Is the 2025 Kia Telluride Better Overall Than the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder?

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is the overall better choice for buyers prioritizing maximum towing capacity, mechanical durability, and upper-trim value, offering a 6,000-pound maximum towing capacity and a refined 9-speed automatic transmission. While the 2025 Kia Telluride provides slightly more third-row legroom and cargo space behind the rear seats, the Pathfinder delivers stronger real-world capability, a quieter highway cabin, and lower top-tier trim pricing that makes it a smarter long-term investment.

Choosing between two of the market’s premier three-row family crossovers comes down to how your household balances interior utility against real-world mechanical performance. Both midsize crossovers comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers and feature direct-injected V6 engines. However, the Pathfinder shines where daily practical ownership matters most. Equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360 standard across every trim level, the Pathfinder pairs active driver assistance with a responsive drivetrain designed to handle heavy family hauling without straining.

When evaluating overall value, top-tier configurations highlight a noticeable price advantage for Nissan. The Pathfinder Platinum provides luxury-grade features like semi-aniline leather seating, a panoramic moonroof, and a smooth dual-pinion electric power steering system at a more accessible point than a fully loaded Telluride SX Prestige X-Pro. For drivers who frequently haul utility trailers, recreational campers, or weekend cargo, the extra thousand pounds of towing capacity on the Pathfinder provides essential peace of mind that smaller crossovers simply cannot match.

If you are ready to compare cabin comfort, seating layouts, and tech features in person, our team at Newton Nissan South is here to help. You can drop by our Shelbyville dealership showroom to see our current inventory or give our team (931) 536-3118 a quick call to arrange a test drive.

Table of Contents

• Which Is Bigger: 2025 Kia Telluride or Nissan Pathfinder Interior Dimensions and Cargo?
• What Engine Options and Towing Capacities Come in the 2025 Pathfinder vs Telluride?
• Does the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder or Kia Telluride Feature Wireless Apple CarPlay?
• What Is the Top-Trim MSRP and 5-Year Ownership Cost for Telluride vs Pathfinder?
• Are There Reported Reliability Issues or Safety Concerns for Either SUV?
• Common Questions About the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and Kia Telluride

Which Is Bigger: 2025 Kia Telluride or Nissan Pathfinder Interior Dimensions and Cargo?

The 2025 Kia Telluride is slightly larger overall in exterior width and rear cargo volume, but the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder offers a more versatile passenger cabin with superior front-row legroom and innovative seating flexibility. The Telluride measures 196.9 inches in total length with a 114.2-inch wheelbase and 78.3 inches of width, providing 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 87 cubic feet max. In comparison, the Pathfinder shares an identical 114.2-inch wheelbase and a nearly identical 197.0-inch length, delivering about 17 cubic feet of rear storage behind the third row, about 45 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to about 80.5 cubic feet of total cargo volume when rear seats are folded flat.

Inside the passenger compartment, both vehicles provide three flexible rows designed for growing families. Pathfinder models feature standard seating for eight passengers across a 2-3-3 arrangement, or seven passengers when optioned with second-row captain’s chairs. Nissan engineers prioritized ease of entry by equipping the Pathfinder with the EZ FLEX Seating System featuring Latch-n-Glide technology. This mechanism lets second-row seats tilt and slide forward at the touch of a single button—even with a child safety seat securely installed—making access to the third row simple during busy school drop-off runs in Murfreesboro.

Front-row occupants in the Pathfinder enjoy an expansive 44.1 inches of legroom alongside deeply cushioned front bucket seats with available heating and ventilation. While the Telluride yields 31.4 inches of third-row legroom compared to 28.0 inches in the Pathfinder, Nissan maximizes cabin usability through under-floor cargo storage bins and clever center console pass-through areas that keep personal items off the vehicle floor.

To get a closer look at the cabin layout and folding seat mechanics, you can explore the Nissan Pathfinder interior features online. When you are ready to shop, browse our new Nissan Pathfinder inventory to find the exact seating layout for your family, or apply for flexible financing options online to get pre-approved before your visit.

