2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2025 Kia Telluride

nissan pathfinder vs kia tellruide side by side image

Shopping three-row SUVs in the St. Louis metro area? AutoCenters Nissan serves families across the region, so here’s a straight-up comparison between the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2025 Kia Telluride—no fluff, no tables, just the facts that matter.

Snapshot: How They Differ at a Glance

  • Power & Towing: Pathfinder: 284 hp, 259 lb-ft, and up to 6,000 lbs of towing. Telluride: 291 hp, 262 lb-ft, and up to 5,500 lbs of towing.

  • Fuel Economy (best cases): Pathfinder: up to 21 city / 27 highway mpg. Telluride: up to 20 city / 26 highway mpg (FWD).

  • Seating: Both seat 7 or 8 depending on second-row configuration.

  • Safety Tech: Pathfinder includes standard Nissan Safety Shield 360; ProPILOT Assist is available. Telluride offers Highway Driving Assist 1.5 or 2.0 and a long list of standard driver aids.

  • MSRP: Pathfinder starts at $36,400 (S 2WD). Telluride starts at $37,585 (LX).

  • Warranty: Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage vs. Nissan’s 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain (3-year/36,000-mile basic).

Performance & Capability

Nissan equips every 2025 Pathfinder with a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic. That setup lets properly equipped trims (like Platinum and Rock Creek) tow up to 6,000 pounds—one of the segment’s stronger numbers.

Kia sticks with its proven 3.8-liter V6 for the 2025 Telluride, delivering 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic. Maximum towing is listed at 5,500 pounds when properly equipped, which is solid but still trails the Pathfinder by 500 pounds.

If your weekends involve boats, campers, or utility trailers, the Pathfinder’s extra towing headroom could tip the scales—especially given the integrated Tow Mode and trailer sway features.

Efficiency & Everyday Driving

EPA estimates put the Pathfinder at up to 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway in 4×4 trims, giving it a respectable balance of power and efficiency for its size.

Front-drive Telluride models are rated up to 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway (18/24 with AWD), making its fuel economy comparable but slightly behind the Pathfinder at the top end.

In daily driving terms, both are smooth highway cruisers, but the Pathfinder’s nine-speed brings quick shifts and a quieter ride under load, according to third-party reviews.

Interior Space & Seating Flexibility

Both SUVs offer either a second-row bench (8-passenger capacity) or available captain’s chairs (7-passenger). The Pathfinder’s one-touch release for third-row access and easy-slide second row scores points for family convenience.

Telluride counters with generous headroom—40.9 inches up front—and an upscale cabin feel, especially in higher trims. Its seating capacity also fluctuates between 7 and 8 depending on trim and second-row selection, mirroring the Pathfinder’s flexibility.

If you frequently carpool or haul tall teens in the third row, both get the job done; your choice may come down to interior design preferences rather than space alone.

Technology & Safety

Standard on every Pathfinder is Nissan Safety Shield® 360—six core features including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, and Rear Automatic Braking. Advanced driver aids like ProPILOT Assist make long highway stretches less taxing by helping with steering and speed.

Kia counters with a broad suite of driver-assistance tech, such as Forward Collision Avoidance with Evasive Steering Assist, Highway Driving Assist 1.5 or 2.0 (depending on trim), Lane Following Assist, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist.

Both brands remind drivers that these systems are aids—not replacements—for attentive driving. If you want semi-automated travel-assist features, each SUV offers a compelling package; your decision will hinge on which interface and tuning philosophy you prefer.

Pricing & Value for St. Louis Families

Nissan dropped Pathfinder pricing for 2025: the base S 2WD starts at $36,400, with multiple trims letting you choose between value and luxury.

The 2025 Telluride’s entry LX trim begins at $37,585, and higher trims climb into the mid-$40Ks and beyond as options stack up.

Given the Pathfinder’s larger tow rating and slightly lower starting MSRP, budget-conscious shoppers who still need capability may see more bang for the buck at AutoCenters Nissan.

Warranty & Long-Term Peace of Mind

Kia’s headline-grabbing warranty—10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic coverage—is standard across the lineup.

Nissan provides a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is in line with most mainstream automakers. Extended plans are available if you want more protection.

If maximum factory-backed coverage is a top priority, Kia gives you a longer powertrain safety net; if you plan to trade in within a few years or add an extended service plan, the difference may matter less.

Which One Fits You?

  • Choose the Pathfinder if: You want stronger towing capacity, slightly better peak fuel economy, competitive pricing, and the convenience of shopping and servicing locally at AutoCenters Nissan.

  • Choose the Telluride if: You value a longer factory warranty and prefer its upscale interior aesthetic and driver-assist tuning.

Test-Drive the Pathfinder Near St. Louis

Ready to see how the Pathfinder feels on Missouri roads? Stop by AutoCenters Nissan or schedule a test drive to explore trims, pricing, and incentives. Our team will help you compare features in person and set you up with a payment plan that makes sense.