Find power and poise in these SUVs.
If you're looking for a spacious, capable, three-row SUV, you've got some great options, including the Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade. Whether you like to go camping with friends or need something spacious for the carpool lane, both of these SUVs have a lot to offer.
This article compares the Telluride and Palisade to help you make an informed choice on which one might be best for your lifestyle. Both are new for the 2020 model year and include some great features as well as striking modern looks.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Kia Telluride | Hyundai Palisade | |
|---|---|---|
Average Price | $42,500 | $42,500 |
Performance | ||
Base Engine | 3.8L V6 | 3.8L V6 |
Horsepower | 291 hp | 291 hp |
MPG | EPA-estimated 23mpg combined (FWD model) | EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined (FWD model) |
Interior | ||
Seating | Eight as standard or seven with available second-row captain's chairs | Eight as standard or seven with available second-row captain's chairs |
Cargo Space | 21.0 cu ft behind the third row | 18.0 cu ft behind the third row |
Front-seat Legroom | 41.4 inches | 44.1 inches |
Rear-seat Legroom | Second row: 42.4 inches Third Row: 31.4 inches | Second row: 42.4 inches Third row: 31.4 inches |
Overall Interior Space | 178.1 cu ft | 173.3 cu ft |
Ratings | ||
Tailpipe Emissions | 395 grams per mile (FWD model) | 406 grams per mile (FWD model) |
NHTSA Safety Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Features and Trim Options
On 2020 models, you'll find a range of features and trim options for these popular SUVs. Both the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade have standard seating for eight people. The second row on each model can be upgraded with optional captain's chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven. There are a number of other notable similarities: both 2020 models have an eight-speed automatic transmission, flexible cargo space, standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity, and more. Check out a full rundown of features and trim options for 2020 models below:
2020 Kia Telluride:
Four trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX
Blind-spot warning
Lane-keeping assist
Rearview camera
Bluetooth® connectivity
Available all-wheel drive
2020 Hyundai Palisade:
Three trim levels: SE, SEL, Limited
One-touch second-row seat slide for third-row access
Lane-keeping assist
Rearview camera
Bluetooth connectivity
Available all-wheel drive
Engine Options
The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade are built on the same platform and share a number of similarities, including the same engine. For both models, across all years and trims, there's just one engine option: a 3.8L V6.
2020-2021 Kia Telluride
All trims feature a 3.8L gasoline direct injection (GDI) V6 engine, delivering 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.
2020-2021 Hyundai Palisade
All trims feature a 3.8L GDI V6 engine, delivering 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel Economy
With the same 3.8L V6 engine across all model years, fuel economy numbers are very similar for both the 2020 Kia Telluride and 2020 Hyundai Palisade. If you're looking to go a bit longer between fuel stops, the front-wheel drive Telluride gets 1 mpg more than the Palisade.
The 2020 Kia Telluride with the 3.8L engine and front-wheel drive gets an EPA-estimated 23 combined mpg, while the all-wheel drive version gets an EPA-estimated 21 combined mpg.††
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade with the 3.8L engine and front-wheel drive gets an EPA-estimated 22 combined mpg, while the all-wheel drive version gets an EPA-estimated 21 combined mpg.††
Tech Features
Tech features across the Telluride and Palisade are quite similar. The base models are well-equipped, but there are some differences in trim levels and available packages. Take a look below to get an idea of which model might suit your lifestyle.
2020 Kia Telluride
Standard tech features:
Eight-inch touchscreen
Rearview camera
Bluetooth connectivity
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration
Five USB ports
Adaptive cruise control
Blind-spot monitoring system
Tech feature trim upgrades:
Driver voice amplifier for rear speakers (EX, SX trims)
Additional USB charge port (EX, SX trims)
Keyless entry and ignition (EX, SX trims)3
Wireless charging pad (EX, SX trims)
10.3-inch touchscreen (SX trim)
Surround-view parking camera system (SX trim)
10-speaker Harman Kardon® surround-sound system (SX trim)
Available package features:
Household power outlet (Prestige package feature, SX AWD only)
Head-up display (Prestige package feature, SX AWD only)
2020 Hyundai Palisade
Standard tech features:
Eight-inch touchscreen
Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration
Five USB ports
Remote keyless entry
Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines
Adaptive cruise control
Tech feature trim upgrades:
Remote ignition (SEL, Limited trims)3
Dual-zone automatic climate control (SEL, Limited trims)
Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (SEL, Limited trims)
Ambient LED interior lighting (Limited trim)
Full-color head-up display (Limited trim)
Blind-spot camera (Limited trim)
Surround-view camera system (Limited trim)
12-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system (Limited trim)
Available package features:
Driver intercom system (Drive Guidance package on SEL trim; standard on Limited trim)
Power liftgate (Convenience package on SEL trim; standard on Limited trim)
Wireless charging pad (Convenience package on SEL trim; standard on Limited trim)
Household-style power outlet (Convenience package on SEL trim; standard on Limited trim)
Cargo Space
The Hyundai Palisade's flexible cargo space may be quite useful if you regularly transport long or awkwardly shaped items. Whether you're packing your bikes in the back for a weekend adventure or are heading to the mountains with your skis, the Palisade offers ample room. The Telluride is just as well-equipped for the needs of daily life, with seats that fold flat at the touch of a button and a hidden, underfloor storage compartment in the trunk for small items.
