Redesigned Threat: Why the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Raises the Stakes Against the 2025 Kia Telluride

In the fiercely competitive arena of three-row midsize SUVs, the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride have long stood as formidable rivals, sharing a deep kinship beneath their stylish exteriors. Born from the same platform and initially sharing the same robust V6 engine, these two Korean siblings have carved out distinct niches, each vying for the hearts and garages of American families. Yet, the automotive landscape is ever-evolving, and with the recent unveiling of a redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade, the dynamics of this sibling rivalry have shifted dramatically.

Indeed, the redesign of the Palisade for its 2026 model year isn’t merely a refresh; it’s a statement. It refines an already impressive model, positioning it not just as a strong competitor, but as a serious threat to the continued dominance of the Kia Telluride, which, for now, stands pat with its 2025 iteration. Our aim here is to dissect this evolving rivalry, to understand how the latest advancements in the Palisade challenge the established strengths of the Telluride, and to help discerning buyers navigate this fascinating contest.

Prepare to dive deep into the specifications, design philosophies, and practical implications of these two exceptional SUVs. We’ll explore how Hyundai has sharpened its sword, leveraging new engines, enhanced luxury, and cutting-edge technology to make the 2026 Palisade a force to be reckoned with, creating a compelling case that every prospective SUV owner needs to consider before making their next big purchase. Let’s pull back the curtain on this high-stakes automotive showdown.

“2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT” by Oleg Yunakov is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

1. **Shared Foundations and Divergent Paths**At their core, the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride are cut from the same cloth. They ride on the same fundamental platform, a testament to the engineering synergy within the Hyundai-Kia group. This shared foundation means they start with nearly identical amounts of headroom, legroom, and cargo space, providing a strong baseline of practicality and family-friendliness from the outset. For years, this shared DNA has made the choice between them almost a matter of aesthetic preference or a few minor feature differences.

Moreover, the powertrain in the 2025 Kia Telluride — a 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission — was, until recently, essentially identical to that found in the previous generation Palisade. This commonality meant that performance metrics and the overall driving feel were remarkably similar. Consumers knew that with either vehicle, they were getting a powerful, smooth, and reliable drivetrain capable of handling daily commutes and long road trips alike.

However, while sharing a platform provides a strong starting point, it also highlights the strategic decisions each brand makes to differentiate its offering. As the Palisade evolves, particularly with its 2026 redesign, it begins to lean more definitively into a luxurious, refined persona, while the Telluride has historically embraced a more rugged, adventurer-friendly image. These strategic divergences, built upon a common engineering blueprint, are what make their rivalry so compelling and, for the Palisade, so threatening to its sibling’s established position.

The underlying mechanical similarities are indeed striking: both SUVs boast an 8-speed automatic transmission and have traditionally been motivated by a V6 engine. This ensures a level of performance and reliability that consumers have come to expect. However, the introduction of new powertrains in the 2026 Palisade signals a significant departure, hinting at a future where their mechanical identities may become less intertwined, thereby amplifying the Palisade’s distinct appeal and challenging the Telluride’s previously unassailable position in certain performance and efficiency metrics.

Car Model Information: 2024 Hyundai PALISADE Calligraphy
Name: Hyundai Palisade
Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor Company
Production: 2018–present
ModelYears: 2020–present
Class: Mid-size crossover SUV
BodyStyle: Sport utility vehicle
Related: Kia Telluride
Predecessor: Hyundai Santa Fe#Maxcruz
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout,Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout
Chassis: Unibody
Caption: Second-generation Palisade
Categories: 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in British English, All articles with bare URLs for citations, All articles with unsourced statements
Summary: The Hyundai Palisade (Korean: 현대 팰리세이드) is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Hyundai Motor Company since late 2018, replacing the Maxcruz (also known as Santa Fe XL outside of South Korea) as the flagship SUV under the Hyundai brand. The term palisade means a fence of defensive stakes or a series of coastal cliffs — the latter recalling the neighborhood of Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles or the nearly forty mile Hudson River palisade, running north from opposite Manhattan.

Get more information about: Hyundai Palisade

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Brand: Hyundai Model: Palisade
Price: $36,990 Mileage: 52,577 mi.

