Sibling rivalries don’t often extend to the automotive world, but that’s most definitely the case when comparing the Kia Telluride to the Hyundai Palisade. These 3-row midsize SUVs ride on the same platform, share the same V6 engine, and feature nearly identical amounts of headroom, legroom, and cargo space.
So how can one rise above the other when it comes to deciding which is the better SUV? Let’s not forget that the Telluride and Palisade also happen to compete with worthy adversaries such as the Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Volkswagen Atlas, and Toyota Highlander, to name only a few.
Let’s dive deeper into some of the highlights of the Telluride and Palisade.
2025 Kia Telluride
Starting at $37,585, with the $1,395 destination fee, the Telluride is available in a total of 10 distinct trims. Sitting at the very top is the SX Prestige X-Pro, which comes with features — including all-wheel drive (AWD) — and costs $54,780.
No matter which Telluride you choose, there’s a 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 under the hood, coupled with an 8-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on most trims, and new for 2025 are second-row side airbags, Highway Driving Assist 1.5, which encompasses adaptive cruise control and lane centering. Meanwhile all-wheel costs approximately $2,000 extra across the range. Its latest accolade is our 3-Row Midsize SUV Best Buy Award winner of 2024.
Kia Telluride Highlights
Rugged exterior design: Strong sales prove we’re not the only ones who think the Telluride cuts one very handsome path through traffic. This broad-shouldered SUV stands out in a crowd and arguably looks more ruggedly handsome than its Hyundai sibling.
X-Pro trims: The off-road-themed X-Pro trim can tow 500 pounds more than the 2024 version. This adds features like a rugged appearance package, 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires, and added ride height. The X-Pro variants also uncork the Telluride’s maximum towing capacity of 5,500 pounds.
Outstanding warranty: We can’t talk about the Telluride, or the Palisade for that matter, and not mention their class-leading warranties. This includes a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty plus a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Two years of roadside assistance is also included. Granted, this doesn’t give either SUV an advantage directly over one another. Yet this coverage far exceeds what other rival 3-row SUVs offer.
Read our Kia Telluride Expert Review or see 2025 Kia Telluride models for sale near you.
2025 Hyundai Palisade
2024 model shown
Starting at $38,215, with the $1,335 destination fee, the 2024 Palisade has an entry price slightly above the Telluride. Available in six trims, the biggest news this model year is the addition of the range-topping Calligraphy Night Edition. At $55,515, this builds upon the already posh Calligraphy trim and adds black exterior trim pieces, black alloy wheels, and standard all-wheel drive.
Like the Telluride, the Palisade is motivated by a 291-hp V6, an 8-speed automatic, and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Upper trims, including the Calligraphy models, trend more towards the luxury side of the SUV spectrum versus the more off-road-oriented upper trims available with the Telluride. For 2025, Hyundai bundled the Premium trim level with the SEL to create the new SEL Premium. All trim levels above the XRT, get front parking sensors, self-dimming side mirrors, and a 360-degree camera system.
Hyundai Palisade Highlights
Class-leading resale value: In 2022, the Kia Telluride earned the KBB Best Resale Value award among 3-row midsize SUVs. The Hyundai Palisade took that spot in 2023 and again in 2024.
Luxurious interior: The Palisade’s cabin is roomy no matter where you’re seated. Yet the same can be said about the Telluride. The Palisade holds a narrow advantage in the quality of the cabin trim itself. It feels slightly more upscale and refined than what you get in the Telluride.
Limited and Calligraphy trims: Continuing on this theme of refinement and luxury, the Palisade’s Limited and Calligraphy trims could easily wear a premium badge on their front grille. That’s because inside, you’re treated to niceties like a dual-panel sunroof, ambient interior lighting, and a heated and power-folding third row. The Calligraphy goes one step further thanks to its Nappa leather upholstery and Ergo-Motion driver’s seat with adjustable internal air pockets to help reduce driver fatigue.
Read our Hyundai Palisade Expert Review or see 2025 Hyundai Palisade models for sale near you.
Similarities
Two SUVs couldn’t be more neck and neck than the Telluride and Palisade. Inside and out, their dimensions are almost identical when discussing headroom, legroom, or cargo capacity. They have the same V6 engine and slick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, too. Each is loaded with tech and safety features, and they excel in long-term resale value.
New 2025 Kia Telluride Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$37,805 |
$36,126 |
|||
$40,805 |
$39,123 |
|||
$43,505 |
$42,012 |
|||
$47,605 |
$45,805 |
|||
$47,900 |
$46,252 |
|||
$48,800 |
$46,442 |
|||
$51,300 |
$49,263 |
|||
$52,805 |
$50,666 |
|||
$54,200 |
$51,994 |
|||
$55,100 |
$52,945 |
New 2025 Hyundai Palisade Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$38,675 |
$37,228 |
|||
$41,425 |
$39,449 |
|||
$44,525 |
$42,387 |
|||
$46,025 |
$43,838 |
|||
$50,075 |
$47,656 |
|||
$52,475 |
$50,176 |
|||
$55,975 |
$53,506 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Kia Telluride vehicles and New 2025 Hyundai Palisade vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Kia Telluride | 2025 Hyundai Palisade | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.8-liter V6 | 3.8-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 20 city/26 highway/22 combined | 19 city/26 highway/22 combined |
| Also Available | AWD | AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 114.2 inches | 114.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 196.9 inches | 196.7 inches |
| Width | 78.3 inches | 77.8 inches |
| Height | 68.9 inches | 68.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.8 feet | 38.7 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.9 inches | 40.7 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 40.2 inches | 40.1 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 38.1 inches | 37.8 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.4 inches | 44.1 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 42.4 inches | 42.4 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 31.4 inches | 31.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 61.6 inches | 61.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 61.2 inches | 60.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 55.3 inches | 55.2 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 21.0 cubic feet | 18.0 cubic feet |
Conclusion
Anyone up for a game of rock, paper, scissors? In all seriousness, the Telluride and Palisade are both excellent 3-row midsize SUVs. The deciding factor could easily come down to which of the two a car shopper finds the most attractive or which has a more tempting offer at the dealership level.
The Telluride takes a slightly more rugged approach, especially with its beefy X-Pro models. At 5,500 versus 5,000 pounds, it also has a 500-pound towing advantage over the Palisade.
However, the Hyundai Palisade counters with more elegant top-of-the-line models that hold their own against not only mainstream rivals but also SUVs from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Cadillac, and Audi.
In this instance, you can’t go wrong with either of these overachieving SUVs.
