Hyundai Palisade vs Kia Telluride: A Comprehensive SUV Showdown

The automotive landscape is shifting with the arrival of the redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade, which features updated styling, new engines, and enhanced technology. As this new model prepares to hit the market, consumers must consider whether to opt for the fresh Palisade or the well-established 2025 Kia Telluride. Both vehicles have been popular choices in the three-row SUV segment, and a recent comparison by Edmunds sheds light on their strengths and weaknesses.

Price and Features Comparison

Pricing plays a significant role in the decision-making process. The 2026 Palisade starts at $41,035, which includes the destination fee. In contrast, the 2025 Telluride has a lower starting price of $37,885. Both models come equipped with standard features such as eight-passenger seating, LED headlights, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

While the Telluride offers synthetic leather upholstery as a standard feature, enhancing its premium feel, the Palisade justifies its higher price with additional conveniences. These include wireless smartphone connectivity, front and rear parking sensors, and automatic braking capabilities while reversing. At the high end, the Telluride SX-Prestige is priced at $52,885, while the top-tier Palisade Calligraphy costs $56,160. Buyers pay a premium for the Palisade, which includes unique features like a massaging driver’s seat and integrated dashcams for recording video.

Engine Performance and Fuel Efficiency

Under the hood, the 2026 Palisade introduces two new engines. The standard 287-horsepower V6 yields an estimated 21 mpg in combined city and highway driving. Additionally, a turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 258 horsepower joins the lineup, although fuel economy estimates for this variant are currently unavailable.

In comparison, the 2025 Telluride features a 291-horsepower V6 that achieves up to 22 mpg combined. In testing conducted by Edmunds, the Telluride reached 60 mph in just 7.5 seconds, showcasing its competitive acceleration. The Palisade, burdened by an additional 400 pounds, took about 8.8 seconds to achieve the same speed, making it one of the slower options in the three-row SUV category.

Interior Comfort and Cargo Space

Comfort levels in both SUVs are commendable. The Palisade is noted for its quiet cabin and smooth ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections. It offers considerable headroom and legroom across all three rows. The Telluride matches these comfort levels but the Palisade’s enhancements give it a slight edge.

When it comes to cargo capacity, the Palisade can hold 19.1 cubic feet behind its third row and 46.3 cubic feet with the third row folded down. Folding both the second and third rows creates an impressive 86.7 cubic feet of total cargo space. The Telluride boasts slightly more cargo space on paper, yet the difference is not significant enough to impact everyday usability.

In summary, the new second-generation Palisade refines an already strong contender in the three-row SUV market. While its recent updates give it an advantage, the Kia Telluride is expected to receive a redesign that may level the playing field. For now, prospective buyers face a compelling choice between the refreshed Palisade and the dependable Telluride.

This analysis was provided by Edmunds and contributed to by Dan Frio of The Associated Press.