“2026 Hyundai Palisade Front Right Quater NYC” by Raszbeary is licensed under CC BY 4.0

2. **Evolving Price Points and Value Propositions**When evaluating any new vehicle, the entry price and the value it offers are paramount. The 2025 Kia Telluride starts at $37,585, including the $1,395 destination fee, presenting a compelling initial proposition. This price point, combined with its standard features, has made it a popular choice. Historically, the 2024 Palisade had an entry price slightly above the Telluride, starting at $38,215 with a $1,335 destination fee, suggesting a slightly different market positioning from the start.

However, the landscape shifts with the redesigned 2026 Palisade. The Edmunds experts note that this new model starts at $41,035, including the destination fee. While this is a higher starting price than the 2025 Telluride, which begins at $37,885 (as per Edmunds’ pricing for the 2025 Telluride in comparison to the 2026 Palisade), the Palisade attempts to justify this premium with a few additional standard features right out of the gate. This means that while the Telluride might win the initial price war, the Palisade aims to deliver more standard content to balance the equation.

For instance, the 2026 Palisade offers wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, front and rear parking sensors, and automatic braking while in reverse as standard features that aren’t on the standard 2025 Telluride. The Telluride, however, counters with standard synthetic leather upholstery, giving it a more premium feel even in its base form. This creates a nuanced value proposition: the Telluride offers a luxurious touch for less, while the Palisade offers more technology and safety features as standard for a higher initial outlay.

At the top end of the range, this pricing divergence becomes even more pronounced. A fully loaded 2025 Telluride SX-Prestige costs $52,885. In contrast, a 2026 Palisade Calligraphy commands $56,160. This premium for the Palisade reflects its ambition to truly differentiate itself as a more luxurious offering, providing exclusive features such as a massaging driver’s seat and integrated front and rear dashcams. These additions underscore the Palisade’s strategic move to position itself firmly in the upper echelon of the midsize SUV segment, challenging the Telluride’s perceived value advantage.

Car Model Information: 2022 Kia Telluride EX
Name: Kia Telluride
Caption: 2022 Kia Telluride EX (US)
Manufacturer: Kia
Production: February 2019 – present
ModelYears: 2020–present (North America)
Class: Mid-size crossover SUV
BodyStyle: SUV
Layout: unbulleted list
Related: Hyundai Palisade
Predecessor: Kia Mohave
Sp: us
Categories: All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Articles with short description, Cars introduced in 2019, Commons category link from Wikidata, Crossover sport utility vehicles
Summary: The Kia Telluride is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating manufactured and marketed by Kia since 2019. Positioned above the smaller Sorento, the Telluride was previewed as a concept car in 2016, with the production model debuting in early 2019 as a 2020 model. It shares components and specifications with its sister model, the Hyundai Palisade, including its engine, transmission, and wheelbase. Named after the town of Telluride, Colorado, the Telluride is the largest vehicle Kia has manufactured in the United States.

Get more information about: Kia Telluride

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Kia Model: Telluride
Price: $27,000 Mileage: 92,455 mi.

“2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro, rear NYIAS 2025” by Kevauto is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

3. **The Heart of the Matter: Engine and Performance**The engine is the soul of any vehicle, and here, the 2026 Palisade introduces significant changes that directly challenge the 2025 Telluride’s established performance. The 2025 Kia Telluride maintains its familiar 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine, a powerplant known for its robust and reliable output. This V6 allows the Telluride to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 7.5 seconds in Edmunds’ testing, positioning it about average compared to its direct rivals and providing a satisfying driving experience for most families.

However, the 2026 Palisade unveils two new engine options, marking a strategic shift. The standard powertrain is now a 287-horsepower V6, which, while numerically similar in horsepower to its predecessor and the Telluride’s V6, faces a crucial challenge. Edmunds’ testing indicates that the new Palisade, which is also heavier by approximately 400 pounds, takes 8.8 seconds to reach 60 mph. This makes the 2026 Palisade one of today’s slowest three-row SUVs in terms of acceleration, representing a notable step backward in outright sprint performance compared to its previous iteration and the current Telluride.

