In the midsize SUV segment, two popular contenders are the Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade. Both of these models come from Korean automakers and share a number of features, but they also have their own unique characteristics that set them apart.
In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll explore various aspects of the Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade, including performance, design, technology, safety, and price. By the end, you should have a better understanding of which vehicle is right for you.
Exterior Design
The exterior designs of the Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade differ in several aspects. The Telluride has a more rugged and boxy appearance, with its bold front grille, squared-off wheel arches, and muscular stance. The Palisade, on the other hand, showcases a more elegant and refined design, featuring a large cascading front grille, sleek LED headlights, and a smoother body profile.
Both models offer a variety of exterior colors and wheel designs to choose from, so you can customize your vehicle to match your personal style.
Interior Design
The interiors of the Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade are both spacious and comfortable, with seating for up to eight passengers. They offer ample legroom and headroom, as well as a generous amount of cargo space. The Telluride has a slightly larger cargo capacity, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row and 87 cubic feet with all the rear seats folded down. The Palisade, on the other hand, provides 18 cubic feet behind the third row and 86 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Both vehicles come with standard features like a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and multiple USB ports. Optional features include leather upholstery, ventilated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a premium audio system.
Seating
The Kia Telluride offers seating for up to eight passengers, with a standard second-row bench seat or optional captain’s chairs that reduce the seating capacity to seven. The seats are well-cushioned and comfortable, providing ample support for long drives.
Both front and second-row passengers enjoy generous legroom and headroom, while the third row is best suited for children or smaller adults. Higher trims feature leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings.
Like the Telluride, the Hyundai Palisade can accommodate up to eight passengers, with optional second-row captain’s chairs reducing the capacity to seven. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with ample space for passengers in the first and second rows.
The third-row seating is more accommodating for adults than in some competitors but is still best for shorter trips or smaller passengers. The Palisade offers available features such as Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, and a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory function.
Storage
The Kia Telluride offers a practical and versatile storage solution for families and adventurers alike. With 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, there’s enough room for groceries or luggage. Folding down the third-row seats expands the cargo area to 46 cubic feet, and with both the second and third rows folded, the Telluride provides a maximum cargo capacity of 87 cubic feet.
The SUV also features numerous small storage compartments, cupholders, and door pockets throughout the cabin for added convenience.
The Hyundai Palisade also offers an abundance of storage space, though slightly less than the Telluride. Behind the third row, there are 18 cubic feet of cargo space available. Folding down the third row increases the cargo capacity to 45.8 cubic feet, and with both the second and third rows folded, the Palisade provides a maximum of 86 cubic feet.
The Palisade’s cabin also features multiple storage compartments, cupholders, and door pockets for added utility.
Technology
When it comes to technology, both the Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade offer a plethora of advanced features. Their infotainment systems come with 8-inch touchscreens as standard, with optional 10.25-inch touchscreens available for higher trims. They also include navigation systems, wireless smartphone charging, and a head-up display for the driver.
In addition, both vehicles come with driver-assist technologies like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Telluride features Kia’s UVO link system, which allows you to remotely start your vehicle, lock or unlock the doors, and locate your parked car using a smartphone app. The Palisade comes with Hyundai’s Blue Link system, which offers similar features.
Performance
The Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade both come equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. They are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience. While their performance specifications are nearly identical, their fuel economy ratings differ slightly. The Telluride achieves an EPA-estimated 20/26 mpg (city/highway), while the Palisade comes in at 19/26 mpg.
Safety
Both the Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade have received excellent safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Their standard safety features include a suite of advanced driver-assist systems, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.
Additionally, they both offer optional features like a surround-view camera, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors.
The Telluride comes with Kia’s Safe Exit Assist system, which prevents the rear doors from opening if it detects an approaching vehicle. The Palisade offers a similar feature called Safe Exit Assist, along with an available blind-spot view monitor that displays a live video feed of the vehicle’s blind spots on the digital instrument cluster.
Drivability
The Kia Telluride delivers a smooth and composed driving experience, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and responsive steering. The V6 engine provides ample power for everyday driving situations, and the 8-speed automatic transmission shifts seamlessly.
The Telluride’s cabin is well-insulated from road and wind noise, creating a quiet and comfortable environment for passengers. The SUV also offers an available all-wheel-drive system, which enhances traction and handling in various road conditions.
The Hyundai Palisade offers a comfortable and refined ride, with a suspension system that effectively absorbs road imperfections. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to navigate through tight spaces and crowded parking lots. The V6 engine delivers sufficient power for most driving scenarios, and the 8-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth gear changes.
Like the Telluride, the Palisade features a well-insulated cabin, minimizing noise intrusion for a serene driving experience. An optional all-wheel-drive system is available for added confidence in various weather conditions and terrains.
Pricing
The base price of the Kia Telluride starts at around $33,000, while the Hyundai Palisade begins at approximately $33,700. As you move up the trim levels and add optional features, the prices for both vehicles can reach the mid-$40,000 range. While the starting prices are relatively close, the Telluride tends to offer slightly more standard features for the money, making it a slightly better value proposition.
Warranty
Both Kia and Hyundai are known for their extensive warranties, offering a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This provides peace of mind for buyers,
Trim Levels
The Kia Telluride is available in four distinct trim levels, each offering a unique set of features and amenities to cater to different preferences and budgets. The trim levels include:
- LX: The base LX trim comes well-equipped with features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system, and a suite of advanced safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist.
