Kia Telluride vs. Hyundai Palisade

A Side-by-Side Look at Two Heavy Hitters

If you’re shopping for a three-row midsize SUV, the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade are probably at the top of your list. Both come from the same South Korean parent company, seat up to eight passengers, and now offer a hybrid powertrain. But there are real differences between them that could steer your decision one way or the other. At Ray Skillman Southside Kia, we put together this Kia Telluride vs. Hyundai Palisade comparison to help you figure out which one fits your life best.

• The Telluride produces more torque and better hybrid fuel economy than the Palisade.
• Both SUVs seat up to eight and offer hybrid powertrains, but their standard engines are very different.
• Kia’s warranty coverage gives Telluride buyers extra long-term confidence.

These two SUVs share a platform, but each has its own personality. The Telluride leans into a bolder, more rugged look, while the Palisade takes a softer, more premium approach. Let’s break down the details.

Power and Performance

The Kia Telluride runs a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 274 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, with up to 5,000 lbs of towing capacity. That’s a lot of pull for weekend camping trips or towing a small boat to one of Indiana’s lakes. The Hyundai Palisade uses a 3.5L V6 engine rated at 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. So while the Palisade has a slight edge in horsepower, the Telluride beats it by a wide margin in torque, which is what you actually feel when you’re merging onto the highway or pulling a trailer.

Both SUVs also offer a hybrid option. The Telluride’s turbo-hybrid engine produces 329 hp, 339 lb-ft of torque, and up to 4,500 lbs of towing capacity. The Palisade Hybrid matches that 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, but its towing drops to 4,000 lbs. If you plan on towing with a hybrid powertrain, the Telluride gives you 500 extra pounds of capacity to work with.

Fuel Economy and Range

This is where the Telluride really separates itself. The Telluride Turbo-Hybrid earns an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined on the EX FWD trim. The Palisade Hybrid is estimated at around 29 MPG combined. That’s a 6 MPG gap, and over a year of driving, that adds up to real savings at the pump. The Telluride Hybrid also offers up to 637 miles of total range on a single tank.

Kia Telluride vs. Hyundai Palisade Feature Comparison

Interior and Technology

Both SUVs seat up to eight people with a second-row bench, or seven with captain’s chairs. The Telluride comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and tri-zone climate control across the entire lineup. The Palisade also offers a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration and USB-C ports in all three rows. Both offer available heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, plus available heated third-row outboard seats.

The Telluride carries 86.9 cu. ft. of total cargo space, with 22.3 cu. ft. behind the third row. The Palisade is right there with about 19.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86.7 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The Telluride edges the Palisade here with a bit more room behind the third row, which makes a difference when you’re loading up strollers, sports bags, or groceries.

Off-Road Capability

The Telluride’s X-Pro trim turns it into a capable off-road SUV with an upgraded suspension, all-terrain tires, and 9.1 inches of ground clearance. X-Pro models also get an electronic limited-slip differential that sends power from front to rear and left to right. The Palisade’s XRT PRO is Hyundai’s newest off-road-ready trim, built with U.S. buyers in mind and loaded with beefed-up off-road hardware. The Palisade adds terrain modes for Mud, Sand, and Snow settings. Both are solid picks if you want to leave the pavement behind once in a while.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade built on the same platform?

Yes. Both SUVs share the same underlying platform since they come from the same parent company, Hyundai Motor Group. Even so, each one has its own styling, tuning, and feature set. The Telluride tends to feel sportier and more rugged, while the Palisade leans toward a softer, more refined ride.

Which SUV gets better gas mileage?

The Kia Telluride Hybrid earns an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined on the EX FWD trim, giving it a big lead over the Palisade Hybrid’s estimated 29 MPG combined. If saving money on fuel is a priority, the Telluride Hybrid is the clear winner.

Which one has the better warranty?

Kia backs the Telluride with an industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile limited warranty. Hyundai offers the same coverage with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Both include similar coverage for hybrid battery systems. On paper, the warranties are a match, giving you long-term confidence with either choice.

Can I see the Kia Telluride in person?

Absolutely. At Ray Skillman Southside Kia, we carry the full Telluride lineup, and our team is happy to walk you through every trim and answer your questions. Browse our inventory online or stop by for a test drive.

See the Telluride for Yourself at Ray Skillman Southside Kia

The numbers speak for themselves. The Kia Telluride brings more torque, better hybrid fuel economy, and added hybrid towing capacity compared to the Palisade. And both offer the same strong warranty coverage, giving you confidence for years down the road. At Ray Skillman Southside Kia, we treat every customer with the respect and attention they deserve. Our finance team will work with your budget to find a plan that feels right, and our certified service department will keep your Telluride running strong long after you drive off the lot. Fill out our online finance application to get a head start.

Ready to see how the Kia Telluride fits your Indianapolis lifestyle? Browse our new Kia inventory online or stop by and take one for a spin. We’d love to help you find your next family SUV.