Yet, Hyundai’s powertrain strategy extends beyond just the standard V6. The 2026 Palisade also introduces a turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid option, generating 258 horsepower. While specific fuel economy estimates for the hybrid were not available at the time of the article’s publication, experts anticipate it will deliver significantly improved efficiency, likely in the low to mid-30s for MPG. This strategic move introduces a new dimension to the rivalry, offering consumers a choice between the Telluride’s proven V6 acceleration and the Palisade Hybrid’s potential for superior fuel frugality.

This deliberate expansion of powertrain options for the Palisade means that while the 2025 Telluride still holds an advantage in traditional V6 acceleration, the Palisade presents a more diverse offering. The introduction of the hybrid, in particular, caters to a growing segment of buyers prioritizing efficiency. This gives the Palisade a critical edge in appealing to environmentally conscious families or those simply looking to save at the pump, despite the standard V6’s slower acceleration. It’s a trade-off that Hyundai hopes will broaden the Palisade’s appeal and make it a more formidable competitor overall.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Kia Model: Telluride
Price: $27,000 Mileage: 92,455 mi.

“2026 Hyundai Palisade, front NYIAS 2025” by Kevauto is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

4. **Efficiency Equation: Fuel Economy**Fuel economy remains a critical factor for families considering a large SUV, and here, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade’s new powertrain options present a compelling, albeit nuanced, challenge to the 2025 Kia Telluride. The 2025 Telluride, powered by its 291-horsepower V6, achieves an estimated 22 mpg in combined city/highway driving. This is a respectable figure for a vehicle of its size and capability, contributing to its overall practicality and cost-effectiveness for daily use and longer journeys.

In contrast, the 2026 Palisade’s standard 287-horsepower V6 is estimated to deliver 21 mpg in combined city/highway driving. This slight reduction in efficiency compared to the Telluride’s V6 reflects the Palisade’s increased weight and other design changes. While a single MPG point might seem minor, over the lifespan of a vehicle, it can accumulate into noticeable fuel cost differences, potentially giving the Telluride a marginal edge in conventional V6 efficiency.

The game-changer for the Palisade, however, is the introduction of its turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. Although precise fuel economy estimates were not available at the time of the article’s publication, industry experts project that the Palisade Hybrid could achieve fuel economy in the low to mid-30s for MPG. This potential for significantly higher efficiency is a direct and powerful threat to the Telluride, which currently does not offer a hybrid option.

This strategic move by Hyundai allows the Palisade to appeal to a segment of buyers who prioritize fuel efficiency above all else in a large family SUV. While the Telluride maintains its respectable V6 efficiency, the Palisade Hybrid fundamentally alters the value proposition for those seeking greener motoring without sacrificing space or capability. It’s an efficiency game-changer that positions the Palisade as a more versatile option for a broader range of consumer preferences, undeniably strengthening its competitive posture against its sibling.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Kia Model: Telluride
Price: $27,000 Mileage: 92,455 mi.

“2021 Hyundai Palisade 3.8 V6 USDM” by Rutger van der Maar is licensed under CC BY 2.0

5. **Unbeatable Assurance: Warranty and Resale Value Leadership**When investing in a new SUV, long-term assurance and retained value are crucial considerations, and in these areas, both the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride excel, sharing a class-leading commitment to customer peace of mind. Both vehicles come with an outstanding warranty package that far surpasses what most other rival three-row SUVs offer. This includes a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, providing comprehensive coverage for a significant period. Furthermore, they both boast an impressive 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, ensuring that the most critical and expensive components are covered for the long haul.

Adding to this impressive coverage, both SUVs also include two years of roadside assistance, providing an extra layer of security for owners. While this shared warranty package means neither SUV gains a direct advantage over the other in terms of coverage, it collectively positions them both as exceptional choices in the market for reliability and long-term ownership costs. This level of confidence in their product quality is a significant draw for families and makes the decision between them even more challenging on these merits alone.

However, in the crucial area of resale value, the Hyundai Palisade has recently gained a significant edge, turning a shared strength into a distinct advantage. In 2022, the Kia Telluride earned the Kelley Blue Book (KBB) Best Resale Value award among three-row midsize SUVs. This was a testament to its strong market demand and desirability. But in a clear shift of leadership, the Hyundai Palisade subsequently claimed that top spot in 2023 and then again in 2024.

