2026 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold and polarizing design that divided opinions, particularly with its flat, wide grille. The vehicle's personality shifted with different color and trim levels, with lighter colors making the body-colored vertical strakes more pronounced, while darker shades allowed them to blend in. The X-Line and X-Pro models replaced these strakes with rectangular grille blocks and featured distinctive amber accent lights. The side profile showcased unique angular fender sculpting and black plastic tabs atop each wheel well, which some found unnecessary. The rear view adopted a Range Rover-like style with rounded corners and vertical taillights. Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, featuring a simple horizontal dashboard and a modern, buttonless appearance. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim offered a luxurious two-tone palette, though the labeling on some buttons was hard to read. The seats, covered in synthetic leather and suede, were somewhat firm, but the surrounding materials were of excellent quality.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder combined smooth and chunky elements, with restyled front and rear fenders and a truck-like dashboard design. The front bumper featured faux vertical air intakes, and the grille had a thin chrome line intersecting the Nissan badge. The rear lost vertical creases, and new wheel designs and satin-colored badges were introduced. Inside, the Pathfinder saw more noticeable changes, with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen replacing the previous 9-inch unit. The steering wheel design changed, and the center console armrest lost its "Pathfinder" accent. The interior was simple, made with good materials, and offered semi-aniline leather on the Platinum trim. The Pathfinder's interior was both modern and classic, with a focus on usability and comfort.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The Hybrid version added electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery pack, increasing output to 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a six-speed transmission and was not available in the off-road-capable X-Pro trims. The Telluride Hybrid offered a smooth and quiet ride, with a seamless transition between electric and gas power. The X-Pro Prestige trim provided a comfortable ride, even with its lifted off-road suspension. The Telluride was composed on winding roads, with a soft brake pedal effort that required some adjustment.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder retained its naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque, or 295 hp and 270 lb-ft in the Rock Creek with premium fuel. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and offered all-wheel drive on most trims. The Pathfinder's acceleration was described as lazy, and it lacked the option for turbocharging or a hybrid, affecting both power and efficiency. The Rock Creek trim, tested during a media evaluation, was criticized for its loud all-terrain tires and lack of off-road capabilities. The Pathfinder's suspension was soft, allowing more lean and mid-corner wheel motions, but it provided a comfortable ride in a straight line.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid offered ample space for adults in all three rows, though the rearmost row was better suited for smaller passengers. The second row featured power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, and the middle-row seats had a lot of seat travel fore and aft. The Telluride could hold up to 22.3 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row, with a maximum capacity of 89.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Hybrid models lost only about one cubic foot of cargo space. The Telluride also offered a large center bin, deployable cupholders, and a tray underneath the center console for smaller items.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder featured "Latch and Glide" second-row seats, making it family-friendly. It offered generous headroom and legroom in the first and second rows, while the third row was tight for taller passengers. The Pathfinder could seat eight or seven passengers, depending on the trim, with optional captain's chairs on upper trims. It provided 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, with a maximum capacity of 80.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Pathfinder included a roof rack, power liftgate, and good visibility in all directions. It also offered a variety of analog controls for ease of use.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch touchscreen for climate controls. It included a native navigation system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual wireless phone chargers. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though it required a firm tap to register inputs. The Telluride also offered customizable themes for the infotainment screen and a 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system on higher trims.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though factory navigation was not offered. The new system was easier to use and faster to respond. Upper trims included Qi2 wireless device chargers, Invisible Hood View, and Front Wide View. The SL trim gained a digital instrument panel, while the Platinum offered a head-up display and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. The Pathfinder's infotainment system was clear, easy to read, and full of useful vehicle information.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid included standard advanced safety features such as frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional features like a surround-view camera system and automatic reverse braking. The Telluride's driver attention monitor had some operational issues, but the highway driving assist was particularly helpful on longer trips.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder came with a comprehensive set of airbags, including second-row side-impact airbags and front knee airbags. The Platinum trim added a front-center side airbag. Standard driver aids included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. The Pathfinder earned five stars from the NHTSA but only four stars in the frontal crash test. It received top "Good" ratings in two IIHS crash tests.