What Is the Difference Between Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride?
Shopping for a new next vehicle can be frustrating, whether it is your first car, or you are just upgrading from what you had.
Even worse is when the two models that you love have a close resemblance to each other.
Vehicle models can be similar in terms of features, styling, comfort, and performance, thus making it very hard to strike a line between the two.
The Hyundai Palisade and the Kia Telluride are one such pair that have a close resemblance, both inside and outside, especially when you consider their higher trim levels, which come packed with all the features and technologies.
Despite their unmistakable resemblance, these mid-size three-row crossovers have several major differences.
What Is the Difference Between Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride?
While both the Palisade and the Telluride have identical features, their exterior and interior styling is different. Other major differences between these two mid-size three-row crossover SUVs include their trim levels, fuel efficiency, performance, and price ranges, among many other differences.
While these two SUVs look similar, they are not by any chance identical.
These two vehicles were introduced by their respective brands in 2020.
The two were received well by drivers worldwide, thanks to their unique design and premium styling that offered prestige and the best off-road capabilities.
These family-friendly SUVs have been the vehicle of choice for many people around the world.
These two vehicles were launched at the same time.
But a deeper look at the functionality, looks, and performance of the two models will help you notice the difference.
This will also lead you to decide the one that fits your driving needs.
Trim Levels
One clear distinction between these two SUV models is the trim levels. The Hyundai Palisade comes in four trim levels, namely:
- SE
- SEL
- Limited
- Calligraphy
On the other hand, the Kia Telluride is offered in four distinct trim levels, which include:
- LX
- S
- EX
- SX
Styling (Exterior and Interior Design)
The interior styling of the Telluride and the Palisade is a close match.
Here, the buyer will choose one based on personal preferences and the colors they prefer. These two SUVs have excellent wind and road noise insulation.
The dashboard is stylish and soft and lined with attractive premium material.
The main difference here is that Telluride’s base model is upholstered in synthetic leather, while Palisade is upholstered in fabric.
The only difference here is the quality of the material used and the different colors.
Otherwise, the look and feel of these stylistic designs are the same.
Accommodation and Comfort
It is very difficult to strike a line when it comes to seating arrangements for these two SUVs. Their cabin is strikingly similar.
In addition to the eight-seat over three rows that is the standard on both the Palisade and the Telluride, they also come with a seven-seat option that slides out the second-row bench for the driver’s chair Upfront.
Despite having the same wheelbase designs with almost the same size, there are some small differences in terms of interior space.
The Kia Telluride cargo area can hold about 21 cubic feet, which increases to 46 cubic feet when the third-row seat is folded and 87 cubic feet with the 2nd row folded down.
This is ample space for a midsize SUV.
On the other hand, the Hyundai Palisade comes up short in comparison to the Telluride in terms of cargo space.
In addition to the 18 cubic feet space behind the third row, it offers 45.8 cubic feet of space with its third-row folded, and a total of 86 cubic feet when both the 2nd and 3rd row are folded down.
This is still enough space for carrying your camping gear and other stuff inside the cabin.
Technology and Features
Telluride and Hyundai both come standard with high-tech features and technology.
They both come standard with an 8” touchscreen infotainment system operated using knobs and buttons.
Each has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Radio, Bluetooth, and five USB ports.
Each has a provision for an optional 10.2” touchscreen infotainment system, with a navigation system, and wireless connectivity.
While the Palisade comes standard with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio and two extra USB ports, the Telluride features a 10-speaker Harman Kardon with one USB port.
The Telluride, on the other hand, comes standard with push-button and a remote start system, which is optional on Hyundai Palisade.
Fuel-Efficiency
Here, the two SUVs come close again, although the Telluride outperforms the Hyundai Palisade in terms of fuel efficiency by one mpg.
When the Telluride is on front-wheel-drive, it gets 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the interstate, according to the EPA.
The Palisade scores 19 mpg in the city with FWD.
For AWD models, both get a rating of 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the interstate.
Performance, Reliability, and Handling
In terms of reliability, the Telluride and the Palisade are a perfect match.
They both score above-average reliability ratings.
In terms of the warranty offered, the two SUVs come with some of the best-known warranty coverages.
Their powertrain is covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles, while its limited warranty is good for five years or 60,000 miles.
Performances are the hallmark of both Hyundai and Kia lineup of vehicles. The two SUVs have a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
Each has an optional all-wheel drive (AWD).
They both feature a quick throttle response and easy shifts that offer smooth handling and steering for both SUVs.
Both the Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade drive like compact SUVs, with agile and responsive steering.
These SUVs are easy to maneuver with a resultant smooth and pleasant ride.
They both offer significantly good off-road capabilities, thanks to their reasonable ground clearance and adjustable driving modes for varying road conditions.
Price Ranges
The Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade have close pricing, with Kia being offered at an introductory price of $31,990 as opposed to the Hyundai’s $32,525.
Hyundai has some edge in pricing despite the base trim of the two SUVs having similar key features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Between the Palisade and the Telluride, which one is more luxurious?
Whereas the Hyundai Palisade is more luxurious with a host of prestigious and comfortable interiors, the Kia Telluride strikes as a more aggressive option.
The Palisade will appeal more to family-oriented drivers.
These two crossovers offer far more features for their price range.
The in-cabin experience of the Palisade is superior to some small extent to that of the Telluride.
Who owns Kia?
Hyundai Motor Group agreed to buy the Kia automaker in 1998 to keep it alive.
Although the two companies operate independently, Hyundai is currently Kia Motors’ parent corporation.
They both have their brand ideologies that are used to design and manufacture vehicles in a distinctive way.
Is Kia Telluride Good for Towing a Camper?
Yes, the Kia Telluride features a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
This is enough to tow small campers that usually weigh between 1,000 to 3,200 pounds and large campers that range between 4,000 to 8,000 pounds.
Is it possible to tow a boat with the Hyundai Palisade?
Yes, this mid-size SUV can tow up to 5,000 lbs.
Provided your boat doesn’t exceed the maximum towing weight, the Palisade will comfortably pull it along.
Most boats will weigh between 800 to 4,000 lbs.
Thus, the Palisade can do the pulling very well.
Is Kia Telluride a reliable SUV?
Yes, the Telluride is a comfortable and enjoyable vehicle to drive.,whether it is for your daily commute or your highway rides.
This midsize SUV comes standard with a smooth V6 engine that offers it a secure and powerful ride and performance rating.
The Kia Telluride has an above-average reliability rating and comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty to add to its allure.
Conclusion
The Hyundai Palisade and the Kia Telluride are surprisingly very similar in many ways.
But if you are considering buying one, then the Kia Telluride offers some subtle superiority over the Hyundai.
But this will vary from one driver to the other based on the specific features they require, their driving style, and lifestyle.
Despite the Hyundai having some more premium features inside the cabin and enhanced comfort, it still comes a second place when compared to the price range, fuel efficiency, and cargo space offered by the Kia Telluride.
The one mpg difference between the two may be insignificant in the real world, but it still makes a tad difference cumulatively.
Because of the closeness in features, performance, and comfort of these two SUVs, it is recommended that a buyer does a test drive to establish which one between the Hyundai Palisade and the Kia Telluride will fit his specific needs and drive quality.
A driver may love the styling of the Palisade over that of the Telluride.
The compromises that a driver will have to take here are so minor that they can be overlooked.
