I drove the Nissan Pathfinder and Kia Telluride for a week — here’s the sub-$60K family SUV I recommend

(Image credit: John Velasco / Tom's Guide) One of the most impressive three-row SUVs I’ve tested this year is the Kia Telluride, which beat the Volkswagen Atlas in my head-to-head matchup. Despite its higher price tag, the Telluride's confident performance, urban-minimalist design, generous passenger amenities, and stacked feature set proved it’s the mid-size, three-row hauler to beat in the segment.​Next up, though, it faces another formidable challenger: the Nissan Pathfinder — a well-known model that's been hauling families across American roads for decades. This is an intriguing matchup, especially since the Pathfinder’s $57,275 as-tested price undercuts the Telluride’s $59,580 sticker.​After living with both for a week to evaluate their driving dynamics, real-world fuel economy, and seating, I’ll break down which mid-size SUV offers the best balance of versatility, rugged styling, and everyday value to claim the class benchmark.Nissan Pathfinder vs. Kia Telluride: Specifications Swipe to scroll horizontally Row 0 - Cell 0 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro SX-Prestige AWD Price Tested $57,275 $59,580 Fuel Economy 20 mpg city / 25 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined 17 mpg city / 22 mpg highway / 19 mpg combined Engine 3.5L DOHC 24-Valve 6-Cylinder Engine 2.5L Turbo 4-Cylinder Fuel Tank Capacity 18.49 gallons 19 gallons Horsepower 284 hp 274 hp Wheels 20-inches 18-inches MSRP $51,400 $58,035 Nissan Pathfinder vs. Kia Telluride: Design Image 1 of 5 2026 Nissan Pathfinder (Image credit: John Velasco / Tom's Guide) ​When it comes to curb appeal, it largely comes down to personal preference, as both of these family haulers take distinctive approaches to exterior styling.The Nissan Pathfinder sticks to a cleaner, more traditional three-row profile, anchored by its upright V-Motion grille. With this Platinum trim, I really love how the two-tone paint job makes the red body pop when the sun hits it just right, while the contrasting black roof and dark wheel accents strike the perfect visual balance. Compared to Kia’s approach, Nissan’s styling doesn’t feel forced or overdone. It’s an honest SUV that looks right at home in any driveway. Image 1 of 5 2027 Kia Telluride (Image credit: John Velasco / Tom's Guide) By contrast, the Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Pro leans into a modern, urban aesthetic. While some drivers might be intimidated by its blocky, tank-like demeanor, its chiseled geometry and sharper body lines command immediate attention. With a matte finish, vertical LED lighting signatures, flush door handles, and lifted 20-inch wheels, it delivers an imposing road presence that sets it apart from almost every other three-row crossover I've tested this year, except the BMW XM Label.​I genuinely appreciate both design philosophies because the Pathfinder nails that no-nonsense utility, while the Telluride beams with this high-end, contemporary swagger.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.Winner: tieNissan Pathfinder vs. Kia Telluride: Fuel economy Swipe to scroll horizontally Row 0 - Cell 0 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro SX-Prestige AWD Total Miles Driven 151.7 miles 352.5 miles Average Fuel Economy 23.9 mpg 22.6 mpg Best short distance fuel economy 25.6 mpg 14.1 mpg Best long distance fuel economy 26.8 mpg 26 mpg ​Since three-row SUVs are built for road trips, school drop-offs, and weekend getaways that prioritize passenger space, it's no surprise they typically have a big appetite for gasoline. After spending a week behind the wheel of each SUV across a mix of highway stretches and local suburban drives, the Nissan Pathfinder took a decisive victory at the pump.​I logged 151.7 miles in the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD, achieving an impressive overall average of 23.9 mpg — easily surpassing its EPA combined rating of 22 mpg. By comparison, the heavier 2027 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Pro AWD averaged a respectable 22.6 mpg over 352.5 miles.