How the Kia Telluride Hybrid Stacks Up Against the Palisade Hybrid

Same Engine, Two Very Different Badges

Shopping for a three-row hybrid that can haul the whole crew and skip a few gas stops on the way to Brown County? Two of the strongest picks come from the same corporate family, which makes choosing between them trickier than you’d expect.

• Both SUVs run the same 2.5-liter turbo-hybrid setup rated at 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque.
• The Telluride Hybrid EX front-drive earns an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined and up to 637 miles of range, edging the Palisade.
• The Palisade Hybrid opens at a lower starting price, while the Telluride counters with more standard gear and a longer tow rating.

Kia and Hyundai sit under the same corporate roof, so these two share a lot of hardware. They ride on the same platform and run an identical hybrid powertrain. That makes a head-to-head of the Kia Telluride Hybrid vs. Hyundai Palisade Hybrid a close call that turns on how each brand tunes the details. Kia’s Telluride shows up fresh as an all-new 2027 model with its first hybrid option, while the Palisade joins the lineup for 2026.

Kia Telluride Hybrid vs. Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Under the Hood

Pop the hood on either SUV, and you’ll find the same 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder working alongside two electric motors. Combined output lands at 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, routed through a 6-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive comes standard, and all-wheel drive is available on both. Neither one needs a plug. Its battery recharges on its own through regenerative braking and the gas engine, so you fuel up and go.

Fuel Economy and Range on Indiana Roads

This is where the Telluride pulls a slight lead. The Telluride Hybrid EX front-drive earns an EPA-estimated 34 mpg city, 36 highway, and 35 combined, good for up to 637 miles between fill-ups. Hyundai’s Palisade Hybrid in its thriftiest Blue trim posts 33 city, 35 highway, and 34 combined with a 619-mile range. Add all-wheel drive and the Kia rates 30/32/31 while the Hyundai sits at 29/30/29. That gap is small, but over a year of I-65 runs to Louisville and daily loops around I-465, those extra miles per tank pile up into fewer stops at the pump.

Space, Seating, and Towing

Both SUVs seat seven with second-row captain’s chairs, and the Palisade adds an eight-passenger bench on the SEL. Kia’s SUV gives you a touch more room to work with. Behind the third row, it opens up 21.3 cubic feet, stretching to 47.7 behind the second row and 88.3 with everything folded flat. Hyundai’s version counters with 19.1, 46.3, and 86.7 cubic feet across the same spots. If you tow, the Kia holds an edge here too, rated up to 4,500 pounds when properly equipped against the Hyundai’s 4,000 pounds. Each comes ready with a tow hitch, so a small camper or a loaded utility trailer stays within reach for weekend runs to Lake Monroe.

Features and Price

Hyundai opens the bidding lower, starting around $44,160 for the SEL trim. Kia skips the base trims on the hybrid and launches with the EX near $46,490, which means you step in with more standard gear. Inside, both cabins come loaded with dual 12.3-inch screens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, and three rows of USB-C ports. Warranty coverage mirrors closely on both sides, with a 5-year, 60,000-mile basic term, a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain plan, and matching 10-year, 100,000-mile hybrid battery protection. That long battery warranty takes a lot of worry out of going hybrid.

MSRP excludes destination charges, taxes, title, and dealer fees. Fuel economy figures are EPA estimates and will vary with driving conditions. The Telluride Hybrid is a 2027 model, and the Palisade Hybrid is a 2026 model.

Where Each Hybrid Earns Its Spot in the Garage

If your priority is the lower sticker and near-luxury cabin touches at the top trims, the Palisade Hybrid makes a strong case. If you want the roomier cargo hold, the longer tow rating, a few extra miles of range, and the newest redesign, the Telluride Hybrid is hard to pass up. Since they share the same beating heart, you can’t make a wrong pick here. It comes down to badge preference, trim content, and which feels right when you pull into your driveway.

See the Telluride Hybrid at Ray Skillman Southside Kia

We keep the newest Kia hybrids on our lot right off U.S. 31, so you can slide behind the wheel of the Telluride Hybrid and feel how it handles a quick spin toward Greenwood Park Mall before you decide. Our team can walk you through the trim differences, set up an all-wheel-drive test on a rainy Indiana afternoon, and answer any hybrid ownership questions you’ve got. When service time rolls around, our certified technicians handle hybrid diagnostics and genuine Kia parts, so your SUV stays road-ready for every school run and holiday trip. Stop by and see why drivers from Southport, Franklin, and Bargersville trust us with their next three-row Kia.

Kia Telluride Hybrid Questions From Indy Shoppers

Is the Kia Telluride Hybrid a plug-in hybrid?

No. The Telluride Hybrid is a traditional hybrid, so there’s no charging cable or wall outlet needed. The battery recharges through regenerative braking and the gas engine while you drive.

How far can the Telluride Hybrid go on a full tank?

Kia estimates up to 637 miles of total range on the EX front-wheel-drive trim, which means fewer fuel stops on longer drives to Chicago or Cincinnati.

Does the Telluride Hybrid offer all-wheel drive for Indiana winters?

Yes. All-wheel drive is available across most of the lineup and comes standard on the X-Line and X-Pro trims, giving you added grip on snowy Indianapolis streets.

How much can the Kia Telluride Hybrid tow?

When properly equipped, the Telluride Hybrid tows up to 4,500 pounds, enough for a small camper or a boat headed to Geist Reservoir.

How many passengers does the Telluride Hybrid seat?

The Telluride Hybrid seats seven with second-row captain’s chairs, leaving room for the whole family plus gear for weekend trips.

Where can I test drive the Telluride Hybrid near Indianapolis?

You can test drive the Telluride Hybrid at Ray Skillman Southside Kia on U.S. 31, serving Greenwood, Southport, Franklin, and the surrounding Indianapolis area.