This back-to-back triumph in resale value indicates a growing market appreciation for the Palisade’s enduring appeal and quality. For buyers concerned about the depreciation of their investment, the Palisade’s recent performance in KBB’s Best Resale Value awards makes a compelling case. While both offer exceptional warranties, the Palisade’s demonstrated ability to retain its value better than its sibling in recent years presents a powerful argument in its favor, undeniably enhancing its threat to the Telluride’s overall market standing.

6. **Aesthetics and First Impressions: Exterior Design**Exterior design is often the first, and sometimes most powerful, factor that draws a buyer to an SUV, and here, the 2025 Kia Telluride and the redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade present two distinctly different, yet equally appealing, philosophies. The 2025 Telluride has long been lauded for its rugged exterior design, characterized by broad shoulders and a commanding presence that undeniably stands out in a crowd. It projects an image of capability and adventure, a design language that has resonated strongly with consumers and contributed to its robust sales figures.

Kia itself highlights the Telluride’s design, stating it “cuts one very handsome path through traffic” and “arguably looks more ruggedly handsome than its Hyundai sibling.” With the teaser for the second-generation Telluride, this rugged aesthetic is set to evolve even further, promising an “even more rugged, upright three-row SUV” with “sharp lines,” a “tall, blocky hood,” and “new vertical daytime running lights.” This indicates a continued commitment to its adventurous, chiseled identity, drawing inspiration from natural contrasts.

In stark contrast, the redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade has pivoted further towards a more elegant and cutting-edge aesthetic. While the 2024 model was already known for its sophisticated lines, the 2026 iteration amplifies this, looking “more like a luxury SUV than ever before.” Its styling is described as “more cutting edge with hidden daytime running lights and a large prominent grille.” This design choice aims for a sleek, modern, and upscale appearance, positioning the Palisade as a more refined option than its Kia counterpart.

This divergence in styling is a deliberate strategy to appeal to different tastes within the same market segment. While the Telluride leans into a bold, adventurous, and almost classic SUV ruggedness, the Palisade embraces a contemporary, sophisticated, and overtly luxurious visual appeal. This stylistic difference means that the Palisade isn’t just a threat through its features, but also through its ability to capture the attention of buyers who prioritize a more refined and modern exterior design, potentially drawing them away from the Telluride’s more traditional, though still handsome, ruggedness. While trendier designs might not age as well, the Palisade is currently making a strong visual statement.

Car Model Information: 2023 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Pro
Name: Kia Telluride
Caption: 2022 Kia Telluride EX (US)
Manufacturer: Kia
Production: February 2019 – present
ModelYears: 2020–present (North America)
Class: Mid-size crossover SUV
BodyStyle: SUV
Layout: unbulleted list
Related: Hyundai Palisade
Predecessor: Kia Mohave
Sp: us
Categories: All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Articles with short description, Cars introduced in 2019, Commons category link from Wikidata, Crossover sport utility vehicles
Summary: The Kia Telluride is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating manufactured and marketed by Kia since 2019. Positioned above the smaller Sorento, the Telluride was previewed as a concept car in 2016, with the production model debuting in early 2019 as a 2020 model. It shares components and specifications with its sister model, the Hyundai Palisade, including its engine, transmission, and wheelbase. Named after the town of Telluride, Colorado, the Telluride is the largest vehicle Kia has manufactured in the United States.

Get more information about: Kia Telluride

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Kia Model: Telluride
Price: $39,999 Mileage: 28,801 mi.

“Hyundai Palisade USDM” by Rutger van der Maar is licensed under CC BY 2.0

7. **Sanctuary Within: Interior Comfort and Quality**Stepping inside, the cabin environment becomes a crucial battleground for these family SUVs, and the Hyundai Palisade consistently holds a narrow, yet significant, advantage in luxury and refinement. Both the Palisade and Telluride offer roomy cabins, ensuring comfort for passengers across all three rows. The Telluride’s interior is undeniably well-appointed, with high-quality materials and thoughtful design that have contributed to its widespread appeal and award-winning status. However, the Palisade has consciously pushed the boundaries of mainstream luxury.

