Kia Built Two Three-Row SUVs, and Your Family Only Needs One Family SUV shopping gets tricky when one brand builds two great three-row models. Kia parks the Sorento and the Telluride on the same showroom floor, and plenty of Muncie families arrive unsure which one fits their garage. Both seats for the whole crew. Both carry Kia's 10-year powertrain limited warranty. The choice comes down to size, power, and price. The 2026 Kia Sorento runs from $32,390 to $47,790 across eight gas trims, with hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions sold separately. Kia skipped a 2026 Telluride and launched the redesigned SUV as a 2027 model priced from $39,190 to $56,790. A gas Telluride is nearly 10 inches longer than the Sorento and holds 22.3 cubic feet behind row three, next to the Sorento's 12.6. One Brand, Two Model Years One quirk needs a mention first. Kia sells the Sorento as a 2026 model. There was never a 2026 Telluride. The first generation ended after 2025, and the redesigned second generation arrived in 2027. This matchup pairs the 2026 Sorento with the 2027 Telluride, using numbers straight from Kia's official specs. Kia Sorento vs. Telluride on Size and Seating Size separates these two right away. Anyone weighing the Kia Sorento vs. Telluride question should start with a tape measure. Kia's Sorento stretches 189.6 inches on a 110.8-inch wheelbase and seats six or seven, based on trim. Row three works best for kids and short trips. Telluride measures 199.2 inches on a 116.9-inch wheelbase and seats up to eight, or seven with second-row captain's chairs. Riders in row three get 32.1 inches of legroom, enough for actual adults. Cargo tells a similar story. With every seat up, the Sorento holds 12.6 cubic feet, and the gas-powered Telluride holds 22.3 cubic feet. Fold the third row, and the Sorento gives you 38.5 to 45.0 cubic feet, against 48.7 in the Telluride. Drop all the rear seats, and the totals reach 75.5 and 89.3 cubic feet. Power and Fuel Economy Tradeoffs Engines split along trim lines. The Sorento LX and S trims carry a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. EX and higher trims get a 281-horsepower turbo with 311 lb-ft of torque. Every gas Telluride runs a 274-horsepower version of that turbo with the same 311 lb-ft and an 8-speed automatic. Lighter weight pays off at the pump. A base Sorento earns EPA estimates of 23 city and 31 highway mpg with front-wheel drive. Gas Telluride models check in at 20 city and 26 highway with FWD. Kia rates the Sorento Hybrid EX FWD at 37 mpg combined, good for 655 miles of range. The new Telluride Turbo Hybrid makes 329 horsepower and earns 35 mpg combined on the EX FWD trim. Both are EPA estimates. Towing favors the bigger SUV. A properly equipped gas Telluride pulls up to 5,000 pounds. Sorento ratings run from 2,000 pounds with the base engine to 4,500 on the X-Pro SX Prestige. 2026 Sorento and 2027 Telluride Trim Comparison Trim Engine and Horsepower Drivetrain Starting MSRP 2026 Kia Sorento (gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid) LX 2.5L 4-cylinder, 191 hp FWD $32,390 S 2.5L 4-cylinder, 191 hp FWD or AWD $35,290 EX 2.5L Turbo, 281 hp FWD or AWD $38,490 SX 2.5L Turbo, 281 hp FWD $42,290 X-Line EX 2.5L Turbo, 281 hp AWD $42,790 X-Line SX 2.5L Turbo, 281 hp AWD $44,090 X-Line SX Prestige 2.5L Turbo, 281 hp AWD $46,790 X-Pro SX Prestige 2.5L Turbo, 281 hp AWD $47,790 Hybrid EX Turbo Hybrid, 227 hp combined FWD or AWD From $38,890 Plug-In Hybrid EX Turbo Plug-In Hybrid, 261 hp combined AWD From $48,290 2027 Kia Telluride (gas and turbo hybrid) LX 2.5L Turbo, 274 hp FWD $39,190 S 2.5L Turbo, 274 hp FWD or AWD $42,090 FWD / $44,090 AWD EX 2.5L Turbo, 274 hp FWD or AWD $43,790 FWD / $45,790 AWD X-Line EX 2.5L Turbo, 274 hp AWD $47,290 SX 2.5L Turbo, 274 hp FWD $48,790 X-Line SX 2.5L Turbo, 274 hp AWD $51,790 X-Pro SX 2.5L Turbo, 274 hp AWD $53,690 SX Prestige 2.5L Turbo, 274 hp AWD $53,890 X-Line SX Prestige 2.5L Turbo, 274 hp AWD $54,890 X-Pro SX Prestige 2.5L Turbo, 274 hp AWD $56,790 Turbo Hybrid EX 2.5L Turbo Hybrid, 329 hp combined FWD $46,490 Turbo Hybrid X-Line SX Prestige 2.5L Turbo Hybrid, 329 hp combined AWD $57,590 MSRPs exclude destination, taxes, and fees. Telluride Turbo Hybrid pricing covers