Dimensions & Capacity

Capacity and dimensions by trim

Dimensions & Capacity (continued)

Dimensions & Capacity (continued)

What Engine Options and Towing Capacities Come in the 2025 Pathfinder vs Telluride?

With a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 284 horsepower, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder excels in towing capability compared to the Kia Telluride’s 3.8-liter V6. Output for the standard Pathfinder V6 stands at 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, while the rugged Rock Creek edition tunes engine software to produce 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The Kia Telluride offers a single output rating of 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque across its model range.

Towing performance is where the Nissan Pathfinder establishes a commanding lead over its midsize rival. When properly equipped with factory towing hardware, the Pathfinder achieves a 6,000-pound maximum towing capacity on Rock Creek, Platinum, and equipped SV or SL trims. The standard base Pathfinder S trim handles up to 3,500 pounds of towing along with a maximum 1,583-pound payload rating. Most Kia Telluride trims top out at a 5,000-pound towing limit, requiring buyers to select specialized X-Pro models to reach a 5,500-pound threshold.

Fuel efficiency remains competitive across both V6 powertrains. Front-wheel-drive Pathfinder models earn EPA estimates of 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined. Selecting Intelligent 4WD provides enhanced traction across wet or unpaved terrain while maintaining up to 20 mpg city / 25 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined on Platinum 4WD models. On the gravel roads and rolling countryside around Christiana, the Pathfinder’s seven-position Drive and Terrain Mode selector—including specialized Sand, Mud/Rut, and Tow modes—allows drivers to dial in precise throttle response and power distribution.

Proper maintenance keeps these direct-injected V6 engines running efficiently for decades. You can keep your vehicle performing at its peak by checking recommended oil types in our service hub. If you are shopping on a budget, take a moment to review our pre-owned vehicle specials or order genuine Nissan accessories to outfit your SUV for upcoming towing trips.

Engine & Performance

Powertrain specs by trim

Engine & Performance (continued)

Engine & Performance (continued)

Does the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder or Kia Telluride Feature Wireless Apple CarPlay?

The 2025 Kia Telluride includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trim levels, whereas the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder offers wireless smartphone integration starting on upper trim grades like the SL and Platinum. Base Pathfinder S and SV trims come equipped with standard wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through accessible USB-A and USB-C ports located directly below the center dash controls.

Upgrading to the Pathfinder SL or Platinum trim brings a high-definition 12.3-inch color touchscreen display running the latest NissanConnect software. This upgraded infotainment system integrates wireless Apple CarPlay, in-dash navigation, voice recognition, and a wireless smartphone charging pad, eliminating messy charging cables in the front console. Audiophiles will also appreciate the available 13-speaker Bose premium audio system with a custom subwoofer, which delivers rich acoustic clarity throughout the three-row cabin.

In addition to infotainment connectivity, Nissan equips the Pathfinder with advanced driver-centric displays. Upper trims feature a customizable 12.3-inch digital dashboard gauge cluster alongside an available 10.8-inch Head-Up Display that projects vehicle speed, turn-by-turn navigation prompts, and driver-assist alerts directly onto the windshield glass. This allows drivers to keep their eyes focused on the road ahead without distraction.

For buyers considering high-value pre-owned options, reviewing our certified pre-owned Nissan program details provides insight into late-model inventory featuring these advanced technology packages backed by factory-trained inspection standards.

What Is the Top-Trim MSRP and 5-Year Ownership Cost for Telluride vs Pathfinder?

The top-tier 2025 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD offers a significantly lower initial MSRP than the top-tier 2025 Kia Telluride SX Prestige X-Pro while maintaining comparable 5-year ownership expenses. A fully equipped Pathfinder Platinum 4WD carries a starting MSRP near $50,570, whereas a range-topping Telluride SX Prestige X-Pro starts around $55,100 MSRP. This gives Nissan a clear price advantage of several thousand dollars for buyers seeking a fully loaded three-row luxury crossover.

When factoring in total 5-year cost to own metrics—including vehicle depreciation, fuel, state fees, scheduled maintenance, and insurance—both vehicles post competitive long-term figures. Estimated total out-of-pocket ownership costs over five years average between $69,000 and $82,000 depending on driving habits, annual mileage, and initial purchase trim. Because the Pathfinder features a lower starting MSRP across its lineup, buyers benefit from reduced upfront financing costs and lower sales tax liabilities at registration.