The Palisade’s cabin, particularly in its upper trims, has earned praise for feeling decidedly more upscale and refined than what you typically find in the Telluride. The context explicitly states, “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.” This isn’t to say the Telluride’s interior is lacking, but rather that the Palisade makes a conscious effort to elevate the perceived luxury and tactile experience.

This sense of heightened luxury in the Palisade is achieved through a meticulous selection of materials and finishes. It features elements like Nappa leather upholstery, which exudes a premium feel, and rich-feeling touch points and controls throughout the cabin. Furthermore, the Palisade’s thoughtful integration of real physical buttons for important functions ensures a balance of modern aesthetics with practical usability, making the interior as versatile as it is refined. The cabin can truly feel like it belongs in a higher class.

Beyond aesthetics, the Palisade also integrates advanced comfort features. For instance, the Calligraphy trim goes a step further with an Ergo-Motion driver’s seat that incorporates adjustable internal air pockets designed to reduce driver fatigue on long journeys. Such details underscore Hyundai’s commitment to not just looking luxurious, but genuinely enhancing the comfort and well-being of its occupants. This focus on subtle, yet impactful, luxury refinements positions the Palisade as a serious contender for those who prioritize an exquisitely appointed interior, presenting a compelling threat to the Telluride’s otherwise excellent cabin experience.

Navigating the complexities of modern three-row SUVs extends far beyond initial impressions and powertrain choices; it requires a deep dive into the nuanced feature sets, technological advancements, and practical capabilities that define long-term ownership. As the 2026 Hyundai Palisade sharpens its competitive edge, building on its recent redesign, it forces a critical re-evaluation of its standing against the steadfast 2025 Kia Telluride. We now turn our attention to these crucial aspects, dissecting how each vehicle performs in the arenas of technology, capability, practicality, and what the future holds for this compelling sibling rivalry.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Hyundai Model: Palisade
Price: $36,990 Mileage: 52,577 mi.

8. **Advanced Technology and Infotainment**In today’s automotive landscape, a vehicle’s technological prowess and its infotainment system are often as crucial as its engine performance. The 2026 Hyundai Palisade, fresh from its redesign, truly shines in this department, offering a suite of features that enhance both convenience and the overall user experience. Our expert analysis notes the Palisade’s superior infotainment system and the availability of a fully digital gauge cluster, which provide a more modern and integrated cabin feel compared to its sibling.

Hyundai takes a significant leap forward by offering wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard in the 2026 Palisade, eliminating the need for cumbersome USB cords and making smartphone integration seamless. Beyond connectivity, the Palisade elevates driver assistance and safety with standard front and rear parking sensors, along with automatic braking while in reverse, providing an invaluable layer of protection during tricky maneuvers in crowded parking lots.

Furthermore, the Palisade’s higher trims introduce truly premium technological amenities designed to pamper its occupants. The Calligraphy trim, for instance, includes a massaging driver’s seat, specifically an Ergo-Motion seat with adjustable internal air pockets designed to reduce driver fatigue on long journeys. The inclusion of integrated front and rear dashcams, allowing owners to record video and review it later, speaks to a thoughtful consideration of modern consumer needs and security.

The 2025 Kia Telluride, while not as overtly flashy in its technological offerings as the redesigned Palisade, still presents a robust and user-friendly platform. It features a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, coupled with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (albeit wired), ensuring all essential connectivity is at hand. It also includes adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning as standard, fundamental safety and convenience features that contribute to its widespread appeal.

For 2025, the Telluride enhances its suite of driver-assist systems with the addition of Highway Driving Assist 1.5, which encompasses advanced adaptive cruise control and lane centering capabilities. This system provides a more relaxed and secure driving experience on major thoroughfares. While the Telluride might not boast the same luxurious tech embellishments as the top-tier Palisade, its comprehensive standard technology package ensures a highly capable and connected family SUV.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Hyundai Model: Palisade
Price: $36,990 Mileage: 52,577 mi.

9. **Off-Road Capability and X-Pro Trims**While both the Palisade and Telluride are family-focused SUVs, their approaches to venturing beyond paved roads diverge significantly, with the Kia Telluride firmly embracing a more rugged, adventure-ready persona. The 2025 Telluride has long been lauded for its broad-shouldered, commanding presence, a design language that resonates with those seeking a capable and adventurous companion. This aesthetic is profoundly enhanced by its specialized X-Pro trims.

