Pathfinder, Pilot, and Telluride all serve three-row families, but their third-row access, cargo room, seating layouts, towing configurations, and technology packages differ.
Direct answer
Pathfinder publishes the highest maximum towing rating here at 6,000 pounds when properly equipped. Pilot AWD and the 2027 gasoline Telluride are rated up to 5,000 pounds. Telluride publishes 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row, Pilot lists 18.6 cubic feet under its standard measurement, and Pathfinder lists 16.6. Choose only after testing third-row access, luggage fit and the exact tow-equipped configuration.
Which one should you choose?
Choose Nissan Pathfinder
- Choose it when its properly equipped 6,000-pound maximum covers the verified trailer.
- Its 16.6 cubic feet behind row three is the smallest published standard figure here, so load-test luggage.
- Choose seven or eight seats based on the exact second-row configuration.
Choose Honda Pilot
- Choose it when its seating layout, 285-horsepower V6 and cargo shape fit the household.
- AWD configurations can reach 5,000 pounds; 2WD is listed at 3,500 pounds.
- Honda publishes standard and maximum cargo measurements, so use the same measurement convention when comparing.
Choose Kia Telluride
- Choose the 2027 gasoline model when its 22.3 cubic feet behind row three and 89.3-cubic-foot maximum suit the load.
- Its turbocharged engine produces 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
- Kia lists a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity; verify the exact vehicle and equipment.
How do the specifications compare?
On a small screen, scroll horizontally to compare every column.
| Decision | 2026 Nissan Pathfinder | 2026 Honda Pilot | 2027 Kia Telluride |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seating capacity | 7 or 8 | 7 or 8 | 7 or 8 |
| Engine output | 284 hp / 259 lb-ft; Rock Creek 295 hp / 270 lb-ft | 285 hp / 262 lb-ft | 274 hp / 311 lb-ft |
| Cargo behind third row | 16.6 cu. ft. | 18.6 cu. ft. standard measurement; higher maximum measurements vary by trim | 22.3 cu. ft. |
| Maximum cargo | 80.5 cu. ft. | 87.0 cu. ft. standard measurement; higher maximum measurements vary by trim | 89.3 cu. ft. |
| Maximum towing | Up to 6,000 lb. when properly equipped | 3,500 lb. 2WD / 5,000 lb. AWD | Up to 5,000 lb. |
Features and availability vary by model year, trim, drivetrain, package, and current inventory. Confirm the exact vehicle before purchase.
What should you check on a New Rochelle test drive?
Load the third row before judging cargo space, install rather than merely place your child seats, and drive each SUV through a tight lot and highway merge. For towing, bring the trailer's loaded-weight information and compare only properly equipped vehicles.
Customer questions and answers
Which one has the best third row for adults?
Body dimensions do not tell the whole story. Seat height, foot space, access, and the size of second-row passengers all matter, so the intended riders should try each exact configuration.
Can I use the maximum towing number for every trim?
No. Capacity can change with drivetrain, equipment, passengers, cargo, hitch setup, and trailer. Follow the manufacturer documentation for the exact vehicle.
Are captain's chairs better than a bench?
Captain's chairs can ease aisle access, while a bench can preserve an extra seating position. The right layout depends on child seats, passenger count, and how often the third row is used.
Verify the details
We use Nissan, government, consumer-protection, and dealership sources. Vehicle facts come from the cited U.S. manufacturer information available on the review date. Our conclusions are original dealership analysis of those facts and the New Rochelle decision test shown above; we do not present an estimate as a hands-on measurement. Because model year, trim, drivetrain, and inventory vary, we identify what to match on the exact vehicles.
Source review date: 2026-09-08
- 2026 Nissan Pathfinder specifications
- 2026 Honda Pilot specifications
- 2027 Kia Telluride specifications
Nissan of New Rochelle sells and services Nissan vehicles. Our goal is to help you choose the option that fits your needs, including telling you when a different model, payment method, or timing may be the better choice.
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