Compare the2024 Kia TellurideVS 2024 Chrysler Pacifica

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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Both the Telluride and Pacifica have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The Telluride has power child safety locks, allowing the driver to activate and deactivate them from the driver's seat and to know when they're engaged. The Pacifica’s child locks have to be individually engaged at each rear door with a manual switch. The driver can’t know the status of the locks without opening the doors and checking them.

With its standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, the Kia Telluride is better at preventing collisions with pedestrians than the Chrysler Pacifica, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

	Telluride	Pacifica
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
	Crossing Child - DAY
12 MPH	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH	-23 MPH	-4 MPH
	Crossing Adult - NIGHT
12 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
12 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	-6 MPH
	Parallel Adult - NIGHT
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	-1 MPH
37 MPH Brights	-36 MPH	-22 MPH
Warning Issued-Brights	1.8 sec	1.4 sec
37 MPH Low beams	-32 MPH	No Slowing
Warning Issued-Low beams	1.2 sec	No Warning

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Telluride’s standard Downhill Brake Control allows you to creep down safely. The Pacifica doesn’t offer Downhill Brake Control.

Both the Telluride and Pacifica have rear cross-traffic warning, but the Telluride has Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Pacifica’s Rear Cross Path Detection doesn’t automatically brake.

The Telluride’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Pacifica doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Telluride and the Pacifica have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH moderate front offset crash tests on new cars. In this updated test, results indicate that the Telluride is much safer than the Pacifica:

	Telluride	Pacifica
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh/hip Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Leg/foot Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Leg Forces L/R	382/472 pounds	472/742 pounds
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
	Rear Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Chest Rating	GOOD	MARGINAL
Thigh Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	ACCEPTABLE	ACCEPTABLE

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH, results indicate that the Kia Telluride is safer than the Chrysler Pacifica:

	Telluride	Pacifica
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	41	72
Chest Movement	.5 inches	1 inches
Abdominal Force	93 lbs.	149 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Spine Acceleration	47 G’s	54 G’s
Hip Force	449 lbs.	764 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Kia Telluride is safer than the Pacifica:

	Telluride	Pacifica
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	68	167
Neck Tension	156 lbs.	335 lbs.
Neck Compression	-45 lbs.	45 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Shoulder Deflection	.55 in	.94 in
Shoulder Force	156 lbs.	223 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	1.18 in	1.26 in
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	70	83
Neck Tension	89 lbs.	112 lbs.
Neck Compression	-67 lbs.	67 lbs.
Torso	ACCEPTABLE	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	.55 in	1.1 in
Shoulder Force	178 lbs.	424 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	1.46 in	1.97 in
Torso Deflection Rate	5 MPH	12 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	POOR
Pelvis Force	491 lbs.	1450 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

The Kia Telluride has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Pacifica was last only a “Top Safety Pick” in 2023 but no longer qualifies.

Warranty

The Telluride comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Pacifica’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 2 years or 24,000 miles sooner.

Kia’s powertrain warranty covers the Telluride 5 years and 40,000 miles longer than Chrysler covers the Pacifica. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the Pacifica ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

Reliability

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Telluride’s reliability 11 points higher than the Chrysler Pacifica and 40 points higher than the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Kia vehicles are better in initial quality than Chrysler vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia above average in initial quality. With 80 more problems per 100 vehicles, Chrysler is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Kia vehicles are more reliable than Chrysler vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia first in reliability, above the industry average. With 95 more problems per 100 vehicles, Chrysler is ranked 27th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Kia vehicles are more reliable than Chrysler vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Kia 20 places higher in reliability than Chrysler.

Engine

The Telluride’s standard 3.8 DOHC V6 produces 31 more horsepower (291 vs. 260) than the Pacifica Hybrid’s standard 3.6 DOHC V6 hybrid. The Telluride’s 3.8 DOHC V6 produces 4 more horsepower (291 vs. 287) than the Pacifica’s standard 3.6 DOHC V6.

