2025 Kia Telluride vs. Hyundai Palisade

If you’re in the market for a three-row SUV, you may find yourself contemplating between the 2025 Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. These two midsize SUVs are among the most popular models in their segment partly because of their outstanding reliability, excellent value for money, and industry-leading warranties. They’re well-rounded vehicles that impress in nearly every department, from performance and fuel efficiency to comfort and technology. For 2025, both SUVs are expected to be largely carried over from the previous model year. Let’s see how the latest Kia Telluride stacks up against the Hyundai Palisade in this head-to-head matchup.

Exterior

The 2025 Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade are both large and boxy SUVs that exude an imposing presence on the road. However, they have distinctly different styling elements that make them easily distinguishable from each other. The Telluride looks bolder and more rugged with its upright front end, aggressive tiger-nose grille, and rectangular headlights. In contrast, the Palisade has sculpted lines and sleek curves that give it a sharp and elegant appearance. Overall, the Kia seems to be more pleasing to the eye than the Hyundai due to its clean and uncluttered styling.

Performance

Since they’re corporate cousins, the 2025 Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade share the same engine, which is a 3.8-liter V-6 rated at 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This power plant delivers swift acceleration and plenty of power for passing on the highway. In both SUVs, all models use an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts quickly and smoothly. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available as an option. Despite being mechanically similar to the Palisade, the Telluride has a higher tow rating of 5,500 pounds. In contrast, the Hyundai can only pull up to 5,000 pounds.

Although it’s a large vehicle, the Telluride is surprisingly easy to maneuver in confined spaces, thanks to its precise and well-weighted steering. This Kia SUV also rides smoothly and comfortably over uneven surfaces and feels well-planted around turns. Strong brakes contribute to a confident driving experience. Not to be outdone, the Palisade also provides excellent drivability and a composed ride.

Fuel Economy

The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade deliver about the same fuel economy ratings. If you opt for the Telluride, you’ll get 20/26 mpg (city/highway) with front-wheel drive and 18/24 mpg with all-wheel drive. The Palisade, on the other hand, returns 19/26 mpg with front-wheel drive and 19/24 mpg with all-wheel drive.

Interior

Regardless of whether you choose the 2025 Kia Telluride or Hyundai Palisade, you’ll be treated to an upscale interior that approaches luxury territory. The two SUVs feature an exceptionally well-crafted cabin with impeccable fit and finish, premium materials, and an abundance of soft-touch surfaces. They also provide a quiet ride and good outward visibility in all directions. Dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, and proximity keyless entry are standard on both models, while a digital key card and a sunroof are available as options.

The Telluride and Palisade are both three-row SUVs that can seat up to eight people. Getting the optional second-row captain’s chairs reduces the capacity to seven. The front seats of the Palisade are among the most spacious in the segment, offering a whopping 44.1 inches of legroom. In contrast, the Telluride has only 41.4 inches of front legroom, which is nonetheless enough to comfortably accommodate most adults. In both SUVs, there are 42.4 inches of second-row legroom and 31.4 inches of rear legroom.

Cargo Space

If you frequently need to carry a lot of stuff in your vehicle, the Kia Telluride may be a better option. This Kia provides 21 cubic feet of storage space with all three rows of seats upright and 46 cubic feet with the rearmost seats folded. Folding the two rear rows gives you a maximum cargo capacity of 87 cubic feet. As for the Palisade, cargo capacity ranges from 18 cubic feet behind the third row to 86.4 cubic feet behind the front row.

Infotainment Features

As with other new Kia vehicles, the 2025 Telluride offers a wide range of infotainment features designed to make your journeys more convenient and enjoyable. Every model comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, a six-speaker audio system, a Wi-Fi hot spot, five USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, satellite radio, and navigation. If you want to upgrade your in-car experience, you can get optional features such as a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a wireless device charger, an in-vehicle intercom, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

The Hyundai Palisade has basically the same standard and optional features as the Kia. However, it offers a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system instead of a 10-speaker unit as an option.

Safety Features

Few three-row midsize SUVs have a longer list of driver-assistance features than the 2025 Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. These two SUVs come standard with forward-collision alert, forward automated emergency braking, automated high-beam headlamps, pedestrian and cyclist monitoring, blind-spot detection, stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic warning, driver-attention monitoring, and rear-seat alert. However, the Kia offers the semi-autonomous Highway Driving Assist system as standard equipment, allowing you to experience what next-generation driving is like. This feature is optional on the Hyundai.

For greater peace of mind, you can go for upgrades such as front parking sensors, reverse-collision warning, a blind-spot camera, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a 360-degree camera system, and a head-up display.

Test-Drive the 2025 Kia Telluride in Rochester, Minnesota

The 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2025 Hyundai Palisade are both remarkably well-made vehicles that punch above their price points. However, the Telluride may be a better fit if you need stronger towing capabilities and more utility. If you’re interested in buying the 2025 Telluride in the Rochester area, you can get a first-hand experience of the amazing SUV at Tom Kadlec Kia. Our friendly and attentive auto experts can set you up for a test drive and help you pick a model that matches your budget and lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule a visit.