Starting at
Starting at
| 6,000 | Towing (lbs) | 5,500 |
| 20/27 | MPG city/hwy | 20/26 |
| 13 | Speakers | 10 |
Three-row SUVs are widely popular because of their versatility. Spacious cabins mean more room for passengers and cargo while engaging powertrains blend performance with efficiency. It's an incredible combination that gives drivers the best of both worlds, yet some automakers master this balance better than others. We see this firsthand when we look at the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2024 Kia Telluride.
The 2024 Pathfinder and 2024 Telluride are two of the most popular three-row SUVs in the class, with Nissan and Kia doing an outstanding job of appealing to a variety of drivers and satiating many needs with diverse trim lineups. The SUVs are also comparable in price, with the 2024 Pathfinder starting at $36,650 and the 2024 Telluride at $36,190.[a] Even with the slight difference in MSRP, Nissan manages to deliver more value in the 2024 Pathfinder when you look closer at its well-equipped base model that sets the benchmark for an extensive lineup.
But what else gives the 2024 Pathfinder an advantage over the 2024 Telluride? Nissan and Kia have exceptional reputations, yet every race must end with a winner. In this race, the winner is undeniable as the 2024 Pathfinder outshines the 2024 Telluride in three critical areas. Here's a closer look at those differences and why your search for the best-valued three-row SUV will likely end with you in the driver's seat of the best-selling Pathfinder and as part of the Nissan family.
The 2024 Telluride is the largest SUV in Kia's fleet and, as expected, rolls off the production line with a hearty engine. The SUV's single powertrain lineup features a 3.8L Lambda V6 engine that Kia couples with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The combination produces 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, making the Telluride agile and responsive for an SUV of its size. So, where does that leave the 2024 Pathfinder?
The Telluride's output is impressive until you compare it with the 2024 Pathfinder and realize Nissan delivers more power under the hood. Nissan outfits the 2024 Pathfinder with its proven 3.5L V6 engine and a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission. The engine works seamlessly to produce up to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque on some trims, making the Pathfinder more responsive and increasing its off-the-line acceleration. It's peppier and more engaging to drive, giving the Pathfinder far more agility and maneuverability than most three-row SUVs in the class.
Beyond output, efficiency is another area where the 2024 Pathfinder outshines the 2024 Telluride. Despite the Telluride's lower horsepower output, the SUV guzzles fuel, which is one of the biggest critiques of the SUV when equipped with all-wheel drive. The numbers paint a better picture.
Both models are standard with front-wheel drive and have comparable FWD fuel economies. The 2024 Telluride averages 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway, while the 2024 Pathfinder averages 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The more notable difference is when you opt for all-wheel drive. Kia hasn't mastered the balance between offering all-season confidence and efficiency, which is the Telluride's weak point. The all-wheel drive Telluride averages a mere 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. Alternatively, the 2024 Pathfinder four-wheel drive modestly sips fuel, with an average fuel economy of 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway, to save you more money at the pump.
Three-row SUVs are often marketed to larger families needing extra seating and cargo room. However, the appeal of a three-row powerhouse like the 2024 Pathfinder extends beyond families to individuals, professionals, adventurers, couples, and everyone else under the sun. How so? The 2024 Pathfinder and 2024 Telluride are designed to handle every situation, from towing modest-sized loads to venturing off the pavement.
The 2024 Telluride offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,500 pounds, which is outshined by the 2024 Pathfinder's towing maximum of 6,000 pounds. Likewise, Nissan equips the SUV with technologies and features that instill confidence when pulling a trailer. For example, the Pathfinder has seven modes drivers can select, including a Tow Mode with Downhill Speed Control. Switching the dial into Tow Mode gives you greater control and works seamlessly with other trailer-specific features like Trailer Sway Control.
