Family SUV Showdown: Two Giants Battle for Your Driveway Shopping for a three-row SUV that can haul the whole crew without breaking the bank? Two redesigned family haulers are fighting for a spot in your garage, and each brings something different to the table. Kia's 2026 Telluride gets a complete makeover with a new turbo engine, starting around $39,190. Honda's 2026 Pilot sticks with its proven V6 formula but adds more tech, starting at $42,195. Each model seats up to eight passengers with serious towing capability for family adventures. What's New for 2026 These family haulers are taking different paths for 2026. Kia went all-out with a complete redesign of the Telluride, while Honda gave the Pilot a thoughtful refresh. Kia's most significant change sits under the hood. Engineers ditched the old 3.8-liter V6 for a new 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. That's 68 pound-feet more torque than the outgoing V6, translating to better acceleration and improved towing capacity. Honda took a more conservative approach. Their trusty 3.5-liter V6 returns with 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, but Honda added a much larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. Design and Interior Space Walk up to these SUVs, and you'll notice their different personalities. Kia's new Telluride adopts sharper, more angular styling with vertical LED headlights and flush-mounted door handles. Honda's refreshed Pilot keeps more traditional proportions but gets a bolder front fascia with a larger grille. Each SUV seats up to eight passengers but takes a different approach to interior design. Kia's cabin features a panoramic curved dual-screen display that combines the instrument cluster and infotainment system. Honda's interior gets a new 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google built in and wireless smartphone connectivity. Performance and Capability Looking at powertrains, the Kia Telluride vs Honda Pilot matchup shows two different philosophies. Kia's new turbo engine makes less peak horsepower than Honda's V6 (274 vs. 285), but it puts out more torque at lower revs. That means better acceleration from a stop and more confident passing power. Honda's V6 has a proven track record but requires more revs to access its power. Either SUV can handle up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped - enough for most family trailers. Technology and Safety Each manufacturer loaded their 2026 models with tech. Kia's dual-screen setup looks more futuristic and includes over-the-air updates plus Digital Key 2.0 smartphone functionality. Honda's approach feels more traditional with physical buttons for climate control alongside the new touchscreen. Safety tech is extensive on either model. Honda Sensing and Kia's Driving Assist suite both include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control as standard features. Pricing and Off-Road Options Kia holds a price advantage, starting around $39,190 versus Honda's $42,195 entry point. Each SUV offers rugged variants - Honda's Pilot TrailSport and Kia's new X-Pro - for families who venture off-road. Neither SUV wins any fuel economy awards, but each returns reasonable efficiency for its size. Honda achieves 19/27/22 mpg city/highway/combined with front-wheel drive. Kia hasn't released EPA ratings yet, but a Telluride Hybrid is scheduled to arrive later in 2026. Comparison Chart Feature 2026 Kia Telluride 2026 Honda Pilot Starting Price $39,190 $42,195 Engine 2.5L Turbo 4-cyl 3.5L V6 Horsepower 274 hp 285 hp Torque 311 lb-ft 262 lb-ft Seating Up to 8 Up to 8 Warranty 10yr/100k mi powertrain 5yr/60k mi powertrain Which SUV Fits Your Family? These SUVs bring different strengths to family duty. Kia's Telluride appeals to buyers who want the latest tech, modern styling, and a lower starting price. Its new turbo engine delivers better low-end torque for daily driving, along with longer warranty coverage. Honda's Pilot makes sense for families who value proven reliability and prefer a traditional approach. A proven V6 engine, excellent safety ratings, and strong resale values make it a smart long-term choice. Consider the Telluride if you want more modern tech and value extensive warranty coverage. Honda's Pilot makes more sense if you prioritize proven reliability and don't mind paying extra for the brand reputation. Test Drive the Telluride at Kia of Muncie Ready to see how the 2026 Kia Telluride stacks up in person? We make it easy to compare trim levels, explore financing options, and take a thorough test drive that shows off the new turbo engine and redesigned interior. Our family-owned dealership has been serving Central Indiana drivers for over 100 years, and we'll help you find the perfect SUV for your family's needs without any pressure tactics. Whether you're interested in the base LX or the rugged X-Pro variant, we'll walk you through the features that matter most.