select trims for now; ask your dealer about the rest. Where Each One Wins Price gaps stay steady up the ladder. A Sorento EX with the turbo engine costs $38,490, about $5,300 less than a Telluride EX with front-wheel drive. Up top, a loaded X-Pro SX Prestige Sorento runs $47,790, compared to $56,790 for the same Telluride trim. That difference covers a lot of gas, soccer cleats, and summer camp fees. Fresh off a full redesign, the 2027 Telluride debuts dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays and an AI voice assistant. Buyers can add a 14-speaker Meridian sound system, and ten airbags come standard, including a new front-center bag. Over in the Sorento, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on a 12.3-inch touchscreen, plus available Highway Driving Assist. It also earned a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award on models built after September 2025. Picking the Right Fit for Your Driveway Go with the Sorento when the third row sees part-time duty, and your budget does the talking. It parks easier, sips less fuel, and its available 281-horsepower turbo actually out-muscles the bigger SUV. Pick the Telluride when you haul teenagers, grandparents, or a full carpool every week and need real cargo room behind row three. Test both back to back, and the answer usually shows up fast. Why Buy Your Next Three-Row SUV From Kia of Muncie Deciding between these two gets easier when you can walk from one to the other on the same lot. We keep both the Sorento and the Telluride in stock at Kia of Muncie. You can climb into each third row, fold the seats flat, and take back-to-back test drives in one visit. Our team skips the pressure and the gimmicks. We'd rather answer questions honestly and let the vehicles speak for themselves. Our finance team works with multiple lenders to match your budget, and you can start a pre-approval online before you stop by. Come see us and find out which three-row Kia your family votes for.

Two Three-Row SUVs Family Shoppers Keep Comparing Shopping for a three-row SUV in Muncie means running into two names over and over. Kia's biggest SUV and Honda's family staple both promise room for the whole crew. You get strong safety scores and enough cargo space for weekend hauls. Picking between them comes down to what your family actually needs day to day. Kia skipped the 2026 Telluride and jumped straight to a redesigned 2027 model with its first-ever hybrid option. Honda's 2026 Pilot keeps a proven V6 and adds bigger standard screens plus a power tailgate on every trim. Both SUVs seat up to eight, tow up to 5,000 pounds, and start under $43,000 before options. Sorting Out the 2026 Kia Telluride vs. Honda Pilot Search If you've been searching for the 2026 Kia Telluride vs. Honda Pilot, here's what's going on. Kia skipped the 2026 model year for its largest SUV. It ended the first-generation run after 2025, then rolled out a redesigned second-generation Telluride badged as a 2027. Those new SUVs started landing in showrooms in early 2026. So when you line up the current Telluride against the 2026 Pilot, you're really looking at Kia's newest 2027 redesign. Those are the numbers we'll use here. What's Under the Hood The redesigned Telluride drops the old V6 for a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, making 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. That's a healthy jump in torque, which pays off when you're loaded up with kids and gear. Kia also added a turbo-hybrid good for 329 combined horsepower. It can reach an EPA-estimated 34 mpg city and 36 highway on the front-drive EX. That's the first hybrid ever offered on a Telluride. Over at Honda, things stay familiar. The 2026 Pilot runs a 3.5-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft, paired to a 10-speed automatic. That V6 is proven and easy to live with, though it can't match the Telluride hybrid at the pump. Front-drive Pilots land at 19 mpg city and 27 highway. Both SUVs offer all-wheel drive and can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Space for People and Gear Families care about the third row and the trunk, and this is where small differences add up. Kia's Telluride gives you 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row