Real-World Comparison: Hyundai Palisade vs. Kia Telluride
We’ve spent time behind the wheel of the award-winning Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade to discover which cousin is better. While the 2023 Kia Telluride and the 2023 Hyundai Palisade have a lot in common, each SUV has unique advantages to consider.
Updated on 06/16/2023 for freshness.
Are the 2023 Kia Telluride and 2023 Hyundai Palisade the same?
No, the 2023 Kia Telluride and 2023 Hyundai Palisade are not the same but extremely similar. Both SUVs ride on the same chassis and use the same 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Palisade may feel faster, though.
But the Palisade is a little sportier than the Telluride. It has a more aerodynamic shape with more responsive handling and better corning. The Telluride is upright, boxy, and has a bit of heft around sharp curves.
Both models can be equipped with all-wheel drive, but the Telluride has a higher ground clearance. It can clear obstacles a bit easier and provides a taller ride height. The Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models add even more off-roading goodies.
While the Palisade is considered to be a little more luxurious, both options have tons of standard features and similar pricing. The Telluride starts at $35,890, and the top-spec SX-Prestige X-Pro takes the price up to $52,985.
The 2023 Palisade starts at $35,550, and the range-topping Calligraphy trim increases costs to $49,500. The Palisade offers five trims, and the Telluride has 10 options available.
Is the Telluride or Palisade bigger?
The 2023 Kia Telluride and the 2023 Hyundai Palisade are similar in size. The Palisade is 196.7 inches long, while the Telluride is 196.9 inches long. The Palisade is 77.8 inches wide, and the Telluride is 78.3 inches wide.
But the Telluride provides up to 178.1 cubic feet of passenger space while the Palisade only has 155.3 cubes. The extra room in the Telluride is primarily found in the third row, giving it an advantage if you have taller kids.
Also, the Palisade offers more space in the front row, making it more comfortable for taller drivers. Both SUVs have the same amount of passenger room in the second row.
The Telluride has 21.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 87 cubes overall. The Palisade features 18.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 86.4 cubes total.
While the Telluride has a larger trunk area, the Palisade has a lower lift-over height, making it easier to access. It also has power-folding seats, making it a little easier to load up. But both SUVs have a power liftgate.
Is the Palisade nicer than the Telluride?
The 2023 Kia Telluride and 2023 Hyundai Palisade are outfitted with similar options. They start with simulated leather upholstery, with premium leather upgrades, heated/ventilated seats, a dual-pane sunroof, and adjustable ambient lighting.
But the Palisade has a more premium feeling. The layout and design with textured soft-touch covered surfaces and accent stitching are more attractive. Plus, the Calligraphy adds quilted-leather door inserts, a premium suede headliner, and a massaging driver’s seat.
The Palisade has a smoother ride on the pavement, but the Telluride has a quieter interior. Both options are loaded with tech like a wireless phone charging pad, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, built-in navigation, and a 360-degree surround-view camera.
However, the Palisade offers more tech with unique features like the intercom system, smart parking assist, the digital key, proximity keyless entry, heated seats in the third row, and power-folding seats.
But the Telluride X-Pro has more off-roading upgrades like a suspension lift, all-season tires, off-road suspension tuning, enhanced engine cooling, and an upgraded traction control system.
So, the sporty Palisade is a little more comfortable and convenient with nicer interior materials and more tech. It also has more premium features available.
But the rugged Telluride can be better equipped for off-roading adventures, is still quite comfortable with luxury touches, and has more space.
