Hyundai Palisade vs. Kia Telluride: Which SUV Wins for Texas Families?

Choosing between the Hyundai Palisade and the Kia Telluride is the kind of problem that sounds fun until you're three hours deep into comparison videos at midnight. Both are excellent 3-row SUVs, and everyone you ask has a strong opinion. 

The Palisade and Telluride are two of the most popular three-row SUVs on the market, and they get compared constantly.

Both come from the same parent company, but the Palisade brings a lot to the table that puts it a step ahead. Here's a closer look at how they stack up.

The Basics: What You're Working With

The Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride share a platform, but they're far from identical. The Palisade leans into a more refined, upscale feel while the Telluride plays up its rugged, boxy styling.

Hyundai Palisade

  • 3-row SUV seating up to 8 passengers

  • Available in FWD and AWD

  • EPA-estimated 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway (FWD)

  • 3.8L V6 with an eight-speed automatic transmission

  • Towing capacity up to 5,000 lbs

  • Wheelbase: 114.2 inches

Kia Telluride

  • 3-row SUV seating up to 8 passengers

  • Available in FWD and AWD

  • EPA-estimated 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway (FWD)

  • 3.8L V6 with an eight-speed automatic transmission

  • Towing capacity up to 5,000 lbs

  • Wheelbase: 114.2 inches

On paper, the specs look nearly identical. The real differences show up in styling, features, interior quality, and trim levels.

Styling: Refined vs Rugged

This is where personal taste comes in, but the Palisade has been turning heads with its bold, upscale exterior updates. It looks more like a luxury SUV than a family hauler.

The Kia Telluride has a chunkier, more utilitarian look. It appeals to buyers who want that outdoorsy, ready-for-anything vibe. The new Telluride keeps that same boxy shape it's been known for.

The Palisade offers the XRT Pro trim for buyers who want off-road styling without sacrificing refinement. It's the best of both worlds.

Trim Levels: More Ways to Customize

The Hyundai Palisade lineup gives you plenty of options depending on your budget and needs.

Palisade SE FWD

  • Entry-level trim with a competitive MSRP

  • Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and blind-spot monitoring

  • Front-wheel drive with the proven 3.8L V6 powertrain

  • A strong value for families who need space without the premium price tag

Palisade SEL and SEL Premium

  • Steps up with a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and more driver assistance tech

  • SEL Premium adds ventilated front seats, a head-up display, and a premium audio system

  • Great middle-ground trim for buyers who want more without going all the way to the top

Palisade XRT and XRT Pro

  • Built for drivers who want rugged off-road styling and AWD capability

  • Gloss black exterior accents, all-terrain tires, and increased ground clearance

  • XRT Pro adds even more off-road-ready features for serious adventurers

  • A great alternative for buyers who like the Telluride's X-Pro look but prefer Hyundai's refinement

Palisade Limited FWD

  • Near-luxury features at a midsize SUV price

  • Nappa leather seating, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, and a premium Bose audio system

  • Loaded with driver assistance technology and comfort features

Palisade Calligraphy

  • The top-of-the-line trim with genuine luxury finishes

  • Quilted Nappa leather, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, head-up display, and a 12-speaker Bose system

  • Available in FWD and AWD with the Calligraphy Night Edition for a blacked-out look

  • The Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy competes directly with luxury brands at a fraction of the price

The Kia Telluride offers its own trim lineup including LX, S, EX, X-Pro, X-Line, SX, and SX Prestige. The X-Pro is popular for off-road capability, while the SX Prestige tops out the range. 

However, the Palisade Calligraphy delivers a more upscale interior feel than anything the Telluride lineup offers at a similar price difference.

Interior Space and Functionality

Both are true 3-row SUVs with real usable space. Here's how they compare inside.

Second-row seats:

  • Palisade offers available second-row captain's chairs with a sliding and reclining function

  • Telluride also offers captain's chairs but with less recline range

  • Legroom in both is competitive, but the Palisade's second-row feels more premium

Third row:

  • Both offer a usable third row for adults on shorter trips

  • The Palisade has a slight edge in third-row legroom at 31.9 inches vs the Telluride's 31.4 inches

Cargo space:

  • Palisade: 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 45.8 cubic feet with it folded

  • Telluride: 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.8 cubic feet with it folded

  • The Telluride has a small edge in cargo capacity, but the Palisade's overall interior functionality and storage layout is more thoughtfully designed

Technology and Infotainment

The Palisade pulls ahead here. Higher trims come with a large 12.3-inch touchscreen that feels modern and responsive. The Telluride's infotainment has improved but still trails the Palisade in overall polish.

Both SUVs come standard with:

  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

  • Blind-spot monitoring

  • Rear cross-traffic alert

  • Driver attention warning

The Palisade adds available features like:

The SEL Premium and above trims bring a noticeably more upscale tech experience compared to similarly priced Telluride trims.

Fuel Economy and Drivetrain

Both SUVs use the same 3.8L V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, so fuel economy is nearly identical across the board.

  • FWD models: around 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway

  • AWD models: around 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway

Neither is going to win any fuel economy awards, but for a 3-row SUV with real towing capacity, these numbers are right in line with the class. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is your best bet if mpg is the top priority in this segment.

Warranty and Value

This is where Hyundai really separates itself. The Palisade comes backed by one of the best warranties in the automotive industry.

  • 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty

  • 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty

  • 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance

The Kia Telluride matches most of that coverage, but Hyundai's complimentary maintenance plan adds real value that puts money back in your pocket after the sale. For buyers comparing MSRP and total ownership cost, the Palisade is the smarter long-term investment.

Is the Palisade Better Than the Telluride?

For most buyers, yes. The Palisade offers a more refined interior, better technology on comparable trims, a stronger warranty package, and more trim options to fit different lifestyles. The Telluride is a great SUV, but the Palisade delivers more value where it counts.

If you want off-road capability, the Palisade XRT Pro goes toe-to-toe with the Telluride X-Pro. If you want near-luxury comfort, the Palisade Calligraphy beats the Telluride SX Prestige on interior quality. At almost every level, the Palisade gives you more for your money.

FAQ

Is the Hyundai Palisade bigger than the Kia Telluride?

They are nearly identical in size. Both share the same wheelbase and similar overall dimensions. The Telluride has a slight edge in cargo space behind the third row, but the Palisade offers more third-row legroom.

Which has better fuel economy, the Palisade or the Telluride?

They are nearly identical. Both use the same 3.8L V6 and eight-speed automatic transmission. EPA estimates are within 1 mpg of each other across FWD and AWD drivetrains.

Does the Hyundai Palisade have Apple CarPlay?

Yes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on every Palisade trim, including the base SE.

What is the towing capacity of the Hyundai Palisade?

The Palisade can tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, matching the Kia Telluride's towing capacity.

Is the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy worth it?

If you want a near-luxury experience without the luxury brand price tag, yes. The Calligraphy trim includes quilted Nappa leather, a premium Bose audio system, a head-up display, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. It competes well above its price point.

Where can I test drive a Hyundai Palisade near Tomball, TX?

Right here at Tomball Hyundai. Browse our current Palisade inventory online or come see it in person.

Come See the Palisade for Yourself

Life's too short to drive a boring SUV. Stop by Tomball Hyundai and check out the full Palisade lineup in person. 

You can schedule a test drive online in just a few minutes, or browse new inventory to find the trim and drivetrain that fits your life best. Our team at Tomball Hyundai is ready to help you find the right fit!