Hyundai Palisade vs Kia Telluride: 2024 SUV Comparison

William Miller · 2026-01-31

If you're looking at three-row SUVs right now, you've probably got the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride on your shortlist. They're Korea's powerhouse offerings in the mid-size segment, and honestly, they're both fantastic. But they've taken different paths recently. The Palisade got a significant refresh last year, while the all-new, second-generation Telluride just hit the scene. So, how do they really stack up for someone who needs the space, capability, and features these vehicles promise? Let's break it down, feature by feature, like we're chatting in the dealership parking lot. ### Size and Passenger Space: Where Every Inch Counts First things first, these aren't small vehicles. They're built to carry people and their stuff comfortably. The Palisade and Telluride are nearly identical in overall footprint, which makes sense given their shared platform heritage. But the devil's in the details. Step inside the Palisade, and you'll notice Hyundai focused heavily on premium materials and a more luxurious, quiet cabin during its update. The Telluride, on the other hand, leans into a bold, rugged-American aesthetic that's been a huge hit. For passenger space, both offer cavernous second rows. The real test is the third row. Here, the Telluride often gets a slight nod for easier access and a bit more legroom, making it more viable for actual adults on longer trips. The Palisade counters with incredible attention to detail, like rear passenger sunshades and a conversation mirror. ### Cargo and Practicality: The Daily Grind Test Let's talk trunk space. With all seats up, you're looking at enough room for a week's groceries or a few carry-on bags. It's when you start folding seats that the true utility shines. Both offer power-folding third rows at higher trims, which is a game-changer. The Palisade provides a hair more maximum cargo volume with everything folded flat. But here's a practical tangent – the Telluride's lower load floor can make sliding heavy items in and out just that little bit easier. It's one of those things you don't think about until you're hefting a piece of furniture. For family life, both have clever storage solutions: deep door bins, massive center consoles, and plenty of cupholders. The Palisade might win on 'premium feel' in the cabin, but the Telluride feels built to handle the chaos of real life. ### Powertrains and Driving Experience Under the hood, it's a familiar story. Both SUVs use the same 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The output is nearly identical, so you won't feel a power difference on the road. The experience, however, diverges. The refreshed Palisade tuned its suspension for a noticeably smoother, more isolated ride. It's serene on the highway. The Telluride feels a tad more connected to the road, with slightly firmer steering. It gives you more confidence on twisty backroads, though neither vehicle is sporty. Where the new Telluride pulls ahead is with its available X-Pro trim, which adds all-terrain tires, a lifted suspension, and underbody skid plates for light off-roading. It's a unique option in this class. As one automotive journalist recently noted: > "The Telluride X-Pro isn't a rock crawler, but it adds a layer of adventure-ready capability that broadens its appeal beyond the suburban school run." ### Pricing and Value: The Bottom Line Pricing is competitive and closely aligned, which makes the decision even tougher. You'll find both start in the mid-$30,000 range for base models and can climb well into the $50,000s when fully loaded. The Palisade's Calligraphy trim is its luxury flagship, dripping with features like Nappa leather and a suede headliner. The Telluride's top SX-Prestige X-Line or X-Pro trims offer that rugged-luxe appeal. Your choice here often comes down to personal taste and which suite of standard features matters most at each price point. Key considerations include: - **Warranty:** Hyundai and Kia both offer excellent 5-year/60,000-mile basic and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. - **Tech:** Both have large touchscreens, wireless connectivity, and advanced driver aids. Hyundai's system is perhaps more intuitive, while Kia's looks more modern. - **Resale:** The Telluride has historically had exceptional resale value, a trend the new generation will likely continue. So, which one is right for you? If a plush, quiet, and feature-focused cabin is your priority, the Hyundai Palisade is a compelling choice. If you want a vehicle with more assertive styling, a slight edge in usable space, and an available off-road persona, the new Kia Telluride is incredibly hard to beat. You really can't go wrong – it's about which personality fits your garage better.