As tested in Car and Driver the Kia Telluride is faster than the Chrysler Pacifica:

	Telluride	Pacifica Hybrid	Pacifica V6
Zero to 60 MPH	6.7 sec	7.8 sec	7.4 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	7.3 sec	8.1 sec	7.8 sec
Quarter Mile	15.1 sec	16.1 sec	15.6 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	93 MPH	90 MPH	91 MPH
Top Speed	135 MPH	107 MPH	111 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

The Telluride has 2.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Pacifica Hybrid’s standard fuel tank (18.8 vs. 16.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Telluride has a standard locking fuel door which locks and unlocks with the power locks. The fuel filler door is not lockable on the Pacifica. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank and a locking charge port prevents tampering and damage.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Telluride’s standard front brake rotors are larger than those on the Pacifica:

	Telluride	Pacifica
Front Rotors	13.4 inches	13 inches

The Telluride stops much shorter than the Pacifica:

	Telluride	Pacifica
70 to 0 MPH	162 feet	183 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	113 feet	131 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	133 feet	145 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Telluride has larger tires than the Pacifica (245/60R18 vs. 235/65R17).

The Telluride LX/X-Pro’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Pacifica’s standard 65 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Telluride LX/X-Pro has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the Pacifica.

Suspension and Handling

The Telluride has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Telluride flat and controlled during cornering. The Pacifica 4x2 suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The Telluride has a standard automatic load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Pacifica doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For better maneuverability, the Telluride’s turning circle is .9 feet tighter than the Pacifica’s (38.8 feet vs. 39.7 feet). The Telluride’s turning circle is 1.4 feet tighter than the Pacifica AWD’s (38.8 feet vs. 40.2 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Telluride has a 2.6 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Pacifica (8 vs. 5.4 inches), allowing the Telluride to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Telluride X-Line’s minimum ground clearance is 3 inches higher than on the Pacifica (8.4 vs. 5.4 inches).

Chassis

The Kia Telluride may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 650 pounds less than the Chrysler Pacifica.

The Telluride is 7.4 inches shorter than the Pacifica, making the Telluride easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Passenger Space

The Telluride has .8 inches more front headroom, .3 inches more front legroom, .6 inches more rear headroom and 3.4 inches more rear legroom than the Pacifica.

Towing

The Telluride’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Pacifica’s (5000 vs. 3600 pounds).

While the Pacifica Hybrid is not recommended to tow, any Telluride can tow a minimum of 5000 pounds.

A Trailer Stability Assist is standard on the Telluride, using the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the Pacifica and isn’t available on the Pacifica Hybrid/Touring.

Servicing Ease

The Telluride uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Pacifica uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

Ergonomics

The Telluride SX Prestige has a standard heads-up display that projects speed, navigation instruction and driver assistance information readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Pacifica doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Telluride’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Pacifica’s standard rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open them fully. Only its driver’s window closes automatically.

Consumer Reports rated the Telluride’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the Pacifica’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The Telluride’s headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the Pacifica’s headlights are rated “Acceptable.”

The Telluride EX/SX has standard front air conditioned seats and the Telluride SX Prestige also has them in the second row. This keeps the passengers comfortable and takes the sting out of hot seats in summer. The Pacifica doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats for the second row.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Kia Telluride S/EX/SX has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Pacifica doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the Telluride owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the Telluride with a number “8” insurance rate while the Pacifica is rated higher at a number “10” rate.

The Telluride will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Telluride will retain 57.67% to 58.24% of its original price after five years, while the Pacifica only retains 48.53% to 50.2%.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Telluride is less expensive to operate than the Pacifica because typical repairs cost much less on the Telluride than the Pacifica, including $258 less for a muffler, $25 less for front brake pads, $38 less for a starter and $30 less for front struts.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Kia Telluride will be $2237 to $5180 less than for the Chrysler Pacifica.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Kia Telluride and the Chrysler Pacifica, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Telluride first among upper midsize suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Pacifica isn’t in the top three in its category.

The Telluride was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2024 and 4 more times in the last 5 years. The Pacifica hasn’t been picked since 2019, and the Pacifica has only been chosen 3 times.

Motor Trend selected the Telluride as their 2020 Sport Utility of the Year. The Pacifica has never been chosen.

A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the Telluride as the 2020 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. The Pacifica was last chosen in 2017.

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