As someone who’s logged countless miles on road trips and off-road adventures, I’ve always been drawn to midsize SUVs for their versatility.I share my firsthand experience comparing the 2025 Honda Passport and Kia Telluride, two vehicles that promise family-friendly comfort and rugged capability.
My goal is to break down their strengths, weaknesses, and standout features to help you decide which SUV suits your life—whether you’re hauling kids, gear, or both. Below, a comparison table offers a quick overview before I unpack my detailed experiences.
Comparison Table: Honda Passport vs. Kia Telluride
| Feature | Honda Passport (2025) | Kia Telluride (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $50,480 (CAD) | $50,995 (CAD) |
| Engine | 3.5L V6, 280 hp, 262 lb-ft torque | 3.8L V6, 291 hp, 262 lb-ft torque |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 12.5/9.8/11.3 L/100km (city/hwy/combined) | 13.1/10.0/11.7 L/100km (city/hwy/combined) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 or 8 (depending on configuration) |
| Cargo Space | 41.2 cu ft (behind rear seats), 77.7 cu ft (max) | 21 cu ft (behind third row), 87 cu ft (max) |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs | 5,000–5,500 lbs |
| Infotainment | 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 12.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
| AWD Availability | Standard | Optional (standard on higher trims) |
| Warranty | 36 mo/60,000 km (comprehensive) | 60 mo/100,000 km (comprehensive) |
| Safety Rating | NHTSA 5-star overall | NHTSA 5-star overall |
My Experience With the Honda Passport
Settling into the 2025 Honda Passport Trailsport felt like reconnecting with an old friend.
The cabin’s straightforward design, with its durable materials and intuitive controls, reminded me of my trusty old Honda CR-V, but with a bolder edge.
I took it on a weekend adventure through the winding roads near Algonquin Park and a muddy off-road trail.
The 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower, had enough grunt to make passing on highways a breeze.
The torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, paired with the Intelligent Traction Management’s mud mode, kept me steady on a slick path, boosting my confidence as I tackled ruts and rocks.
The Passport’s 41.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats was a game-changer. I easily stowed my camping gear, a cooler, and my dog’s crate without Tetris-level packing skills. The underfloor storage was a neat touch for stashing smaller items like my flashlight and first-aid kit.
On a 300-km road trip, the 9-speed automatic transmission shifted smoothly, and the Honda Sensing suite—featuring adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist—made long stretches less tiring. However, the 8-inch infotainment screen felt like a relic, with smaller map displays that strained my eyes compared to newer systems.
Fuel economy hovered around 9.8 L/100km on the highway, decent but not stellar. I stopped for gas more often than I’d hoped, especially in city driving at 12.5 L/100km. The Passport’s rugged styling, with 18-inch all-terrain tires and a bold grille, turned heads at the campsite, but the cabin’s plastic-heavy dashboard lacked the polish I craved. Still, Honda’s reputation for reliability—backed by my CR-V’s 150,000-mile run without major issues—gave me peace of mind. The Passport felt like a rugged, dependable partner, but I wondered if it could match the Telluride’s family-friendly flair.
My Experience With the Kia Telluride
The 2025 Kia Telluride SX Limited was a revelation. Sliding into its plush cabin, I was struck by its upscale vibe—Nappa leather seats, soft-touch surfaces, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen that felt like a tablet from the future.
On a family road trip to Niagara with six friends, the Telluride’s ability to seat up to eight (or seven with captain’s chairs) was a lifesaver.
The second row’s 42.4 inches of legroom let my 6-foot-2 buddy stretch out comfortably, and the kids in the third row didn’t complain—a rare win.
The 10-speaker audio system turned our playlist into a concert, and Apple CarPlay connected seamlessly.
The 3.8-liter V6, with 291 horsepower, felt punchy on open roads but a tad sluggish in city traffic.
The 8-speed automatic wasn’t as crisp as the Passport’s, hesitating slightly during quick maneuvers. I tested the Telluride’s available AWD on a gravel road, and while it handled well, I didn’t push it as hard as the Passport off-road. The cargo space—21 cubic feet behind the third row—was tight for our luggage, forcing us to fold the third row for 46 cubic feet.
Towing a small trailer (up to 5,500 pounds on higher trims) was smooth, and the comprehensive safety suite, including cyclist detection, kept me calm in Toronto’s chaotic traffic.
The Telluride’s 60-month/100,000-km warranty outshone the Passport’s, easing my mind as a first-time Kia driver. However, I couldn’t ignore whispers of reliability concerns from online forums, especially about earlier models’ engines. The Telluride’s luxurious interior and tech made every drive feel special, but its tighter cargo area and less refined ride on bumpy roads had me reminiscing about the Passport’s practicality.
Pros Of the Honda Passport
- Reliable V6 Engine: The 3.5-liter V6 pumps out 280 horsepower with smooth power delivery. I’ve seen Hondas like my old CR-V hit 200,000 miles with just routine maintenance, and this engine, shared with the Pilot, feels just as dependable.
- Spacious Cargo Area: With 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.7 cubic feet max, the Passport swallowed my camping gear and bike effortlessly. The underfloor storage kept my tools organized, a small but appreciated touch.
- Standard All-Wheel Drive: The torque-vectoring AWD and traction modes (snow, sand, mud) shone on a muddy trail, giving me confidence where FWD SUVs might slip. It’s a must for my Canadian winters.
- Smooth Transmission: The 9-speed automatic shifts like butter, making city commutes and towing (up to 5,000 pounds) feel effortless. It outshone the Telluride’s slightly hesitant 8-speed.
- Honda Sensing Safety Suite: Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring were lifesavers on long drives. I felt secure navigating foggy highways, though I wished for cyclist detection.