Routine maintenance schedules for Nissan’s 3.5-liter V6 powertrain remain straightforward and affordable over time. Standard service intervals occur every 10,000 miles or 12 months under normal driving conditions, helping owners avoid unexpected maintenance expenses. Nissan also includes complimentary factory-scheduled maintenance covering up to three oil changes within the first 2 years or 24,000 miles on new models.

Whether you need routine maintenance or key services down the road, our service department is fully equipped to support your vehicle. You can easily manage your vehicle care by scheduling key fob replacement service or routine oil changes through our online portal.

Are There Reported Reliability Issues or Safety Concerns for Either SUV?

Both the Nissan Pathfinder and Kia Telluride demonstrate solid overall reliability records in recent model years, having resolved early-generation mechanical issues. Nissan eliminated previous Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) concerns by fitting the fifth-generation Pathfinder with a heavy-duty 9-speed automatic transmission in 2022. This torque-converter automatic has proven durable under heavy towing loads and steep grade climbing.

Safety ratings for the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder are exceptionally strong. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2025 Pathfinder a five-star overall safety rating, the agency’s highest possible crash-test score. Every Pathfinder comes equipped with standard Nissan Safety Shield 360, an active safety suite comprising:

• Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
• Blind Spot Warning
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Lane Departure Warning
• High Beam Assist
• Rear Automatic Braking

Available ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link enhances highway driving by combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering steering assistance. By utilizing navigation map data, ProPILOT Assist proactively adjusts vehicle speed before sharp highway curves or off-ramps.

If you are planning to upgrade your current family car to a safer three-row crossover, you can value your trade online to see how much equity you can apply toward a new Pathfinder.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety and driver-assistance features by trim

All trims, including Platinum 2WD, Platinum 4WD, Rock Creek 4WD, S 2WD, S 4WD, SL 2WD, SL 4WD, SV 2WD, and SV 4WD come with standard ABS and Isofix preparation. Head restraints in the front seats are height adjustable and two in number across every trim, with rear seats featuring height-adjustable head restraints in three positions for all trims except Rock Creek 4WD, which has two rear head restraints. The third-row seats have three height-adjustable head restraints in every trim.

Standard front seat belts for both driver and passenger include pre-tensioners and height adjustability on all trims. Rear seat belts have height adjustability for driver and passenger in all trims, with a 3-point center seat belt in all trims except Rock Creek 4WD where it is not provided. The third row comes equipped with 3-point center seat belts and standard driver and passenger seat belts throughout the lineup.

Emergency call systems and accident data recorders are standard across all trims. An anti-collision system that activates brake lights is also consistently standard on every trim level.

Overall, the safety and driver assistance features are largely uniform across all trims, with the main exception being the absence of the rear center 3-point seat belt and one fewer rear head restraint in the Rock Creek 4WD trim.

Common Questions About the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and Kia Telluride

Q: Does the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder have a third row?

Yes, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder features a standard third-row seat, providing total seating capacity for up to eight passengers with a second-row bench or seven passengers with captain’s chairs.

Q: How much can the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder tow compared to the Kia Telluride?

When properly equipped, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder achieves a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, which outperforms the Kia Telluride’s standard 5,000-pound maximum towing limit.

Q: What engine is inside the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder?

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission.

Q: Is all-wheel drive available on the 2025 Pathfinder?

Yes, Nissan offers Intelligent 4WD across all Pathfinder trim levels, featuring a 7-position Drive and Terrain Mode selector for enhanced traction in snow, mud, and sand.

Q: Where can I test drive the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder?

You can test drive the new Pathfinder by visiting Newton Nissan South at 2801 US Highway 231 North in Shelbyville, Tennessee.

If you want to evaluate the Pathfinder’s capability in person, plan to visit our showroom in Shelbyville today. You can also give our sales specialists a quick call at (931) 536-3118 to schedule a test drive, or learn more about Nissan engineering quality across our entire lineup before stopping by.