2026 Kia Sportage Trim Levels: Which One Is Right for You?
Six 2026 Kia Sportage Trims for Six Kinds of Drivers Shopping for a compact SUV gets a lot easier once you know what each badge on the tailgate buys you. The 2026 Kia Sportage comes in six gas-powered trims, and the spread between the entry model and the top one is wide, running from cloth seats all the way to a heated windshield. We broke down every version so you can spot your match before you set foot on a lot. Every gas-powered 2026 Sportage uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The X-Line and X-Pro Prestige come with all-wheel drive only, while the SX is sold with front-wheel drive only. Starting prices run from $28,690 for the LX with FWD to $39,590 for the X-Pro Prestige, before a $1,445 destination charge. One Engine Under Every Hood Kia keeps the powertrain choice simple. Each trim gets the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder, rated at 187 hp at 6,100 rpm and 178 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. An eight-speed automatic sends that power to the front wheels or to all four, depending on the trim you pick. With front-wheel drive, Kia estimates 25 mpg city, 33 highway, and 28 combined. Most AWD versions land at 24/30/26 mpg. The X-Pro Prestige, which rolls on all-terrain tires, is rated at 23/26/24 mpg. Every trim can tow up to 2,500 pounds with a braked trailer. Kia Sportage Trim Levels for Budget-Minded Buyers The LX starts at $28,690, and it doesn't feel bare. You get 17-inch alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, and Lane Following Assist. Cloth seats and a six-way manual driver's seat help keep the price down. An $800 Convenience Package adds blind-spot warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, and a 10-way power driver's seat. On FWD models, that package brings heated front seats too. Step up to the EX, from $30,490, and plenty of those extras come standard. The EX adds 18-inch wheels, SynTex seats, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic A/C, a wireless charging pad, and a height-adjustable Smart Power Liftgate. It's the trim we'd point most commuters toward. Want more sky over your head? A $1,000 Panoramic Sunroof Package handles that. X-Line and X-Pro Prestige Lace Up Their Boots Priced from $32,990, the X-Line comes with Active AWD, Terrain Mode with Snow, Mud, and Sand settings, 19-inch wheels, and a gloss black raised roof rack. Inside, you'll find upgraded SynTex seats and hydrographic wood dash trim. Its $2,500 Technology Package adds built-in maps, Harman Kardon audio, Highway Driving Assist, and a Surround View Monitor. At $39,590, the X-Pro Prestige sits at the top of the ladder. This one pairs the rugged look with SX Prestige goodies like ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. You also get all-terrain tires on 17-inch wheels, a Terrain Mode tuned for those tires, a heated windshield, and heated wiper nozzles. That heated glass earns its keep on a frosty January morning in Indiana. SX and SX Prestige Pile On the Tech Front-wheel drive is the only choice on the SX, which starts at $34,290. This trim swaps the matte black trim for gloss black accents and adds a panoramic sunroof, Harman Kardon audio, a curved 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and built-in maps with Kia Connect. Highway Driving Assist and memory settings for the driver's seat and mirrors come along for the ride. Opt for the SX Prestige, and you'll pay $36,290 with FWD or $38,090 with AWD. That money buys 19-inch wheels, LED fog lights, ventilated front seats, an eight-way power passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, and Digital Key 2.0. Parking gets easier too, thanks to the Surround View Monitor, Blind-spot View Monitor, and Kia's reverse Parking Collision Avoidance system. 2026 Kia Sportage Trim Comparison Chart Feature LX EX X-Line SX SX Prestige X-Pro Prestige Starting MSRP, FWD $28,690 $30,490 Not offered $34,290 $36,290 Not offered Starting MSRP, AWD $30,490 $32,290 $32,990 Not offered $38,090 $39,590 Engine 2.5L 4-cyl, 187 hp, 178 lb-ft 2.5L 4-cyl, 187 hp, 178 lb-ft 2.5L 4-cyl, 187 hp, 178 lb-ft 2.5L 4-cyl, 187 hp, 178 lb-ft 2.5L 4-cyl, 187 hp, 178 lb-ft 2.5L 4-cyl, 187 hp, 178 lb-ft Transmission 8-speed automatic 8-speed automatic 8-speed automatic 8-speed automatic 8-speed automatic 8-speed automatic Drivetrain FWD or Active AWD FWD or Active AWD Active AWD FWD FWD or Active AWD Active AWD Terrain Mode (Snow, Mud, Sand) With AWD With AWD Standard Not offered With AWD Standard, tuned for all-terrain tires Est. mpg, FWD (city/hwy/comb.) 25/33/28 25/33/28 N/A 25/33/28 25/33/28 N/A Est. mpg, AWD (city/hwy/comb.) 24/30/26 24/30/26 24/30/26 N/A 24/30/26 23/26/24 Wheels and tires 17-in. alloy 18-in. alloy 19-in. alloy 18-in. alloy 19-in. alloy 17-in. alloy, all-terrain tires Ground clearance 7.1 in. FWD / 8.3 in. AWD 7.1 in. FWD / 8.3 in. AWD 8.3 in. 7.1 in. 7.1 in. FWD / 8.3 in. AWD 8.3 in. Roof rails Not offered Available flush rails Gloss black raised rack Gloss black flush rails Gloss black flush rails Gloss black raised rack Seating surface Cloth SynTex Upgraded SynTex SynTex, upgraded SynTex available Upgraded SynTex Upgraded SynTex Driver's seat 6-way manual, 10-way power available 10-way power 10-way power, memory available 10-way power with memory 10-way power with memory 10-way power with memory 8-way power