The X-Pro variants are where the Telluride truly asserts its off-road ambition. These trims add a rugged appearance package, signaling their readiness for more challenging terrains. More functionally, they come equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, providing enhanced grip and durability when navigating unpaved paths. An added ride height further contributes to its improved ground clearance, aiding in traversing obstacles that a standard SUV might struggle with.

Crucially, the X-Pro trims are also instrumental in unlocking the Telluride’s maximum towing capacity, which stands at an impressive 5,500 pounds, a detail we will delve into further. This combination of visual ruggedness and genuine capability positions the Telluride as the clear choice for families who occasionally venture off the beaten path or frequently tow larger loads, offering a level of versatility not found in its sibling’s current lineup.

In contrast, the redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade, while capable, leans decidedly into a more luxurious and refined urban-centric aesthetic. Its upper trims are designed to exude an elegant, sophisticated feel, positioning it against premium brands rather than emphasizing rugged off-road prowess. This strategic divergence means that while the Palisade offers a comfortable and stylish ride, it does not directly compete with the Telluride’s specialized X-Pro offerings for true off-road enthusiasts.

The teased second-generation Telluride further reinforces this commitment to ruggedness, with Kia confirming an “even more rugged, upright three-row SUV” featuring “sharp lines” and a “tall, blocky hood.” This suggests that Kia is doubling down on the adventurous spirit that has made the Telluride so popular, ensuring that its distinct character will continue to appeal to a specific segment of SUV buyers looking for both family utility and genuine outdoor capability.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Kia Model: Telluride
Price: $39,999 Mileage: 28,801 mi.

10. **Practicality and Cargo Space**Beneath their distinct exteriors, the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride share a fundamental commitment to family practicality, a testament to their common platform. Both SUVs offer spacious cabins, a critical factor for families, with dimensions for headroom, legroom, and cargo capacity remaining “nearly identical.” This ensures that regardless of choice, buyers are investing in a vehicle designed to comfortably accommodate passengers across all three rows and handle a substantial amount of luggage.

Delving into the specifics, the 2026 Palisade provides ample cargo volume: 19.1 cubic feet behind its third row, expanding to 46.3 cubic feet when the third row is folded down. For those times when maximum utility is required, folding down both the second and third rows unlocks a cavernous 86.7 cubic feet of space. While the 2025 Telluride’s spec sheet might show “slightly more space,” Edmunds’ experts clarify that this difference is “not enough to make a meaningful difference in real-world use,” confirming their near parity in this crucial aspect.

Both models come standard with eight-passenger seating, emphasizing their role as versatile family transporters. The context also subtly hints at the Palisade’s interior advantages by noting that it “fares better with a much more usable third row that could even work for adults” in a comparison with the Toyota Highlander. This suggests that the Palisade, despite similar overall dimensions, might offer a marginal edge in actual third-row comfort for larger occupants, an important consideration for growing families.

The upcoming second-generation Telluride is expected to maintain its strong practicality, with reports suggesting it will continue to seat up to eight people. However, more luxurious trims are likely to offer second-row captain’s chairs in place of a bench, providing increased comfort for second-row passengers at the expense of one seating position. This thoughtful evolution ensures that both SUVs remain highly adaptable to diverse family needs, from daily commutes to epic road trips, firmly establishing their practicality credentials.

11. **Driving Dynamics and Ride Comfort**For a family SUV, the driving experience extends beyond raw power; it encompasses how the vehicle handles the road, absorbs imperfections, and isolates its occupants from the rigors of travel. In this crucial aspect of driving dynamics and ride comfort, both the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and the 2025 Kia Telluride deliver commendable performance, though the redesigned Palisade introduces a subtle yet significant refinement that elevates its overall composure.

The 2026 Palisade has been meticulously engineered to provide a supremely quiet and comfortable ride. Our expert assessment highlights its ability to “easily glid[e] over rough road surfaces without disturbing the cabin,” creating a serene environment for all occupants. This composure is further enhanced by its upgraded seating and suspension tuning, which contribute to a ride quality that feels distinctly more premium and isolates passengers from road harshness more effectively.