- S: Stepping up to the S trim adds features like 20-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof, second-row captain’s chairs, heated front seats, and power-adjustable driver’s seat.
- EX: The EX trim enhances the Telluride’s comfort and convenience with features like leather upholstery, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, ventilated front seats, an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and additional safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
- SX: The top-of-the-line SX trim boasts a range of luxury amenities, including LED projector headlights, a dual sunroof, a surround-view monitor, a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory function, and a blind-spot view monitor.
The Hyundai Palisade comes in four trim levels, each offering a progressively more feature-rich experience for drivers and passengers alike. The available trims include:
- SE: The base SE trim is well-appointed, offering features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system, and a suite of advanced safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist.
- SEL: Upgrading to the SEL trim adds amenities like a power sunroof, second-row captain’s chairs, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and additional safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
- Limited: The Limited trim further enhances the Palisade experience with features like 20-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, ventilated front and second-row seats, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system.
- Calligraphy: The top-of-the-line Calligraphy trim boasts premium features such as exclusive exterior styling elements, quilted Nappa leather upholstery, a suede headliner, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a blind-spot view monitor.
Both the Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade offer a range of trim levels to cater to different preferences and budgets. Each trim level builds on the previous one, adding more advanced features, enhanced styling, and increased luxury. Regardless of the trim level you choose, both SUVs provide a well-rounded experience that balances comfort, technology, and safety.
Key Differences
While the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade share many similarities, there are several key differences between these two midsize SUVs that may influence buyers’ decisions:
Exterior Design:
- The Kia Telluride has a rugged, boxy appearance with bold features, giving it a more imposing and off-road-ready look.
- The Hyundai Palisade, on the other hand, showcases a more refined and elegant design with sleeker lines, making it appear more premium and sophisticated.
Interior Space and Cargo Capacity:
- The Kia Telluride offers slightly more cargo space, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row and 87 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.
- The Hyundai Palisade has a marginally smaller cargo area, with 18 cubic feet of space behind the third row and 86 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.
Standard Features and Value Proposition:
- The Kia Telluride tends to offer more standard features for the money, especially in the base LX trim, making it a slightly better value proposition.
- The Hyundai Palisade, while still well-equipped, may require buyers to opt for higher trim levels or additional packages to access some of the features available as standard on the Telluride.
Safety Features:
- Both vehicles offer a suite of advanced safety features, but the Hyundai Palisade has a slight edge with the addition of the blind-spot view monitor on higher trims, which provides a live video feed of the vehicle’s blind spots on the digital instrument cluster.
Pricing:
- The Kia Telluride’s base price starts at around $33,000, making it slightly more affordable than the Hyundai Palisade, which begins at approximately $33,700.
These key differences in design, interior space, standard features, safety technologies, and pricing should be taken into consideration when comparing the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. It is crucial for potential buyers to determine which factors are most important to them and test drive both models to make an informed decision.
Final Thoughts
The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade are both highly competitive midsize SUVs that offer an impressive blend of comfort, technology, safety, and performance. Each vehicle has its unique strengths and characteristics, with the Telluride boasting a more rugged design and slightly better value, while the Palisade showcases a more premium appearance and some additional safety features. The choice between these two SUVs ultimately comes down to personal preferences and priorities.
Both vehicles have received rave reviews from critics and consumers alike, making it difficult to go wrong with either option. It is essential for potential buyers to test drive both models, compare the features and trim levels that best suit their needs and budgets, and carefully consider the key differences highlighted in this article.
Regardless of which SUV is chosen, the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade are sure to provide an enjoyable and satisfying ownership experience for years to come.
Features Breakdown:
Here is an overview on the features of each vehicle:
Kia Telluride
- Performance:
- 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- EPA-estimated fuel economy: 20/26 mpg (city/highway)
- Exterior Design:
- Rugged, boxy appearance
- Bold front grille
- Squared-off wheel arches
- Interior Design:
- Seating for up to eight passengers
- 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row
- 87 cubic feet of maximum cargo space
- Technology:
- Standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system (10.25-inch optional)
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Kia UVO link system
- Safety:
- IIHS Top Safety Pick and 5-star NHTSA rating
- Advanced driver-assist systems
- Safe Exit Assist system
- Trim Levels:
- LX, S, EX, SX
- Warranty:
- 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty
- 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
- Pricing:
- Base price (LX trim): around $33,000
- Top-of-the-line price (SX trim): mid-$40,000 range
Hyundai Palisade:
- Performance:
- 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- EPA-estimated fuel economy: 19/26 mpg (city/highway)
- Exterior Design:
- Elegant, refined appearance
- Large cascading front grille
- Sleek LED headlights
- Interior Design:
- Seating for up to eight passengers
- 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row
- 86 cubic feet of maximum cargo space
- Technology:
- Standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system (10.25-inch optional)
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Hyundai Blue Link system
- Safety:
- IIHS Top Safety Pick and 5-star NHTSA rating
- Advanced driver-assist systems
- Safe Exit Assist and blind-spot view monitor
- Trim Levels:
- SE, SEL, Limited, Calligraphy
- Warranty:
- 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty
- 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
- Pricing:
- Base price (SE trim): around $33,700
- Top-of-the-line price (Calligraphy trim): mid-$40,000 range
