Sibling Rivalry: Choosing Between the 2024 Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade

Alright, folks, buckle up because today we’re diving into a family feud between the 2024 Kia Telluride and the 2024 Hyundai Palisade.  These corporate cousins from the Hyundai Motor Group are duking it out to earn a spot in your garage. Are these two midsize SUVs akin to a pair of identical twins wearing different outfits or are they something more? Let’s dig in and find out which one of these South Korean SUVs is better for your lifestyle.

What They Share: The Common DNA

Before we start splitting hairs, let’s take a moment to acknowledge how much these two SUVs have in common.

  • Powertrain: Both feature a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
  • Drivetrain Options: Front-wheel drive comes standard, with all-wheel drive available for those snowy days or muddy trails.
  • Seating: Both can seat up to eight passengers (seven if you opt for captain’s chairs in the second row).
  • Fuel Economy: They sip gas at a similar rate, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models.
  • Warranty: Industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty—so you can sleep easy knowing you’re covered for the long haul.

Basically, they’re the same under the hood and share a plethora of features. But don’t be fooled: the devil is in the details.

Design & Style: The Looks Department

Kia Telluride

Let’s start with the Kia Telluride. This SUV is like the cool older sibling who’s always effortlessly stylish. Its bold, boxy design and wide stance give it a confident, almost truck-like presence. For 2024, Kia has refreshed the grille and headlights, but it’s still unmistakably a Telluride.

Inside, you’ll find an interior that punches way above its weight class. The materials feel premium, and the layout is straightforward without feeling boring. Plus, Kia’s designers deserve a round of applause for squeezing in so much storage space as it’s practically a mobile closet.

Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade, on the other hand, leans into a slightly more upscale vibe. It’s the sibling who shops at Banana Republic while the Telluride is hitting up REI. The grille is massive, and the LED lighting elements lend it a more elegant futuristic look.

The cabin feels downright luxurious, especially in the upper trims. Quilted leather seats, ambient lighting, and a clean, modern dashboard make you forget you’re driving a mainstream SUV.

Verdict: The Telluride is bold and adventurous, while the Palisade is more classy and refined. Your pick depends on whether you’re more about flannel shirts or tailored blazers.

Tech & Infotainment

Both SUVs come loaded with tech, but there are some differences worth noting.

Kia Telluride
  • Display: A new 12.3-inch touchscreen now comes standard, merging seamlessly with the digital instrument cluster.
  • Features: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (but only on lower trims—higher trims oddly require a wired connection).
  • Extras: Available surround-view monitor, heads-up display, and an upgraded Harman Kardon sound system.
Hyundai Palisade
  • Display: The Palisade also gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen but takes it up a notch with additional customization options.
  • Features: Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims.
  • Extras: Digital rearview mirror, Driver Talk (a built-in intercom for yelling at the kids in the back without turning around), and an optional 12-speaker Harman Kardon system.

Verdict: It’s a tie on the tech front, though the Palisade’s Driver Talk feature is a fun party trick for parents.

Comfort & Space

Kia Telluride

The Telluride shines in the space department. Its seats are plush and supportive, and the third row is roomy enough for adults (at least for short jaunts). Cargo space is also generous with 21 cubic feet behind the third row and 87 cubic feet with all seats folded down.

Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade matches the Telluride’s spaciousness but edges it out in the comfort department. The quilted leather and softer-touch materials in higher trims give it a more premium feel. It’s like sitting on a cloud…well, if clouds had heated and ventilated seats.

Verdict: The Palisade is a slightly more luxurious option, but the Telluride wins if you’re looking for pure functionality.

Trims & Pricing

Both SUVs come in several trims to suit a range of budgets and preferences.

Kia Telluride
  1. LX: The base model with a solid set of standard features, including LED headlights and the 12.3-inch touchscreen.
  2. S: Adds a sunroof, heated front seats, and second-row captain’s chairs.
  3. EX: Ups the ante with leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and wireless phone charging.
  4. SX: Includes a premium sound system, surround-view monitor, and dual sunroofs.
  5. SX-Prestige: The top-tier trim with Nappa leather seats and ventilated second-row seats.

Starting Price: Around $37,000 for the LX and $52,000 for the SX-Prestige.

Hyundai Palisade
  1. SE: A well-equipped base trim with LED lighting and the 12.3-inch touchscreen.
  2. SEL: Adds heated front seats, a hands-free liftgate, and wireless phone charging.
  3. XRT: A rugged-looking trim with unique exterior accents and all-terrain tires.
  4. Limited: Steps into luxury territory with leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof.
  5. Calligraphy: The pinnacle of luxury, with quilted leather seats, exclusive wheels, and premium finishes.

Starting Price: About $36,000 for the SE and $53,000 for the Calligraphy.

Verdict: The trims are fairly comparable, but the Palisade’s Calligraphy trim feels to a certain degree more upscale.

The Other Guys

Let’s not forget there are plenty of fish in the midsize SUV sea, so to speak. Here’s how a few em’ stack up:

  1. Toyota Highlander
    • Strengths: Legendary reliability and a hybrid option.
    • Weaknesses: Tight third-row space.
  2. Honda Pilot
    • Strengths: Spacious interior and strong resale value.
    • Weaknesses: Less exciting design.
  3. Mazda CX-90
    • Strengths: Athletic handling and premium interior.
    • Weaknesses: Smaller third row.
  4. Chevrolet Traverse
    • Strengths: Massive cargo space.
    • Weaknesses: Lacks the premium feel of the Telluride or Palisade.

Pros & Cons

Kia Telluride Pros
  • Bold, eye-catching design.
  • Excellent cargo space and practicality.
  • Slightly lower starting price.
Kia Telluride Cons
  • Some higher trims lack wireless Apple CarPlay.
  • Less luxurious than the Palisade.
Hyundai Palisade Pros
  • Sophisticated, premium feel.
  • More luxury features in top trims.
  • Better infotainment customization.
Hyundai Palisade Cons
  • Less adventurous exterior design.
  • Slightly higher price point.

Our Final Thoughts

So, which one should you select? If you want a bold, practical SUV that’s ready for both road trips and Costco hauls, the Kia Telluride is your best bet. Although if luxury and comfort are your priorities, the Hyundai Palisade takes the cake (and maybe even serves it on a fancy plate).

At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong with either of these midsize SUVs. They’re like choosing between two fantastic pizza toppings.  Just pick the one that suits your taste.

What do you think of this Telluride vs Palisade comparison? Are you Team Telluride or Team Palisade or neither? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and let’s get this SUV smackdown started!

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