Eyeing the differences between Nissan Pathfinder vs. Kia Telluride midsize SUVs can be challenging at first glance, even for our team at Bravo Nissan. Both models offer three rows for seating up to seven or eight and appear powerful, with only subtle curves to soften their bold stances. These two SUVs also come with standard 18-inch wheels and available 20-inch ones. However, beyond this first look, you'll find these models are quite unique, starting with the exterior.
| 2024 Nissan Pathfinder | 2024 Kia Telluride | |
| Length | 197.7 in | 196.9 in |
| Height | 70.9 in | 69.3 in |
| Width | 77.9 in | 78.3 in |
| Seating Capacity | 7-8 | 7-8 |
| Cargo Capacity | 80.5 cu ft | 87 cu ft |
While the Nissan Pathfinder is longer and taller, it's also slightly slimmer. Families will have to ask themselves if they care more about an extra 0.8 inches of front-row shoulder room or if they would prefer a vehicle that's easier to park in a crowded lot.
While a moonroof can help bring natural light into the Nissan Pathfinder, the Kia Telluride comes with an available sunroof instead. To add ambiance at night, the Nissan Pathfinder has optional remote-activated puddle lights, which the Kia model lacks.
The dimensions described above help contribute to the environment you'll experience in the cabin of both SUVs. For instance, drivers will have more room to stretch out in the Nissan Pathfinder, as it affords those in the front row with 44.3 inches of legroom. In contrast, the Kia Telluride provides 41.4 inches.
That being said, the Kia model scores a point in cargo capacity, offering 87 cubic feet at a maximum when you fold the second and third-row seats down. The Nissan Pathfinder offers a still-generous 80.5 cubic feet behind its first row, which you can load up with sporting equipment, boxes, or landscaping supplies.
Cargo capacity aside, the Nissan Pathfinder can bring the most along for the ride, as we'll discuss in the next section.
For those satisfied with both vehicles' size, let's now examine the difference between Pathfinder and Telluride engines.
| 2024 Nissan Pathfinder | 2024 Kia Telluride | |
| Engine | 3.5L V-6 | 3.8L V-6 |
| Horsepower | 284-295 hp | 291 hp |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic w/ manual mode | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD or Intelligent 4x4 | FWD or AWD |
| Gas Tank Size | 18.5 gal | 18.8 gal |
| EPA-Estimated MPG (FWD) | 20 / 27 / 23 MPG (Cty / Hwy / Cmbd)2 | 20 / 26 / 22 MPG (Cty / Hwy / Cmbd)3 |
| Towing Capacity | 6,000 lbs1 | 5,500 lbs4 |
As you can see, the Nissan Pathfinder outpaces the Kia Telluride in a few key categories. In addition to offering better fuel efficiency with front-wheel drive, it can get up to 23 MPG (Combined) with 4WD.5 By comparison, the Kia 4WD model drags along with 20 MPG (Combined).3 This means that, even though the Nissan Pathfinder has a slightly small fuel tank, it can travel up to 426 miles with either FWD or 4WD.6 The Kia SUV can only go 414 miles on a full tank of gas with FWD6 and 376 miles with AWD,6 which can slow down your progress on road trips.
The Nissan Pathfinder towing capacity is also more robust than its competitor, weighing in at 6,000 pounds.1
Of course, both of these SUVs are meant to be versatile to support busy families' many interests. For those interested in off-roading, they offer more rugged trim options. For the Nissan Pathfinder, this is the Rock Creek trim, which comes with an Intelligent Around View Monitor with Off-Road Mode to help you navigate rocky terrain. Its Intelligent 4x4 system comes with seven driving modes, including ones for Sand, Snow, and Mud/Rut.
The Kia Telluride X-Pro trims come with all-terrain tires, like the Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek, and also enjoy elevated ground clearance compared to the rest of its lineup. However, the Kia model's available AWD doesn't necessarily provide the same traction a 4x4 system would. Many drivers also find the Nissan model to provide a smoother ride, thanks to its nine-speed automatic transmission with manual mode.
To learn more about 2024 Pathfinder vs. Telluride specs, send our team a message.