Apart from trailer-specific features, the Pathfinder also offers more off-road capability than rivals like the Telluride. The Telluride's X-Line trims are the SUV's designated adventurers, with increased ground clearance, exclusive style details, and a self-leveling rear suspension. These trims are priced at a premium and still leave the Telluride in the realm of mall crawlers and pavement dwellers despite paying north of $45,000. Fortunately, Nissan does a better job with the Pathfinder Rock Creek, which is priced lower than its rival and is far better equipped to handle adventures on and off the pavement.
The Pathfinder Rock Creek features Nissan's proven Intelligent 4X4 system with a direct coupling that improves traction in every condition. Nissan complements the system by equipping the Rock Creek with an off-road-tuned suspension for heightened maneuverability and all-terrain tires ready to help you answer the call of the wild. Even the engine is tuned to deliver more power, reaching a maximum output of 295 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque to give you the low-end boost the Pathfinder needs to explore more technical terrain.
Technology is at the heart of the 2024 Pathfinder and 2024 Telluride, with Nissan and Kia relying on advanced features to keep us connected, engaged, entertained, and informed in the driver's seat. This technology stretches from seamless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to Wi-Fi hotspots and navigational tools that make it easy to find the fastest and most efficient routes. Yet, there are even more technologies working behind the scenes to optimize our safety and improve our experience behind the wheel. These safety and driver-assist technologies further showcase how the 2024 Pathfinder outshines rivals like the 2024 Telluride.
The 2024 Telluride and 2024 Pathfinder both offer standard safety suites that mirror industry-wide regulations to keep drivers safe. The Telluride features the Kia Drive Wise Driver Assist Technology, which equips the SUV with Forward Collision Avoidance Assistwith Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection. The suite also includes Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping and Following Assist, Safe Exist Assist, Rear Occupant Alert with ultrasonic sensors, rear parking sensors, a Driver Attention Warning, and Highway Driving Assist. To enjoy more advanced technologies requires spending more on a top-tier trim for features like a 10-inch head-up display, a Blind Spot View Monitor, Highway Driving Assist 2, front parking sensors, and front Park Distance Warning.
Nissan doesn't require drivers to spend more to enjoy advanced technologies in the 2024 Pathfinder. Instead, the automaker offers one of the most extensive safety suites in the segment with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 and its Intelligent tools. The Nissan Safety Shield 360 includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, High Beam Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Drivers also reap the benefits of standard tools like Intelligent Driver Alertness, an Intelligent Around View Monitor, Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention, a Rear Door Alert, and Traffic Sign Recognition.
The 2024 Pathfinder gains another advantage with its larger available 10.8-inch head-up display and Nissan's ProPILOT Assist technology. The available ProPILOT Assist is a remarkable tool that makes your experience of cruising at highway speeds more relaxing and enjoyable. The advanced system works with Intelligent Cruise Control, a front-facing camera and radar, and other driver-assist technologies to automatically monitor and adjust the Pathfinder's cruising speed based on the flow of traffic. Nissan enhances the technology by making it compatible with Navi-link, which proactively adjusts the Pathfinder's speed before upcoming exits and curves in the road.
Were you initially drawn to the 2024 Kia Telluride, thinking it was the perfect three-row SUV? After comparing the 2024 Pathfinder to the 2024 Telluride, you've likely had a change of heart. Comparing the models showcases how Nissan goes above and beyond to give you more tangible value, better performance, and overall capability in the best-selling Pathfinder. And who doesn't want more from their SUV?
We applaud Nissan's approach, knowing our customers deserve more. Because of this, we're excited to exceed your expectations with an incredible car-buying and owning experience. Like Nissan, we're interested in setting new standards of excellence, and it starts by rolling out the red carpet for customers like you.
Illini Nissan is ready to partner with you and handle all your automotive needs. Our extensive inventory is hand-selected and competitively priced, while our haggle-free approach guarantees a personalized dealership experience every time you walk through our doors. From there, transparency and respect define everything we do as we help you find the perfect Pathfinder at a great price and introduce you to the factory-trained and certified technicians who will help you get the most from your SUV every mile and adventure ahead.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
