What To Know
- Both the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride have earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
- The 2023 Kia Telluride also boasts a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with 5 stars in frontal crash, side crash, rollover, and front passenger crash tests.
- The Telluride’s standard Kia Drive Wise suite includes features like Smart Cruise Control, which can adjust the speed based on both the vehicle in front and the road conditions.
Choosing the right SUV for your family is a big decision, and safety is often at the forefront of your considerations. The Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride are both popular choices known for their spacious interiors, comfortable rides, and impressive features. But when it comes to safety, which SUV comes out on top? This blog post dives deep into the Honda Pilot vs Kia Telluride safety rating to help you make an informed decision.
Safety Ratings from the Experts
Both the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride have earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, there are subtle differences that might sway your decision.
NHTSA Safety Ratings
- Honda Pilot: The 2023 Honda Pilot received an overall 5-star rating from the NHTSA, with 5 stars in frontal crash, side crash, rollover, and front passenger crash tests.
- Kia Telluride: The 2023 Kia Telluride also boasts a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with 5 stars in frontal crash, side crash, rollover, and front passenger crash tests.
IIHS Safety Ratings
- Honda Pilot: The 2023 Honda Pilot earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. This means it achieved the highest rating of “Good” in all six crashworthiness tests, including driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints. It also received a “Superior” rating for its front crash prevention system.
- Kia Telluride: The 2023 Kia Telluride also secured a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. It received “Good” ratings in all six crashworthiness tests and a “Superior” rating for its front crash prevention system.
Beyond the Numbers: A Closer Look at Safety Features
While both SUVs excel in safety ratings, it’s crucial to consider the specific features that contribute to overall safety.
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Both the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride offer a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, including:
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): This system can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to avoid or mitigate the impact.
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW): This system alerts the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane without signaling.
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): This system helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane by gently steering it back if it starts to drift.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): This system maintains a safe distance from the vehicle in front by automatically adjusting the speed.
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): This system alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spot.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA): This system warns the driver of approaching traffic when reversing.
Additional Safety Features
- Honda Pilot: The Pilot features a standard Honda Sensing suite of safety features, including Road Departure Mitigation, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Driver Attention Monitoring.
- Kia Telluride: The Telluride offers a standard Kia Drive Wise suite of safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control, and Driver Attention Warning.
Which SUV Offers More Safety?
Both the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride are incredibly safe SUVs with top safety ratings and comprehensive ADAS features. However, slight differences in features and performance can tip the scales.
- Honda Pilot: The Pilot’s standard Honda Sensing suite includes features like Road Departure Mitigation, which helps prevent the vehicle from leaving the road, and Driver Attention Monitoring, which monitors the driver’s alertness.
- Kia Telluride: The Telluride’s standard Kia Drive Wise suite includes features like Smart Cruise Control, which can adjust the speed based on both the vehicle in front and the road conditions.
Ultimately, the “safer” SUV depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you value features like Road Departure Mitigation and Driver Attention Monitoring, the Honda Pilot might be a better choice. If you prefer features like Smart Cruise Control and Lane Following Assist, the Kia Telluride might be more appealing.
Beyond Safety: Other Factors to Consider
While safety is paramount, it’s not the only factor to consider when choosing an SUV. Other factors include:
- Price: The Honda Pilot starts at a lower price point than the Kia Telluride.
- Fuel Efficiency: The Honda Pilot offers slightly better fuel economy than the Kia Telluride.
- Interior Space: Both SUVs offer ample space for passengers and cargo, but the Kia Telluride has a slightly larger interior.
- Driving Experience: Both SUVs provide a comfortable and refined driving experience, but the Honda Pilot might offer a slightly sportier feel.
Making the Right Choice for You
Choosing between the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride is a matter of personal preference and priorities. Both SUVs are safe, reliable, and feature-packed. Consider your budget, driving needs, and desired features to make the best decision for your family.
The Final Verdict: A Tie for Safety
While both the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride excel in safety, there is no clear winner. Both models achieve top safety ratings and offer a comprehensive suite of ADAS features. The choice ultimately comes down to your individual preferences and priorities.
Top Questions Asked
1. Is the Honda Pilot or Kia Telluride safer for families?
Both SUVs are incredibly safe for families. They both earn top safety ratings and offer advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. Ultimately, the “safer” SUV for your family depends on your specific needs and priorities.
2. Which SUV has better crash test ratings?
Both the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride achieve top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS. They both earn 5 stars from the NHTSA and Top Safety Pick+ awards from the IIHS.
3. Does the Honda Pilot or Kia Telluride have more advanced safety features?
Both SUVs offer a comprehensive suite of ADAS features. However, the Honda Pilot’s standard Honda Sensing suite includes features like Road Departure Mitigation and Driver Attention Monitoring, while the Kia Telluride’s standard Kia Drive Wise suite includes features like Smart Cruise Control and Lane Following Assist.
4. Is one SUV more reliable than the other?
Both the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride are known for their reliability. However, Honda generally has a reputation for higher reliability scores.
5. Which SUV is better overall?
There is no clear “better” SUV. Both the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride are excellent choices with their own strengths and weaknesses. The best SUV for you depends on your individual needs and priorities.
