Kia Telluride vs. Hyundai Palisade: Which is the Best Family SUV?

4 minute read

By Chris Brown

The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade are both excellent choices for families looking for a spacious and comfortable SUV. The Telluride has a larger cargo capacity, while the Palisade The Telluride’s rugged design and off-road capabilities make it an attractive option for those who enjoy outdoor adventures. On the other hand, the Palisade’s premium interior features and advanced technology appeal to drivers seeking a more luxurious driving experience.

Which SUV is Right for You?

When it comes to choosing the right SUV, there are many factors to consider, including size, comfort, and value. Two popular options in the midsize SUV segment are the Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade. Both vehicles offer a lot to families, but there are some key differences between them that may make one a better choice than the other.1

The Telluride and Palisade are both three-row SUVs that can seat up to eight passengers. However, the Telluride has a slightly larger cargo capacity than the Palisade, making it better suited for families with lots of gear. The Telluride also has a more powerful engine than the Palisade, which gives it better acceleration and towing capacity.2

The Palisade, on the other hand, offers a more comfortable ride and better fuel economy than the Telluride. It also has a more upscale interior with more features, such as heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system.

Compare Comfort, Space, and Value

When comparing the comfort, space, and value of the Telluride and Palisade, there are a few key factors to consider. The Telluride has a slightly larger interior than the Palisade, with more headroom and legroom in the second and third rows. The Telluride also has a more spacious cargo area, making it better suited for families with lots of gear.

The Palisade, on the other hand, offers a more comfortable ride than the Telluride. It has a softer suspension and better sound insulation, which makes for a quieter and more relaxing ride. The Palisade also has more features than the Telluride, such as heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system.

In terms of value, the Telluride and Palisade are both very competitive. The Telluride starts at a slightly lower price than the Palisade, but the Palisade offers more features for the money. Ultimately, the best value for money will depend on the individual buyer’s needs and priorities.

Safety Features Comparison

Safety is a critical factor when choosing an SUV, especially for families. Both the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade are equipped with a wide range of safety features designed to protect you and your passengers. The Telluride comes standard with Kia’s Drive Wise safety suite, which includes forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Palisade also offers a comprehensive safety package, including Hyundai’s SmartSense system, which features similar technologies like adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, and driver attention warning.

In terms of crash test ratings, both SUVs have received top scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, the Palisade offers an additional safety feature in the form of an Ultrasonic Rear Occupant Alert, which is designed to prevent child and pet heatstroke by alerting the driver if movement is detected in the back seats after the vehicle is turned off.

Technology and Infotainment

Modern SUVs are as much about entertainment and connectivity as they are about driving performance, and both the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade excel in this area. The Telluride features an intuitive 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complete with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a built-in navigation system. It also includes a head-up display that projects important information directly onto the windshield, helping drivers keep their eyes on the road.

The Palisade, while also equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, goes a step further with its available Harman Kardon premium audio system, which provides an immersive listening experience. Additionally, the Palisade offers a unique feature called “Quiet Mode,” which allows the driver to mute the rear speakers while keeping the front speakers active, making it ideal for families with sleeping children.

Ownership Costs and Reliability

When considering long-term ownership, factors like maintenance costs, fuel efficiency, and reliability play crucial roles. The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade are both backed by excellent warranties, offering a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which provides peace of mind for owners.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Palisade has a slight edge over the Telluride, particularly with its front-wheel-drive configuration, which delivers better miles per gallon. Maintenance and repair costs for both vehicles are relatively similar, with both models earning high marks for reliability in consumer reports. However, the Telluride’s more rugged build may translate to higher maintenance costs over time, especially if frequently used for towing or off-road driving.

Learn More About Choosing the Right SUV

Both the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade offer compelling features that cater to different needs and preferences. The Telluride stands out for its rugged design, larger cargo capacity, and off-road capabilities, making it an excellent choice for adventurous families.

On the other hand, the Palisade shines with its luxurious interior, smoother ride, and advanced technology, appealing to those who prioritize comfort and convenience. Ultimately, the right choice between these two exceptional SUVs will depend on your specific lifestyle, needs, and what you value most in a family vehicle. So understand your needs, learn about the value of auto financing, and start shopping today!

Chris Brown

Contributor