You have tons of options when shopping for a midsize 3-row SUV, a list that includes the Kia Telluride and the recently redesigned Nissan Pathfinder. These SUVs have many similarities but some important differences you should know about.
Let’s take a closer look at the Telluride and the Pathfinder and find the right SUV for you.
2023 Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride boasts a roomy 3-row interior, robust V6 engine, and impressive list of standard features all at an affordable price. We estimate the pricing to start at about $36,000.
Kia Telluride Highlights
More interior space: The Kia Telluride has more passenger and cargo space than the Nissan Pathfinder. Compared to the Nissan, the Kia has an extra 3.4 inches of third-row legroom and 4.4 more cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. If you’re looking for a lot of space in a midsize SUV, you’ll like the vast cabin in the Telluride.
Advanced standard tech: An impressive list of standard tech features in the Telluride includes a 10.25-inch infotainment system with navigation, remote start, and tons of safety tech, including the Highway Driving Assist semi-autonomous driving system.
Excellent warranty: The Kia Telluride provides peace of mind with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. By comparison, the Nissan Pathfinder is backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Telluride models for sale near you
2023 Nissan Pathfinder
The recently redesigned Nissan Pathfinder is a practical, family-friendly SUV with a rugged attitude, especially with the new Rock Creek model. We estimate the price to start at about $35,000.
Nissan Pathfinder Highlights
Varied model range: The Nissan Pathfinder has a lot of variety in its model range. The lower trims provide good value, the range-topping Platinum trim offers a luxury-like collection of features, and the rugged new Rock Creek trim boasts all-terrain tires, an off-road suspension, and a surround-view monitor with off-road mode.
Better AWD fuel economy: The Pathfinder and the Telluride have the same fuel economy rating with front-wheel drive (FWD), but when you add all-wheel drive (AWD), the Nissan is more fuel-efficient. The Pathfinder with AWD gets a combined fuel economy rating of 23 mpg, while the AWD-equipped Telluride gets 21 mpg.
Towing muscle: The Nissan Pathfinder has one of the best tow ratings in its class. When properly equipped, the Pathfinder can tow up to 6,000 pounds adding to its versatility for active families. The Telluride has a max tow rating of 5,500 pounds.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Pathfinder models for sale near you
Similarities
Standard V6, similar performance, comparable pricing, standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Conclusion
These are both excellent family SUVs, and you can’t go wrong with either. The Nissan Pathfinder has more towing capacity and slightly better AWD fuel economy, but the Telluride has more standard features, a longer warranty, and a roomier interior. Which is right for you depends on what you’re looking for in a 3-row SUV.
| 2023 Kia Telluride | 2023 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Estimated Starting Price | $36,000 | $35,000 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.8-liter V6 | 3.5-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 284 hp @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm | 259 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 20 city/26 highway/23 combined mpg | 21 city/26 highway/23 combined mpg |
| Also Available | AWD | AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | TBD |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 114.2 inches | 114.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 196.9 inches | 197.7 inches |
| Width | 78.3 inches | 77.9 inches |
| Height | 68.9 inches | 70.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.8 feet | 38.7 feet |
| Headroom, 1st row | 39.5 inches | 42.3 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd row | 38.8 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd row | 37.8 inches | 37.8 inches |
| Legroom, 1st row | 41.4 inches | 44.3 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd row | 42.4 inches | 35.5 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd row | 31.4 inches | 28.0 inches |
| Shoulder room, 1st row | 61.6 inches | 60.8 inches |
| Shoulder room, 2nd row | 59.9 inches | 59.6 inches |
| Shoulder room, 3rd row | 55.3 inches | 58.4 inches |
| Cargo volume | 21.0/46.0/87.0 cubic feet | 16.6/45.0/80.5 cubic feet |