Kia Telluride vs Honda Pilot
The 2022 Kia Telluride and 2022 Honda Pilot are perennial rivals in the three-row family SUV segment, both offering seating for up to eight, refined cabins, and strong safety scores. Shoppers frequently pit them against each other because they land at nearly identical used prices yet differ meaningfully in long-term cost, reliability trajectory, and resale dynamics. Understanding the true five-year cost — not just the sticker — can save a buyer thousands of dollars.
The 2022 Kia Telluride edges out the Pilot on five-year total cost thanks to superior resale value retention, slightly lower insurance premiums, and a maintenance cost profile that undercuts the Honda over a full ownership cycle.
2022 Kia Telluride
Winner- Best-in-class resale value — retains roughly 58% after 3 years, limiting depreciation hit
- Lower average insurance premium than the Pilot due to favorable IIHS ratings and claim history
- Straightforward maintenance schedule with affordable parts availability nationwide
- 3.8L V6 is thirsty at ~20 MPG combined, keeping fuel costs elevated
- Kia's long-term dealer network density still trails Honda in some rural markets
- AWD system service intervals add modest but real recurring costs
2022 Honda Pilot
- Honda's legendary reliability record translates to lower unplanned repair bills
- Extensive dealer network means competitive labor rates and parts availability everywhere
- Proven 3.5L i-VTEC engine with a long track record of low major-failure rates
- Faster depreciation curve — 2022 Pilot retains roughly 52% at 3 years, costing more per mile owned
- Higher insurance premiums on average due to higher repair costs and parts prices
- Infotainment and transmission issues reported on some 2022 units add repair risk
Category by category
The verdict
Over five years and 60,000 miles, the 2022 Kia Telluride costs an estimated $1,740 less to own than the 2022 Honda Pilot when depreciation, insurance, fuel, and maintenance are all factored in. The Telluride's dominant resale value and lower insurance premiums are the deciding factors, even though the Pilot wins on raw maintenance cost and long-term reliability reputation. For most family SUV shoppers, the Telluride delivers better value — but buyers who keep vehicles 8–10 years and value dealer ubiquity may still prefer the Honda.
Kia Telluride: The 2022 Kia Telluride is best for value-conscious family buyers who prioritize low depreciation, strong warranty coverage, and a premium feel at a slightly lower total cost of ownership.
Honda Pilot: The 2022 Honda Pilot is best for buyers who prize a proven long-term reliability record, a ubiquitous dealer network, and are willing to pay a modest premium for Honda's maintenance simplicity.
Frequently asked questions
Which holds its value better, the 2022 Kia Telluride or 2022 Honda Pilot?
The 2022 Telluride holds its value better, retaining approximately 58% of MSRP after three years versus roughly 52% for the Pilot, according to ALG and KBB residual value data.
Is the 2022 Kia Telluride more reliable than the 2022 Honda Pilot?
Both score well, but they are close — the Telluride earned a J.D. Power IQS score above segment average in 2022, while the Pilot has a longer multi-decade track record; reliability risk is low on either vehicle.
What is the average insurance cost for a 2022 Kia Telluride vs Honda Pilot?
Expect to pay roughly $1,400–$1,500 per year to insure a 2022 Telluride and $1,600–$1,700 for a 2022 Pilot, though your rate will vary by ZIP code, driving history, and coverage level.
Which gets better gas mileage, the Telluride or the Pilot?
They are nearly identical — the 2022 Telluride AWD averages about 20 MPG combined while the 2022 Pilot AWD averages about 19 MPG combined, translating to roughly $70–$100 difference per year at average US gas prices.
Should I buy a used 2022 Telluride or 2022 Pilot for a family of five?
Either is an excellent choice, but the Telluride offers slightly more interior space, a lower five-year ownership cost, and stronger resale, making it the marginally better financial pick for most families at current used market prices.