- Strong Resale Value: The Passport retains 4.4% more value after five years than the Telluride, per iSeeCars. This matters to me, as I plan to upgrade in a few years.
- Rugged Styling: The Trailsport’s 18-inch all-terrain tires and bold grille gave it a tough, adventure-ready look. It stood out at the trailhead, earning nods from fellow campers.
The Passport’s practicality won me over for solo adventures. Its cargo space handled everything I threw at it, and the AWD system tackled rough terrain with ease. Honda’s reliability and resale value make it a smart long-term choice, though I wished for a touch more refinement.
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Cons Of the Honda Passport
- Dated Infotainment Screen: The 8-inch touchscreen felt small and clunky next to the Telluride’s 12.3-inch display. Map navigation was less intuitive, and I squinted to read details on long drives.
- Limited Seating: With only five seats, the Passport struggled with group outings. I felt cramped with four friends, making the Telluride’s third row more appealing for social trips.
- Basic Interior: The cabin’s hard plastics and lack of premium touches disappointed me. Compared to the Telluride’s upscale design, the Passport felt utilitarian, not luxurious.
- Average Fuel Economy: At 12.5 L/100km in the city, gas stops added up during my commute. The Telluride’s 13.1 L/100km wasn’t much worse, so the Passport didn’t stand out here.
- Noisy Highway Ride: Road and wind noise crept in at 70 mph, making conversations harder. The Telluride’s quieter cabin was noticeably more refined on long trips.
- Weaker Crash Test Results: The IIHS “Marginal” side-impact rating concerned me, despite the 5-star NHTSA score. I’d prefer top safety marks for my family’s safety.
- Higher Starting Price: At $50,480 CAD, the Passport costs slightly more than the Telluride’s $50,995 base trim. For the price, I expected a bit more tech and comfort.
The Passport’s no-frills approach and limited seating made it less versatile for family needs. The noisy ride and dated tech were noticeable drawbacks, and the crash test results gave me pause, especially for the price.
Pros Of the Kia Telluride
- Spacious Interior: With 41.4 inches of front legroom and 42.4 inches in the second row, the Telluride felt palatial. My tall friends loved the space, and I never heard complaints.
- Third-Row Seating: Seven or eight seats made it ideal for group trips. I fit six friends comfortably, something the Passport couldn’t handle without a squeeze.
- Modern Infotainment: The 12.3-inch touchscreen was crisp and responsive, and the 10-speaker audio system (on higher trims) turned drives into concerts. Apple CarPlay was a breeze to use.
- Long Warranty: The 60-month/100,000-km comprehensive warranty beat the Passport’s 36-month coverage. As a Kia newbie, this gave me confidence in its longevity.
- Higher Towing Capacity: Up to 5,500 pounds (on select trims) edged out the Passport’s 5,000 pounds, perfect for my friend’s boat. It felt capable and stable.
- Luxurious Cabin: Nappa leather and soft-touch surfaces made the Telluride feel premium. It outshone the Passport’s functional interior, impressing everyone who rode along.
- Advanced Safety Features: Cyclist detection and junction-turning assist added extra security in city traffic. I felt more protected than in the Passport’s safety suite.
The Telluride’s upscale cabin and family-friendly seating made it a standout. The tech and warranty were hard to beat, and it felt like a luxury SUV at a midsize price.
Cons Of the Kia Telluride
- Tight Cargo Space: The 21 cubic feet behind the third row was limiting on my road trip. Even with the third row folded (46 cubic feet), it lagged behind the Passport’s cargo versatility.
- Sluggish Low-Speed Response: The 3.8-liter V6 felt slow off the line in traffic, unlike the Passport’s nimble V6. It was noticeable during rush-hour crawls.
- Bumpier Ride: The suspension let more road imperfections through than the Passport, jarring me on potholed streets. It disrupted the otherwise plush experience.
- Reliability Questions: Forum posts about past engine and transmission issues worried me. While the warranty helps, the Passport’s proven track record felt more reassuring.
- Optional AWD: AWD isn’t standard on the base LX trim, a drawback in snowy Canada. The Passport’s standard AWD was a better fit for my needs.
- Lower Resale Value: Losing 46.1% of its value after five years (vs. the Passport’s 41.7%) was a concern. I like knowing my SUV will hold value for future trades.
- Potential Dealer Markups: Friends warned me about Telluride markups due to high demand. I snagged mine at MSRP, but it’s a risk for budget-conscious buyers.
The Telluride’s cargo constraints and sluggish low-end power were noticeable flaws. Reliability concerns lingered, and the optional AWD on lower trims felt like a missed opportunity.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Passport’s dated 8-inch infotainment, five-seat limit, basic interior, and noisy highway ride are drawbacks. Its 12.5 L/100km city fuel economy and “Marginal” IIHS side-impact rating also disappoint.
The Honda Pilot, with three-row seating for up to eight, is the closest match to the Telluride. The Passport’s two-row setup is less comparable for larger families.
The Passport aligns with two-row SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner, Ford Bronco, and Jeep Grand Cherokee, offering similar cargo and off-road capability with a reliability edge.
With meticulous maintenance, it’s possible, but reports of engine and transmission issues in earlier models raise doubts. The Telluride’s durability is less proven than Honda’s.
Conclusion: For Honda Passport and Kia Telluride
You’re at a crossroads with the Honda Passport and Kia Telluride, and I get it—both are fantastic but cater to different needs. The Passport won me over for solo adventures, with its cavernous cargo space, standard AWD, and Honda’s bulletproof reliability. It’s perfect if you’re like me, craving rugged trails and long-term value, though its dated tech and limited seating might frustrate. The Telluride, with its luxurious cabin, third-row seating, and modern infotainment, was a hit for family outings, but cargo space and reliability concerns held it back. Test-drive both to feel which one clicks with your lifestyle—you’ll find your match.