Whether you're interested in our Pathfinder lease deals or financing opportunities, you will have your pick of the following trims:
All but the Rock Creek trim can be had as a 4x2 or 4x4 vehicle, with standard heated front seats, adaptive headlights, and Safety Shield 360 driver-assistance features. The Nissan Pathfinder is known for its safety, as it was recently named an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ recipient.7 Plus, it has a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.8
The Kia Telluride has 10 trims of its own:
Like the Nissan Pathfinder, it has standard heated seats and a six-speaker audio system. It also offers dual-zone automatic climate control so that people in different areas of the SUV can adjust their environment to their preferred temperatures. However, this is one zone shy of the Nissan model.
Let's now shift our gaze to the other end of the trim spectrum. While the top-tier Kia Telluride has a higher MSRP than the most prestigious 2024 Nissan Pathfinder, they share similar features, including:
However, you will find a more impressive 13-speaker Bose® premium sound system in the Nissan Pathfinder, compared to Kia Telluride models, which favor an available 10-speaker sound system from Harman Kardon®.
If this Pathfinder vs. Telluride comparison has brought you to the same conclusion that it did us, we welcome you to stop by our dealership today. There are many perks of buying at Bravo Nissan in South Texas, including complimentary roadside assistance for the first three years.9 After all, our team's goal is to bring about your long-term satisfaction.
When your Nissan Pathfinder needs maintenance, we also recommend relying on the experts in our service center. Not only are they certified Nissan technicians, but they also provide complimentary 101-point safety checks for the life span of your vehicle10 and one year's worth of complimentary tire rotations.10
The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder is bigger than the 2024 Kia Telluride in some respects. It measures 197.7 inches in length, while the Kia Telluride comes in at 196.9 inches. It is also taller. The Kia Telluride is wider, however, helping offset some of the differences in passenger volume but also making it harder to park in most lots by comparison.
Kia Telluride SUVs from the 2020-2024 model years are being recalled due to their potential fire risk.11 The front power seat motor is more prone to overheating than is currently deemed safe, so owners are being invited to bring their vehicles in for upgrades. In the meantime, Kia automakers warn that owners should not park their vehicles inside, which includes utilizing parking garages.
The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder has better fuel efficiency than the 2024 Kia Telluride. It can drive along at an EPA-estimated 20/27/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined) when you select FWD for your drivetrain.2 The Kia Telluride also comes with standard FWD, helping it to achieve an EPA-estimated 20/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).3 A similar pattern repeats itself when you compare AWD models.
The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder can tow up to 6,000 pounds when it's properly equipped, exceeding the maximum towing capacity of the 2024 Kia Telluride by 500 pounds.4 This means that you can haul extra boxes or landscape supplies in your travel or utility trailer or bring heftier water sporting equipment to the beach or lake without causing your SUV's engine unwanted strain.
The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder is the better SUV for tall drivers, as it affords front-seat passengers a luxurious 44.3 inches of legroom compared to the 41.4 inches offered in the 2024 Kia Telluride. Conversely, the Kia Telluride offers greater second- and third-row legroom, though the third rows of both models should likely be reserved for kids or teens.
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1Towing capacity varies by configuration. See Nissan Towing Guide and Owner’s Manual for additional information. Always secure cargo.
22024 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. 20 City MPG / 27 Highway MPG / 23 Combined MPG for Nissan Pathfinder FWD. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions. Use for comparison only.
3Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle’s condition. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
4Towing requires additional equipment. See Owner’s Manual for towing capacity, additional instructions and warnings. Always use caution while towing.
52024 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. 21 City MPG / 27 Highway MPG / 23 Combined MPG for Nissan Pathfinder 4WD. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions. Use for comparison only.
6Estimated ranges provided are subject to variation based on factors such as fuel levels, driving habits, road conditions, and individual vehicle performance. These estimates should be used for comparison purposes only and shall not be solely relied upon.
7Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit www.iihs.org.
8Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit www.nhtsa.gov.
9Roadside Assistance provided by Nissan on new Nissan vehicles for the first 3 years/36,000 miles, whichever comes first. See dealer for details.
10The complimentary maintenance services listed on this web page are for informational purposes and shall not be solely relied upon. These services may have specific conditions, limitations, and exclusions, and not all vehicles may qualify for complimentary maintenance. For detailed coverage specifics, including what is included in the complimentary maintenance and any potential costs, please contact our dealership.
11Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this issue, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/kia-telluride-recall-fire-risk.