and 48.7 behind the second. A big grocery run or a folded stroller fits without dropping any seats. Its X-Pro trim bumps ground clearance to 9.1 inches for gravel roads and light trails. Honda counters with flat-folding seats and a handy trick. Its Pilot TrailSport swallows up to 113.7 cubic feet with everything folded. A removable second-row center seat on higher trims makes loading long items simple. Behind the third row, you get 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space as standard. Both seat up to eight, though the Pilot TrailSport and select Telluride trims switch to captain's chairs for seven. Tech and Safety Standard Gear For 2026, Honda loaded the Pilot with standard tech. Every Pilot now ships with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster. You also get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a power tailgate. Honda Sensing safety tools come standard across the lineup. That list covers automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping. Kia answers with available dual 12.3-inch panoramic screens and wireless phone mirroring on every trim. You also get driver aids like Highway Driving Assist 2 and a surround-view camera. One area Kia clearly pulls ahead is its warranty. Kia's Telluride comes with a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year, 60,000-mile basic warranty. Honda backs the Pilot with a 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 3-year, 36,000-mile basic warranty. 2027 Telluride and 2026 Pilot Side by Side Category 2027 Kia Telluride 2026 Honda Pilot Trim Ladder and Starting MSRP Trims and MSRP (excludes destination) LX FWD $39,190 S FWD $42,090 EX FWD $43,790 X-Line EX AWD $47,290 SX FWD $48,790 X-Line SX AWD $51,790 X-Pro SX AWD $53,690 SX Prestige AWD $53,890 X-Pro SX Prestige AWD $56,790 Hybrid EX FWD $46,490 Sport FWD $42,395 EX-L FWD $44,695 TrailSport AWD $50,595 Touring AWD $51,295 Touring Blackout AWD $52,495 Elite AWD $53,695 Black Edition AWD $55,195 Powertrain and Fuel Economy Base Engine 2.5L Turbo I4 3.5L V6 Horsepower 274 hp 285 hp Torque 311 lb-ft 262 lb-ft Hybrid Option Yes, 329 hp combined No Transmission 8-speed auto (turbo) 6-speed auto (hybrid) 10-speed auto Fuel Economy (FWD, base) 20 city / 26 hwy / 22 combined 19 city / 27 hwy / 22 combined Hybrid Fuel Economy (EX FWD) 34 city / 36 hwy / 35 combined Not offered Max Towing (properly equipped) 5,000 lbs (turbo) 5,000 lbs (AWD) Space and Capability Seating Up to 8 (7 with captain's chairs) Up to 8 (7 on TrailSport) Cargo Behind 3rd Row 22.3 cu ft 18.6 cu ft Cargo Behind 2nd Row 48.7 cu ft 48.5 cu ft Max Cargo (behind 1st row) 89.3 cu ft Up to 113.7 cu ft (TrailSport) Off-Road Ground Clearance 9.1 in (X-Pro) 8.3 in (TrailSport) Tech and Warranty Center Touchscreen Available dual 12.3-in panoramic 12.3-in standard Wireless CarPlay / Android Auto Standard all trims Standard all trims Basic Warranty 5 yr / 60,000 mi 3 yr / 36,000 mi Powertrain Warranty 10 yr / 100,000 mi 5 yr / 60,000 mi Where Each SUV Pulls Ahead Go with the Telluride if you want the newest design, the choice of a hybrid, and the longer warranty. It reads a little more upscale inside and opens up more room behind that third row. Pick the Pilot if you trust Honda's V6 track record. Maybe you like the removable second-row seat, or want the TrailSport's cargo room for road trips. Both are strong family haulers, so the smart move is to sit in each one and see which cabin fits your crew best. Why Buy Your Next Telluride at Kia of Muncie If the redesigned Telluride caught your eye, we'd love to help you see it in person. At Kia of Muncie, we let the vehicles speak for themselves. You can climb into the new Telluride, fold the seats, and check the third row with no pressure or hard-sell tactics. We're a fourth-generation, family-owned store, and cross-shoppers are always welcome, even if you're still weighing a Pilot against a Telluride. Our team can walk you through trims, hybrid vs. turbo, and financing options that fit your budget. Every Kia we sell also comes with a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Our free lifetime service perks come on top of that. Stop by, take a test drive, and see which three-row SUV feels right for your family.

