In the competitive world of midsize SUVs, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and the 2025 Kia Telluride stand out as top contenders. Both vehicles offer a blend of style, performance, and family-friendly features.
In this article, we'll explore their design differences, interior amenities, performance capabilities, and pricing to help you determine which SUV aligns best with your needs.
Exterior Design: Distinctive Aesthetics
The exterior design of these SUVs reflects their unique brand identities. The Palisade presents a sleek and modern look, featuring a refined front grille, sculpted lines, and elegant touches that contribute to its upscale appearance.
In contrast, the Telluride adopts a more rugged and adventurous aesthetic, with bold lines and a commanding presence that appeals to those seeking a robust SUV design.
Interior Features: Comfort and Technology
Both SUVs prioritize passenger comfort and technological convenience. The Hyundai Palisade is a spacious SUV that can accommodate up to eight passengers. For those seeking a more premium experience, there's an option to switch the second-row bench for captain's chairs, reducing the capacity to seven but enhancing comfort. Its infotainment system comes standard with a large 12.3-inch touchscreen that includes built-in navigation, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Inside, the Palisade emphasizes luxury with features such as available quilted Nappa leather upholstery, a suede headliner, and ambient interior lighting, all of which contribute to an upscale atmosphere.
Similarly, the Kia Telluride offers seating for up to eight passengers and is praised for its generous legroom in all three rows. It comes equipped with a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a larger 12.3-inch screen is available as an upgrade. While the Telluride also boasts high-quality materials and optional premium features—such as a Harman Kardon audio system—its luxury offerings are generally considered slightly less refined compared to those of the Palisade.
Performance: Powertrain and Towing
Both SUVs share similarities under the hood. Both the Palisade and Telluride are powered by a 3.8L V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Both utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth gear transitions.
Additionally, both models offer Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) configurations. The Telluride also has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs with the tow package, slightly surpassing the Palisade's 5,000 lbs.
Dimensions and Cargo Space
When it comes to size and storage capacity, both the Hyundai Palisade and the Kia Telluride are closely matched, offering ample space for passengers and cargo. In terms of length, the Telluride measures slightly longer at 196.9 inches compared to the Palisade's 196.7 inches. The Telluride is also a bit wider, coming in at 78.3 inches, while the Palisade is 77.8 inches wide.
The difference in cargo capacity is minimal but notable. With the rear seats folded down, the Palisade offers up to 86.4 cubic feet of storage space. The Telluride edges it out slightly with a maximum cargo capacity of 87 cubic feet, making it marginally better suited for those who prioritize cargo room.
Safety Features: Comprehensive Protection
Both the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride come well-equipped with a comprehensive array of advanced safety technologies, emphasizing driver and passenger protection. Standard features on both models include Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning paired with Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go functionality—all designed to support safer driving in a variety of conditions.
In addition to these standard systems, both SUVs also offer a range of optional advanced safety enhancements. These include a surround-view camera system that provides a 360-degree view around the vehicle, a head-up display that projects key information onto the windshield, and even a night vision camera for improved visibility in low-light environments. Together, these features contribute to a highly secure and confidence-inspiring driving experience.
Pricing: Value Considerations
Both the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride offer competitive starting prices. The Hyundai Palisade begins at a starting MSRP of $38,675, while the Kia Telluride is priced slightly lower, with a starting MSRP of $37,805. This price difference may influence potential buyers, depending on their budget and the value they place on the features offered by each model.
Making Your Choice
The Hyundai Palisade is an excellent choice for buyers who prioritize a more luxurious interior, highlighted by elegant design elements and slightly more refined exterior styling. It caters to those seeking comfort and sophistication in their daily drive.
On the other hand, the Kia Telluride is well-suited for individuals who favor a bolder, more rugged exterior design and value practicality. It offers strong towing capabilities and comes with a slightly more affordable starting price, making it a great option for those looking for a balance between performance and cost-effectiveness.