Maximum towing capacity for AWD trims is 5,000 lbs. Maximum towing capacity for 2WD trims is 3,500 lbs. Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.

Google, Google Play and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC. Google built-in requires an internet connection and may be accessible through your smartphone’s mobile hotspot feature. Includes 3 years of unlimited data for in-vehicle apps. Non-distraction optimized apps such as video streaming, web browser, and games are only available to use while the vehicle is in park, not during operation. Depending on use, Google can share certain user and vehicle information such as vehicle location, speed, and other operating conditions with its service providers. See Google privacy policy for details regarding Google’s use and handling of data.

Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct are registered trademarks of Wi-Fi Alliance®. Requires AT&T data plan.

Depending on the circumstances, CMBS may not go through all the alert stages before initiating the last stage (of collision mitigation). CMBS cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed, and other factors. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

Road Departure Mitigation only alerts the driver when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use and can apply mild steering torque to assist driver in maintaining proper lane position or to slow the vehicle’s departure from a detected lane. RDM may not detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed, and road condition. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

285 hp @ 6100 rpm (SAE net)

Apple CarPlay is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.

Android and Android Auto are trademarks of Google LLC. Compatible Android phone and compatible active data plan required.

Data speeds may temporarily be slowed if the network is busy. Google, Google Play and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC.

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any such use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is under license.

Drive responsibly. Wi-Fi hotspot intended for passenger use only. Some state laws prohibit the operation of handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle. For safety reasons, only pair devices and launch applications when the vehicle is safely parked. Coverage not available in all locations. 4G LTE Wi-Fi only available on certain models. Requires AT&T data plan. Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct are registered trademarks of Wi-Fi Alliance®.

The systems are not a substitute for your own visual assessment before changing lanes or backing up, and may not detect all objects, or provide complete information about conditions, behind or to the side of the vehicle. System accuracy will vary based on weather, size of object, and speed. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

Always visually confirm that it is safe to drive before backing up; the rearview camera display does not provide complete information about all conditions and objects at the rear of your vehicle.

ACC with Low-Speed Follow cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed, and other factors. ACC should not be used in heavy traffic, poor weather, or on winding roads. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

Wireless phone charger is compatible with Qi wireless charging standards. Check with your device’s manufacturer for wireless capability.

Bose is a registered trademark of Bose Corporation

Based on SAE J1100 cargo volume measurement standard plus, where applicable, floor space between seating rows, and seats in their forward-most and upright position.

FCW cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and other factors. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. FCW does not include a braking function. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

LDW only alerts drivers when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use. LDW may not detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and road condition. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

LKAS only assists driver in maintaining proper lane position when lane markings are identified without a turn signal in use and can only apply mild steering torque to assist. LKAS may not detect all lane markings; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and road condition. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

TSR cannot detect all traffic signs and may misidentify certain signs. Accuracy will vary based on weather and other factors. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for complying with all traffic regulations.

To activate, the Post-Collision Braking System requires deployment of an airbag or seatbelt pretensioner. The system may not detect all crashes and, depending on crash dynamics, severity, or resulting damage, may not be able to secure the vehicle or prevent secondary collisions.

VSA is not a substitute for safe driving. It cannot correct the vehicle’s course in every situation or compensate for reckless driving. Control of the vehicle always remains with the driver.

For optimal tire wear and performance, tire pressure should be checked regularly with a gauge. Do not rely solely on the monitor system. Please see your Honda dealer for details.