​While the Telluride also beat its EPA estimate, the Pathfinder was the more efficient hauler across the board. The biggest gap emerged on short-distance drives, where I recorded an outstanding 25.6 mpg average on the Pathfinder's best run — a substantial advantage over the Telluride’s 14.1 mpg mark. On the open highway, the gap narrowed, with the Pathfinder hitting a peak long-distance 26.8 mpg and holding a modest edge over the Telluride’s 26 mpg average.​Even though both crossovers stretch their legs efficiently on the highway, the Pathfinder’s consistent economy gives it the overall edge, saving drivers noticeable cash between fill-ups.​Winner: Nissan PathfinderNissan Pathfinder vs. Kia Telluride: Driving performance Image 1 of 4 2026 Nissan Pathfinder (Image credit: John Velasco / Tom's Guide) Despite their burly looks, these mid-size three-row SUVs are surprisingly easy to drive—far more manageable than full-size haulers I’ve tested, like the GMC Yukon Denali and Infiniti QX80. That means I can easily maneuver them through tight parking spaces and crowded city streets without breaking a sweat.Under the hood of the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD sits a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine pumping out 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the 2027 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Pro AWD makes do with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts down 274 horsepower and a stout 311 lb-ft of torque. Image 1 of 3 2027 Kia Telluride (Image credit: John Velasco / Tom's Guide) While the Telluride delivers ample punch thanks to that extra low-end turbo shove, I still preferred being behind the wheel of the Pathfinder. That comes down to how its V6 delivers buttery-smooth, progressive throttle response the instant I need it. The Telluride handles busy highway merges and two-lane passes with ease, but the Pathfinder simply executes them more naturally—and with less hesitation.Factor in the Pathfinder’s tighter body control around corners and more communicative steering, and Nissan’s family SUV feels distinctly more agile and confidence-inspiring during daily commutes.Winner: Nissan PathfinderNissan Pathfinder vs. Kia Telluride: Comfort Image 1 of 10 2026 Nissan Pathfinder (Image credit: John Velasco / Tom's Guide) I don’t have a strong preference for their front seats, as both the driver and passenger perches are exceptionally comfortable on long highway stretches. Instead, the deciding factor in this category boils down to passenger space and overall cargo capacity.The Nissan Pathfinder Platinum delivers a first-class cabin experience in the second row, courtesy of semi-aniline quilted leather-appointed seating, heated and ventilated front seats, and second-row manual sunshades. I’m especially pleased to see second-row captain’s chairs included on this trim, complete with a removable center console between them that makes walking back to the third-row bench effortless. In terms of usable space, the Pathfinder provides 35.5 inches of second-row legroom and 28 inches in the third row. Behind that third row, you get 16.6 cubic feet of trunk space. Image 1 of 11 2027 Kia Telluride (Image credit: John Velasco / Tom's Guide) The Kia Telluride SX-Prestige, however, offers a level of cabin refinement and stretch-out room that makes it my clear favorite. In addition to heated and ventilated front power seats, its Ergo Motion driver's seat helps combat fatigue on road trips with subtle massaging adjustments.The Telluride goes a step further with heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs, plus a much more expansive 42.4 inches of second-row legroom and 31.4 inches in the third row. That extra third-row legroom matters because it lets me seat adults back there without hesitation, rather than keeping it strictly to small children. That spatial advantage carries right over to the trunk, where the Telluride commands 21 cubic feet of room behind the third row.While the Pathfinder’s executive-like appointments give it a truly luxurious vibe, the Telluride simply provides more room to breathe across all three rows and holds significantly more gear when traveling with a full crew.Winner: Kia TellurideNissan Pathfinder vs. Kia Telluride: Value Image 1 of 9 (Image credit: John Velasco / Tom's Guide) For what they cost, both SUVs deliver features well beyond their entry-level trims—elevating them nearly to the same level of refinement as traditional luxury vehicles.On the tech front, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum comes fully equipped with a head-up display, magnetic wireless charging pad, panoramic moonroof, and a 360-degree camera system. Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist suite manages safety and driver assistance, performing smoothly on open highways by keeping the vehicle centered in its lane while maintaining a safe gap from traffic ahead. Image 1 of 9 2027 Kia Telluride (Image credit: John Velasco / Tom's Guide) However, the 2027 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Pro AWD makes an overwhelmingly strong case for its $59,580 as-tested price. For the roughly $2,300 premium over the Pathfinder, Kia loads this flagship trim with amenities that often command thousands more in dedicated luxury-brand crossovers.Up front, you’re greeted by a sweeping dual 12.3-inch Panoramic Display, paired with a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, 115V inverter outlet, panoramic sunroof, blind-spot camera monitors, and a dual wireless phone charger. What sets it apart is the ability to engage lane-centering assist with a single press of a dedicated steering wheel button, which functions on both highways and local roads. Beyond its smooth adaptive cruise control, I really appreciate how the instrument cluster automatically feeds live blind-spot camera angles the second I signal a lane change.Winner: Kia TellurideNissan Pathfinder vs. Kia Telluride: Verdict Image 1 of 10 2026 Nissan Pathfinder (Image credit: John Velasco / Tom's Guide) This Nissan Pathfinder vs. Kia Telluride matchup turned out to be a much closer race than I initially expected. In fact, I thought it would be a runaway victory for the Telluride — but after driving the Pathfinder for a week, I was proven wrong. Swipe to scroll horizontally Row 0 - Cell 0 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro SX-Prestige AWD Design X X Fuel Economy X Row 2 - Cell 2 Driving Performance X Row 3 - Cell 2 Comfort Row 4 - Cell 1 X Value Row 5 - Cell 1 X Total 3 3 Ultimately, this head-to-head matchup ends in a dead heat, with each vehicle playing to its own unique strengths. I recommend the Nissan Pathfinder if you prefer a traditional look, better real-world fuel economy, and a naturally aspirated V6 that delivers a genuinely more engaging drive. At $57,275 as-tested, it undercuts the competition while still packing a luxurious interior, generous second-row amenities, and proven family utility.On the flip side, go with the Kia Telluride if you want maximum passenger utility, modern urban styling, and a cabin overflowing with convenience tech. With its adult-friendly third row, larger cargo hold, dual 12.3-inch panoramic display, second-row ventilated seats, and an unbeatable 10-year warranty, the Telluride effortlessly justifies its $59,580 sticker price.Nissan Pathfinder vs. Kia Telluride: Pros and cons (Image credit: John Velasco / Tom's Guide)2026 Nissan PathfinderProsBetter than expected fuel economyLuxurious quilted seatsSuperior driving performanceModestly pricedConsTighter 3rd row legroomSmaller trunk space (Image credit: John Velasco / Tom's Guide)2027 Kia TellurideProsUrban designSpacious interior spaceLarger trunk spaceDedicated lane center assist buttonHelpful blind spot camerasMore premium featuresConsNot as fuel efficient Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.More from Tom's GuideI'm not anxious that it's getting darker earlier with this thermal camera for my car — here's whyI just test drove the new Nissan Leaf — and it's irresistible at under $30,000CrabWalking with the GMC Sierra EV is the weirdest thing I’ve ever done with a car — and it’s actually pretty useful John’s a senior editor covering phones for Tom’s Guide. He’s no stranger in this area having covered mobile phones and gadgets since 2008 when he started his career. On top of his editor duties, he’s a seasoned videographer being in front and behind the camera producing YouTube videos. Previously, he held editor roles with PhoneArena, Android Authority, Digital Trends, and SPY. Outside of tech, he enjoys producing mini documentaries and fun social clips for small businesses, enjoying the beach life at the Jersey Shore, and recently becoming a first time homeowner.