The SUV market is brimming with choices, but the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade consistently rise to the top as standout options. These popular midsize SUVs combine sleek, stylish designs with advanced technology and exceptional comfort, making them ideal for families and adventurers alike. Both vehicles boast spacious interiors, cutting-edge safety features, and impressive performance, offering a balanced blend of practicality and luxury that caters to modern drivers’ needs and preferences.
Which SUV Performs Better?
When it comes to performance, both the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade deliver strong results. These SUVs are built on the same platform and share the same 3.8-liter V6 engine. The engine produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque in both vehicles. This power allows for a smooth and responsive driving experience, whether you’re on the highway or navigating city streets.
Despite sharing the same engine, the driving experience can feel different between the two. The Kia Telluride is often praised for its slightly sportier handling. Its suspension feels well-tuned for those who enjoy a bit of road feedback. The Hyundai Palisade, on the other hand, leans more towards comfort. It has a softer suspension, which absorbs bumps better, making it ideal for long road trips and daily commutes.
Fuel efficiency is another important consideration. Both SUVs offer similar fuel economy ratings, although the Kia Telluride fared slightly worse. Whereas the Hyundai Palisade rates 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, the Telluride scored 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. In a competition this tight, those numbers may prove a difference-maker to the average consumer.
Which Is More Comfortable?
One of the strongest selling points for both the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade is their impressive interiors. Both SUVs are designed with comfort in mind, and their spacious cabins make them excellent choices for families or anyone who enjoys a bit of luxury in their ride.
The Kia Telluride’s interior features high-quality materials and a clean, modern design. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long drives. The second row can come with either captain’s chairs or a bench seat, depending on your preference. The third row, though typical for midsize SUVs, offers enough room for adults on shorter trips. The Telluride also offers a user-friendly infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Similarly, the Hyundai Palisade doesn’t disappoint when it comes to interior comfort. Its cabin is equally spacious and luxurious. The Palisade takes things a step further with available quilted leather seats and an upscale dashboard design. Like the Telluride, it offers either captain’s chairs or a bench in the second row. The Palisade also includes a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster in some trims, adding a high-tech touch to the driving experience.
Which Is Safer?
The Kia Telluride comes standard with several advanced driver-assistance systems. These include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Telluride also offers a safe-exit assist feature, which warns passengers of approaching traffic when exiting the vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Kia Telluride a 5-star overall safety rating, the highest possible score.
The Hyundai Palisade is equally impressive when it comes to safety. It also comes standard with a similar suite of driver-assistance technologies, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Palisade’s safe-exit assist works in much the same way as the Telluride’s, adding an extra layer of security for families. The Palisade also received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA, putting it on par with the Telluride in terms of overall safety.
One notable difference is Hyundai’s Driver Attention Warning system, which monitors the driver’s behavior for signs of drowsiness or inattention. If it detects an issue, it will alert the driver to take a break. This system is a nice addition for those who spend long hours behind the wheel.
Which Offers Better Price and Value?
When it comes to pricing, the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade are similarly positioned. Both offer a range of trims that allow buyers to choose a model that fits their budget and needs. The starting price for the Kia Telluride is slightly lower than the Palisade, but the difference is minimal. Both vehicles are available in their well-equipped base trims for under $40,000.
As you move up the trim levels, both SUVs add luxury features like leather seats, larger touchscreens, and advanced safety technologies. These upgrades obviously expand the respective price-points of these cars well above the $50,000 mark, but they come with nearly every feature you could want in a midsize SUV.
Kia Telluride vs. Hyundai Palisade – Which Should You Choose?
Both the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade are exceptional midsize SUVs that offer great performance, luxurious interiors, and top-notch safety features. They are almost identical in many aspects, making the choice between them a matter of small details.
If you prefer a slightly sportier drive, the Kia Telluride might be your best option. If a more cushioned and upscale interior is your priority, the Hyundai Palisade could be the better fit. Both vehicles provide great value, so you can feel confident that either one will serve you well on your daily drives and weekend adventures. Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with either SUV in the Kia Telluride vs. Hyundai Palisade debate.