The Quick Answer
- Telluride wins on space: 32.1 in. of third-row legroom versus 28.0, and 89.3 cu ft of max cargo versus 80.5.
- Pathfinder wins on towing and price: up to 6,000 lbs, and 4WD from $39,500 versus $44,090 for the Telluride S AWD.
- Off-road trims: Telluride X-Pro (9.1 in. clearance) versus Pathfinder Rock Creek (7.7 in., 6,000-lb towing standard, $45,090).
- Telluride offers a hybrid and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty; Nissan offers neither.
Telluride vs. Pathfinder: Side by Side
| 2027 Kia Telluride | Nissan Pathfinder (2026) | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $39,190 (LX FWD) | $37,500 (S FWD) |
| AWD / 4WD from | $44,090 (S AWD) | $39,500 (S 4WD) |
| Off-road trim | X-Pro SX, $53,690 | Rock Creek, $45,090 |
| Engines | 2.5L turbo, 274 hp / 311 lb-ft; turbo-hybrid 329 hp / 339 lb-ft | 3.5L V6, 284 hp / 259 lb-ft (Rock Creek 295 hp on premium), 9-speed |
| EPA combined, AWD / 4WD | 20 mpg gas; 31 mpg hybrid | 23 mpg (SV, SL); 22 (Platinum); 21 (Rock Creek) |
| Max towing | 5,000 lbs gas; 4,500 lbs hybrid | 6,000 lbs (Rock Creek, Platinum, SV/SL with Premium Package); 3,500 lbs others |
| Seating | 7 or 8 | 7 or 8 |
| Third-row legroom | 32.1 in. | 28.0 in. |
| Cargo behind 3rd / 2nd / 1st row | 22.3 / 48.7 / 89.3 cu ft | 16.6 / 45.0 / 80.5 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | 7.4 in. (X-Pro 9.1 in.) | 7.1 in. (Rock Creek 7.7 in.) |
| Length | 199.2 in. | 197.7 in. (Rock Creek 198.8 in.) |
| Warranty (basic / powertrain) | 5-yr/60K / 10-yr/100K | 3-yr/36K / 5-yr/60K |
2027 Telluride data from Kia; 2026 Pathfinder data from Nissan, with S and FWD prices and cargo behind the second row from Edmunds, as of October 2026. MSRP excludes destination ($1,545 Kia, $1,575 Nissan). Kia's cargo figures include under-floor space.
Price and Value
The Pathfinder S starts $1,690 below the Telluride LX, and its 4WD versions cost $2,000 more, so a Pathfinder S 4WD ($39,500) is $4,590 less than a Telluride S AWD. The Rock Creek is also the less expensive off-road trim at $45,090.
The Telluride's value is in space and coverage: an adult-friendly third row, more cargo room, a hybrid option and a powertrain warranty twice as long.
Power and Fuel Economy
The Pathfinder's V6 makes 284 hp, 10 more than the Telluride's turbo four, but 52 lb-ft less torque, and its peak torque arrives at 4,800 rpm. GearJunkie says it needs more low-end torque, which you feel on Colorado's mountain grades.
Nissan's 4WD models are rated 21 to 23 mpg versus 20 for a gas Telluride AWD. The Telluride Hybrid gets 31 mpg with AWD; there is no Pathfinder hybrid.
Space and Seating
This is the Telluride's clearest win. Its third row has 32.1 in. of legroom versus 28.0, enough for adults on longer drives; reviewers often call the Pathfinder's third row kid territory.
The Telluride also has 5.7 cu ft more space behind the third row, 3.7 more behind the second and 8.8 more overall. Both seat seven or eight.
Towing and Colorado Capability
- Towing: the Pathfinder Rock Creek, Platinum and SV/SL with the Premium Package tow 6,000 lbs, 1,000 more than the Telluride. Other Pathfinders tow 3,500 lbs; every gas Telluride tows 5,000 lbs with the Towing Package.
- Clearance: regular Tellurides sit higher (7.4 vs. 7.1 in.), and the X-Pro (9.1 in.) clears more than the Rock Creek (7.7 in.).
- Off-road hardware: the Rock Creek adds all-terrain tires, a heavy-duty roof rack and a tow hitch. The X-Pro adds all-terrain tires, an electronic limited-slip differential, a center diff lock and recovery hooks. More in our Kia towing guide.
Warranty and Ownership
Kia covers the Telluride for 5 years/60,000 miles basic and 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain for the original owner. Nissan covers 3 years/36,000 miles and 5 years/60,000 miles.
Where the Pathfinder Wins
The Pathfinder is a strong pick for some buyers:
- Up to 6,000 lbs of towing, near the top of the class.
- Lower starting and 4WD prices.
- A less expensive off-road trim (Rock Creek, $45,090).
- Slightly better fuel economy than a gas Telluride AWD.
- A quiet, comfortable highway ride, per Edmunds and CarPro.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Telluride if…
Adults ride in the third row, you need more cargo room, or you want a hybrid, more clearance or the longest warranty.
Choose the Pathfinder if…
You tow more than 5,000 lbs or want the lowest price on a 4WD three-row SUV and mostly carry kids in the third row.
Compare the Telluride at Emich Kia
Sit in the Telluride's third row at Emich Kia; the extra 4 inches of legroom over the Pathfinder is easy to feel.
- Family-owned since 1922 at 1260 S. Colorado Blvd. in Denver, a few minutes from I-25 and Cherry Creek.
- Not sure which trim has the feature you want? We'll check the window sticker on any vehicle before you visit.
- Schedule a test drive, apply for financing online or value your trade before you come in.
Telluride vs. Pathfinder: FAQ
Which has more third-row room, the Telluride or Pathfinder?
The Telluride, with 32.1 inches of third-row legroom versus 28.0 inches in the Pathfinder.
Which tows more?
The Pathfinder. The Rock Creek, Platinum and SV or SL with the Premium Package tow up to 6,000 lbs. Every gas Telluride tows 5,000 lbs and the Telluride Hybrid 4,500 lbs.
Which is cheaper?
The Pathfinder S starts at $37,500 with FWD and $39,500 with 4WD. The Telluride starts at $39,190 with FWD, and AWD starts at $44,090 on the S AWD.
Which gets better gas mileage?
The Pathfinder 4WD is rated 21 to 23 mpg combined versus 20 for a gas Telluride AWD. The Telluride Hybrid gets 31 mpg AWD; there is no Pathfinder hybrid.
Telluride X-Pro or Pathfinder Rock Creek: which is better off-road?
The X-Pro has more ground clearance (9.1 vs. 7.7 inches) and a locking center differential. The Rock Creek costs less ($45,090 vs. $53,690) and tows 6,000 lbs.
Which has the better warranty?
Kia's: 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain and 5 years/60,000 miles basic, versus 5 years/60,000 miles and 3 years/36,000 miles from Nissan.
Drive the 2027 Telluride
Shop the Telluride and Telluride Hybrid in stock at Emich Kia, then drive one back to back with the Pathfinder.
Shop Telluride Shop Telluride Hybrid