Edmunds’ experts affirm that the new Palisade’s “seats and composure are just a bit better,” a testament to Hyundai’s focus on refining the occupant experience. This is not to imply any deficiency in the Telluride; rather, it underscores the Palisade’s successful execution of its luxury-oriented mandate. This nuanced improvement in ride quality contributes significantly to the Palisade’s ambition to position itself as a more upscale offering within the midsize SUV segment.

The 2025 Kia Telluride, for its part, is also celebrated for its accommodating ride, described as “equally cushy and forgiving of bad roads.” It competently manages various road conditions, providing a smooth and comfortable journey that has contributed to its widespread acclaim. Its well-tuned suspension and insulated cabin ensure that families enjoy a pleasant and stable ride, making long journeys less fatiguing for everyone aboard.

Ultimately, while both SUVs excel in delivering a comfortable and composed ride suitable for family duties, the 2026 Palisade manages to carve out a narrow advantage through its heightened refinement and superior cabin isolation. This slight edge in driving dynamics, coupled with its luxurious interior appointments, makes the Palisade a particularly compelling choice for those who prioritize an exceptionally comfortable and serene travel experience.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Hyundai Model: Palisade
Price: $36,990 Mileage: 52,577 mi.

“Hyundai Palisade” by toyyoda8 is licensed under CC BY 2.0

12. **Towing Capacity**For many SUV owners, the ability to tow trailers, boats, or campers is a non-negotiable aspect of vehicle utility, and in this practical arena, the 2025 Kia Telluride maintains a distinct and significant advantage over its Hyundai sibling. While both vehicles are certainly capable, the Telluride’s engineering, particularly in its X-Pro trims, is geared towards maximizing its hauling prowess.

The 2025 Telluride, especially when equipped with its robust X-Pro variants, boasts a maximum towing capacity of 5,500 pounds. This impressive figure positions it favorably against many rivals in its class and provides a substantial margin for those needing to transport moderately heavy loads. The X-Pro trims are specifically designed to uncork this capability, enhancing the Telluride’s utility for adventurous families or those with significant towing needs.

In direct comparison, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade offers a respectable, but slightly lower, maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. While 5,000 pounds is certainly adequate for many common towing tasks, the 500-pound deficit compared to the Telluride’s X-Pro variants represents a tangible difference. This distinction becomes particularly relevant for buyers who regularly push the limits of their vehicle’s hauling capabilities.

This difference in towing capacity directly reinforces the divergent philosophies of the two SUVs: the Telluride leaning into its rugged, capable persona, and the Palisade emphasizing luxury and refinement. For buyers prioritizing the ability to tow larger trailers or simply desiring a greater margin of safety for their hauling tasks, the Telluride’s superior towing capacity makes a compelling argument and undeniably strengthens its position as the more adventure-oriented choice.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Kia Model: Telluride
Price: $39,999 Mileage: 28,801 mi.

13. **Safety Features and Driver-Assist Systems**The safety of occupants is a paramount concern for any family vehicle, and both the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and the 2025 Kia Telluride excel in offering comprehensive safety features and advanced driver-assist systems. Both SUVs have earned impressive 5-star overall safety ratings from NHTSA, providing a foundational assurance of their protective capabilities in the event of a collision. Their shared commitment to passenger protection is evident across their respective lineups.

For the 2025 model year, the Kia Telluride has further bolstered its safety credentials with key enhancements. It now includes new second-row side airbags, an important passive safety feature that provides additional protection for rear passengers, especially children. Furthermore, Kia has integrated Highway Driving Assist 1.5, a sophisticated semi-autonomous system that combines adaptive cruise control and lane centering, making long highway drives less fatiguing and inherently safer.

The Telluride also comes standard with essential active safety technologies such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning, which are invaluable aids in preventing accidents during daily driving. These systems work in tandem to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings, alert the driver to potential hazards, and can even intervene to mitigate or avoid collisions, reinforcing the Telluride’s reputation as a secure and reliable family hauler.

The redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade, while equally committed to safety, approaches some aspects with a slightly different emphasis. It offers standard front and rear parking sensors, along with automatic braking while in reverse, which are particularly useful for navigating tight urban spaces and preventing low-speed parking incidents. Upper trims of the Palisade also benefit from a 360-degree camera system, providing a comprehensive view around the vehicle for enhanced situational awareness.

Like the Telluride, the Palisade also includes standard adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning, ensuring that core driver-assist functionalities are readily available across its range. While both SUVs offer extensive safety nets, the Telluride’s introduction of second-row side airbags and the advanced HDA 1.5 system for 2025 highlights its continuous evolution in occupant protection and driver assistance, ensuring both siblings remain at the forefront of automotive safety.

Car Model Information: 2023 Hyundai PALISADE Calligraphy
Name: Hyundai Palisade
Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor Company
Production: 2018–present
ModelYears: 2020–present
Class: Mid-size crossover SUV
BodyStyle: Sport utility vehicle
Related: Kia Telluride
Predecessor: Hyundai Santa Fe#Maxcruz
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout,Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout
Chassis: Unibody
Caption: Second-generation Palisade
Categories: 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in British English, All articles with bare URLs for citations, All articles with unsourced statements
Summary: The Hyundai Palisade (Korean: 현대 팰리세이드) is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Hyundai Motor Company since late 2018, replacing the Maxcruz (also known as Santa Fe XL outside of South Korea) as the flagship SUV under the Hyundai brand. The term palisade means a fence of defensive stakes or a series of coastal cliffs — the latter recalling the neighborhood of Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles or the nearly forty mile Hudson River palisade, running north from opposite Manhattan.

Get more information about: Hyundai Palisade

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Hyundai Model: Palisade
Price: $33,500 Mileage: 48,564 mi.

“2020 Hyundai Palisade (United States)” by Greg Gjerdingen is licensed under CC BY 2.0

14. **The Road Ahead: Future Outlook and Redesigns**The automotive market is a constantly evolving landscape, and understanding the future trajectories of these formidable rivals is essential for any discerning buyer. The 2026 Hyundai Palisade has already unveiled its impressive redesign, refining an already strong contender with updated styling, new powertrains, and enhanced technology. This proactive move has allowed the Palisade to immediately challenge the established order, presenting a contemporary option to consumers right now.

However, the 2025 Kia Telluride is not standing still, and its response is imminent. Kia has officially teased the second-generation Telluride, with a global debut confirmed for the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 20. This next iteration is poised to bring significant changes, and crucially, it is anticipated to adopt the same advanced V6 and four-cylinder hybrid powertrains used by the new Palisade. This means the next-gen Telluride will likely offer a hybrid option with “much better efficiency than the outgoing Telluride,” alongside its powerful V6.

The teasers for the new Telluride reveal a deliberate evolution of its design language, promising an “even more rugged, upright three-row SUV” than the current model. Expect to see “sharp lines,” a “tall, blocky hood,” and distinctive “new vertical daytime running lights with an amber/red glow,” along with Kia’s “Star Map LED lighting.” These design cues underscore Kia’s commitment to enhancing the Telluride’s adventurous aesthetic, creating an even bolder and more distinctive presence on the road.

Inside, the new Telluride is expected to receive a significant technological update. While “screens aplenty” are anticipated, Kia is also noted for retaining physical controls for often-used functions, striking a balance between modern aesthetics and practical usability. Seating configurations will likely remain versatile, offering up to eight passengers, with more luxurious trims potentially featuring second-row captain’s chairs for enhanced comfort. Pricing, while unconfirmed, is expected to start under $40,000 and extend beyond $50,000 for top-tier trims.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Hyundai Model: Palisade
Price: $33,500 Mileage: 48,564 mi.

In this high-stakes automotive showdown, the redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade has undeniably upped the ante, presenting a compelling threat with its luxurious refinements, advanced technology, and new hybrid powertrain. Yet, the upcoming second-generation Kia Telluride promises to be a formidable counterpunch, leveraging similar powertrain advancements while doubling down on its celebrated rugged persona and practicality. For consumers, this intense sibling rivalry translates into an embarrassment of riches, ensuring that whichever path they choose, they are selecting an overachieving SUV ready to tackle the demands of modern family life with style, substance, and cutting-edge capability.