If it's pure space you're seeking, the Telluride has a slight advantage over the Palisade.
2020 Kia Telluride cargo capacity:
Behind the front seats: 87.0 cu ft
Behind the second row: 46.0 cu ft
Behind the third row: 21.0 cu ft
2020 Hyundai Palisade cargo capacity:
Behind the front seats: 86.4 cu ft
Behind the second row: 45.8 cu ft
Behind the third row: 18.0 cu ft
Towing Capacity
If you want the ability to tow, both the 2020 Telluride and 2020 Palisade have you covered.
The 2020 Kia Telluride with 3.8L V6 engine has an estimated towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, when properly equipped.4 (The towing package is available for EX and SX trims only.)
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade with 3.8L V6 engine has an estimated towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, when properly equipped.4
Pricing
The 2021 Kia Telluride and 2021 Hyundai Palisade are both newer model years, and we currently have a limited number in our inventory. See below for average CarMax prices for the 2020 model year of both vehicles.†
Kia Telluride
2020 - Average prices less than $42,500†
Hyundai Palisade
2020 - Average prices less than $42,500†
Safety Ratings
The 2020 Kia Telluride achieved an overall five-star safety rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 2020 Hyundai Palisade also achieved an overall five-star safety rating. Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.
2020 Kia Telluride:
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Test: A head-on collision between two similar vehicles traveling at 35 mph.
Overall: 4/5
Side Barrier Crash Rating Test: A vehicle standing in an intersection sustains driver-side impact from a vehicle moving at 38.5 mph.
Overall: 5/5
Side Pole Crash Rating Test: A vehicle slides sideways at 20 mph and impacts a tree or telephone pole.
Overall: 5/5
2020 Hyundai Palisade:
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Test: A head-on collision between two similar vehicles traveling at 35 mph.
Overall: 5/5
Side Barrier Crash Rating Test: A vehicle standing in an intersection sustains driver-side impact from a vehicle moving at 38.5 mph.
Overall: 5/5
Side Pole Crash Rating Test: A vehicle slides sideways at 20 mph and impacts a tree or telephone pole.
Overall: 5/5
Performance
These two vehicles are similarly matched when it comes to performance. Starting with fuel economy, both the 2020 Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade get an EPA-estimated 21 combined mpg with the 3.8L engine and all-wheel drive.†† Standard front-wheel drive models vary slightly. The 2020 Kia Telluride performs a bit better, with an EPA-estimated 23 combined mpg versus the 2020 Palisade's 22 combined mpg—both with the 3.8L engine.††
Each vehicle's 3.8L V6 engine gets similar zero to 60 numbers, too. The 2020 Kia Telluride can go from zero to 60 in 7.5 seconds, while the 2020 Hyundai Palisade is a touch slower, with a time of 7.6 seconds (both according to the respective manufacturers, when new).
Off-road performance is impressive for both the Palisade and the Telluride. The 2020 Telluride has available all-wheel drive, which comes with a drive mode selector designed to help you tackle tricky conditions like snow. There's also the ability to lock the AWD to help you conquer sand, mud, and other difficult terrain.
The available all-wheel drive on the 2020 Hyundai Palisade is similarly well-equipped. If you want a bit more off-road prowess, the Telluride is the one to choose, as it has a slightly sportier edge.
Emissions
EPA estimates for greenhouse gas emissions vary depending on which 2020 Kia Telluride or 2020 Hyundai Palisade you choose. If you want the lowest grams per mile, look to the front-wheel drive Telluride. These estimates are based on brand-new models. Visit fueleconomy.gov for more details.
2020 Kia Telluride:
The 3.8L V6 engine with FWD has EPA-estimated greenhouse gas emissions of 395 grams per mile.
The 3.8L V6 engine with AWD has EPA-estimated greenhouse gas emissions of 426 grams per mile.
2020 Hyundai Palisade:
The 3.8L V6 engine with FWD has EPA-estimated greenhouse gas emissions of 406 grams per mile.
The 3.8L V6 engine with AWD has EPA-estimated greenhouse gas emissions of 426 grams per mile.
The Bottom Line
Either of these crossover SUVs would make a great choice; even where there are differences, they're minimal. If you want something that feels a bit sportier, the 2020 Kia Telluride could be the vehicle for you, but if you value practicality and a little extra legroom up front, you may love the 2020 Hyundai Palisade.
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