Three-Row SUVs Square Off for Family Supremacy Picking a midsize SUV for your family means weighing cargo room, passenger comfort, powertrain choices, and long-term ownership costs. Two of the most popular options on dealer lots right now are the Kia Telluride and Ford Explorer, both offering three rows of seating and enough capability to handle everything from school drop-offs to weekend camping trips. The Telluride brings a turbocharged base engine with 274 hp and an available hybrid that reaches 35 MPG combined. Ford's Explorer counters with a 300-hp EcoBoost four-cylinder and an optional twin-turbo V6 producing 385 hp. When you stack up the 2026 Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer, differences in warranty coverage and fuel efficiency become clear deciding factors. Under the Hood The Telluride comes standard with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that generates 274 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties, and buyers can choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. For those wanting better fuel economy, Kia offers a 2.5-liter turbo-hybrid that bumps output to 329 hp and 339 lb-ft while achieving an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined on the EX FWD trim. Ford takes a different approach with its base 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, which makes 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. A ten-speed automatic manages power, and rear-wheel drive comes standard with all-wheel drive available. Shoppers who want serious grunt can upgrade to the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, which churns out 385 hp and 415 lb-ft. This engine comes standard on the ST and is available on the new Tremor off-road trim. Interior Space and Seating Both SUVs offer three rows of seating, but the Telluride holds a slight edge in passenger capacity. Kia's offering can seat up to eight people when equipped with a second-row bench, while the Explorer maxes out at seven with its bench or six with captain's chairs. Cargo space tells a similar story. The Telluride provides roughly 87 cubic feet with all rear seats folded, compared to the Explorer's 85.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo room. Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer Side-by-Side Comparison Feature Kia Telluride Ford Explorer Base Engine 2.5L Turbo, 274 hp 2.3L EcoBoost, 300 hp Available Engine 2.5L Turbo-Hybrid, 329 hp 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6, 385 hp Maximum Seating 8 passengers 7 passengers Max Cargo Space 87 cu ft 85.8 cu ft Towing Capacity 5,000 lbs (gas) 5,000 lbs Best Fuel Economy 35 MPG combined (hybrid) 20/29 MPG city/hwy (2.3L RWD) Powertrain Warranty 10-year / 100,000 miles 5-year / 60,000 miles Off-Road Trim X-Pro (9.1" ground clearance) Tremor (8.7" ground clearance) Fuel Economy and Efficiency The Telluride's hybrid powertrain gives it a substantial advantage at the pump. That 35 MPG combined rating from the turbo-hybrid far exceeds anything the Explorer can match. Even the gas-only Telluride returns respectable numbers at 20 city and 26 highway with front-wheel drive. The Explorer's best showing comes from the base EcoBoost with rear-wheel drive, achieving 20 city and 29 highway. Opt for the V6, and those figures drop to 17 city and 22 highway with all-wheel drive. Off-Road and Adventure Trims Both manufacturers recognize that families want capability beyond paved roads. Kia offers the X-Pro trim with 9.1 inches of ground clearance, upgraded suspension, and rugged styling cues. Ford responded for 2026 with the all-new Tremor model, featuring 8.7 inches of ground clearance, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, underbody skid plates, and Intelligent 4WD as standard equipment. The Tremor comes with six selectable drive modes, including a dedicated Off-Road setting. Warranty Protection Makes a Difference One area where these two diverge sharply is coverage after the sale. Kia backs the Telluride with a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year, 60,000-mile basic warranty. Ford offers a 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 3-year, 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper plan. For buyers planning to keep their vehicle long-term, that extra coverage could translate to real savings down the road. Experience the Telluride at Kia of Muncie We invite you to see the Kia Telluride up close at our showroom in Muncie, Indiana. Our no-pressure sales approach lets the vehicle speak for itself, and we're happy to walk you through every feature at your own pace. As a fourth-generation, family-owned business, we've built our reputation on treating customers fairly and backing every purchase with complimentary services for life, including oil filter changes, tire and brake inspections, and hand car washes. Stop by to take a test drive and find out if the Telluride fits your family's needs.