passenger seat Not offered Not offered Not offered Not offered Standard Standard Heated front seats Available on FWD Standard Standard Standard Standard Standard Ventilated front seats Not offered Not offered Not offered Not offered Standard Standard Heated steering wheel Not offered Not offered Not offered Not offered Standard Standard Heated windshield and wiper nozzles Not offered Not offered Not offered Not offered Not offered Standard Air conditioning Manual Dual-zone automatic Dual-zone automatic Dual-zone automatic Dual-zone automatic Dual-zone automatic 12.3-in. touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Standard Standard Standard Standard Standard Standard Built-in maps with Kia Connect Not offered Not offered Available Standard Standard Standard Gauge cluster 12.3-in. LCD with 4.2-in. TFT 12.3-in. LCD with 4.2-in. TFT 12.3-in. LCD with 4.2-in. TFT, curved 12.3-in. TFT available Curved 12.3-in. TFT Curved 12.3-in. TFT Curved 12.3-in. TFT Audio 6 speakers 6 speakers 6 speakers, Harman Kardon available Harman Kardon Harman Kardon Harman Kardon Wireless phone charging pad Not offered Standard Standard Standard Standard Standard Digital Key 2.0 Not offered Not offered Not offered Not offered Standard Standard Smart Power Liftgate Not offered Standard Available Standard Standard Standard Panoramic sunroof Not offered Available Available Standard Standard Standard Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist Available Standard Standard Standard Standard Standard Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go Standard Standard Standard Standard Standard Standard Highway Driving Assist Not offered Not offered Available Standard Standard Standard Surround View Monitor and Blind-spot View Monitor Not offered Not offered Available Not offered Standard Standard LED fog lights Not offered Not offered Available Not offered Standard Standard Towing capacity with trailer brakes 2,500 lbs. 2,500 lbs. 2,500 lbs. 2,500 lbs. 2,500 lbs. 2,500 lbs. Cargo space behind 2nd row / behind 1st row (low floor) 39.6 / 74.1 cu. ft. 39.6 / 74.1 cu. ft. 39.6 / 74.1 cu. ft. 39.6 / 74.1 cu. ft. 39.6 / 74.1 cu. ft. 39.6 / 74.1 cu. ft. Starting MSRP excludes the $1,445 destination charge, taxes, title, license, and options. Fuel economy figures are Kia estimates. Pricing and specifications from Kia Media for the 2026 Sportage and subject to change. There Is a Hybrid Ladder Too Everything above covers the gas lineup. Kia sells the Sportage Hybrid as its own set of trims with a turbocharged hybrid powertrain and fuel economy that climbs into the forties. Worth a look if your commute is long. Shop Sportage Hybrid Picking the Sportage That Fits Your Week If price leads the way, the LX or EX handles daily driving well, and the EX adds the upgrades you'll touch every single day. Drivers who face gravel roads, snowy back roads, or weekend camping trips should look at the X-Line first. Move up to the X-Pro Prestige if heated glass and all-terrain tires sound good. Tech fans will like the SX, and the SX Prestige makes sense if you want cooled seats and a surround view camera without the trail styling. Comparing Kia Sportage trim levels in person helps a ton, too. Seat feel, screen layout, and cargo room are hard to judge from a spec sheet, so sit in two or three before you decide. Why Buy Your 2026 Sportage at Kia of Muncie Choosing between six trims is easier when you can sit in them back to back, and that's where we come in. Our team at Kia of Muncie will walk you through the differences between an EX and an X-Line without steering you toward the priciest one on the lot. As a fourth-generation, family-owned dealership, we'd rather match you with a Sportage you'll love than rush a sale. Take a test drive, check your trade-in value online, and let our finance team shop multiple lenders for a payment that fits. Once you're home, our factory-trained technicians and genuine Kia parts keep your Sportage running right, and our free shuttle and hand car wash make service visits a little easier. Sportage Trim Questions We Hear Often How many trim levels does the 2026 Kia Sportage come in? The gas-powered 2026 Sportage comes in six trims, which are the LX, EX, X-Line, SX, SX Prestige, and X-Pro Prestige. Kia sells the Sportage Hybrid and Sportage Plug-in Hybrid as separate lineups. Which 2026 Sportage trims come with all-wheel drive? The X-Line and X-Pro Prestige come with Active AWD as standard. It's optional on the LX, EX, and SX Prestige, and the SX is offered with front-wheel drive only. Does every 2026 Sportage have a panoramic sunroof? No. The SX, SX Prestige, and X-Pro Prestige include one as standard. It's available on the EX and X-Line through option packages, and the LX doesn't offer it. How much can a 2026 Kia Sportage tow? Every gas-powered 2026 Sportage trim is rated to tow 2,500 pounds with trailer brakes and 1,653 pounds without them. What fuel economy does the 2026 Sportage get? Kia estimates 25 mpg city, 33 highway, and 28 combined with front-wheel drive. Most AWD trims are rated at 24/30/26 mpg, and the X-Pro Prestige is rated at 23/26/24 mpg. Sit in Two or Three Before You Decide Tell us which features you actually use and we will pull the two trims worth comparing, side by side, with no pressure to decide the same day. Shop Sportage inventory Schedule a test drive
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.