If you’re looking to elevate your McKinney commute with a new full-size SUV, you’ve probably looked at the Telluride and the Palisade by now. However, some people find it difficult to compare the number of trims, packages, features, and options found on both vehicles. That’s why we decided to compare the two for you to help you simplify the process and make the right choice.
Telluride vs. Palisade Highlights
Image via Flickr by Crown Star Images
The Kia Telluride starts at $32,790 and comes with a 3.8-liter Lambda V-6 engine. This powertrain puts out 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and it can tow up to 5,000 pounds. This full-size SUV seats up to eight and has an impressive 87 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, but it still gets 26 MPG on the highway.
Hyundai’s Palisade starts at $32,675 and comes with a 3.8-liter V-6 engine. This powertrain also puts out 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and it also tows up to 5,000 pounds. With 86 cubic feet of cargo space and seating for up to eight, the Palisade lives up to full-size SUV standards.
These two SUVs appear identical, yet they do have some differences. So let’s take a closer look and see what we find.
Kia Telluride Curb Appeal
Kia’s Telluride combines a rugged appearance with a touch of elegance. The Telluride’s bold front fascia features front bumper air ducts. It rolls on 20-inch alloy wheels set wide. Front and rear skid plates with a Premium Silver finish, rear spoiler, and roof rails speak to its adventurous capabilities. It also features body color, heated, power-folding, reverse tilt-down outside mirrors, along with a hands-free power liftgate, and LED lighting systems to add functional performance. Kia adds dual chrome exhaust tips, satin chrome exterior trim, and a dual-pane sunroof for a sophisticated look.
Hyundai Palisade Curb Appeal
The Palisade comes with an oversized grille with LED headlights and low-profile daytime running lights. Hyundai’s top-tier Calligraphy model adds exterior chrome as well. The Palisade’s body-color outside mirrors have heating, and the rear liftgate operates hands-free. You get larger 20-inch alloy wheels plus a dual-panel sunroof and roof rails.
Kia Telluride Cabin Features
image via Kia USA
Wood-grain appliques greet you with refined style when you enter the Telluride cabin. Nappa leather upholstery and ergonomic seats cradle you in comfort. All your controls are intuitively placed for simple operations. Three rows offer seating for up to eight or seven with the second-row captain’s chairs option. First- and second-row seats have heating and ventilation for additional comfort.
A leather-wrapped heated steering wheel has all your cruise and infotainment controls, plus you have a leather-wrapped shift knob. The 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat has two-way power-adjustable lumbar support and memory for up to two drivers. In addition, the memory recalls the outside mirror position. Your front passenger gets an eight-way power-adjustable seat.
Kia created additional comfort with fully reclining second-row seats and partially reclining third-row seats that split/fold for more cargo configurations. Second and third-row seats feature one-touch tilt and slide functionality. With the ambient interior lighting system, you also have 64 colors to choose from.
Hyundai Palisade Cabin Features
image via Hyundai USA
You get seating for up to eight with the second-row bench seat or seven with the second-row captain’s chairs. Sophisticated interior touches include quilted leather door panels and a microfiber headliner. Both the first- and second-row seats come with heat and ventilation. In addition, you get a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel. The front seats feature eight-way power adjustments with memory, and the third-row seats power-fold with the push of a button.
Kia Telluride Tech
Understanding the modern driver, Kia installed various technologies to help keep you and your passengers connected, no matter where your adventurous life takes you. All of your in-vehicle tech runs through the 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation. You can remotely operate vehicle functions like start, stop, unlock, and lock through the Kia UVO Link app. Also, the app allows you to track your Telluride’s diagnostics in real-time and even find your car in oversized parking lots.
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity enables hands-free operation of your smart devices after syncing with the infotainment system. You’ll enjoy the 10-speaker premium audio system from Harman Kardon.
In addition, Kia’s Driver Talk system allows you to communicate with rear passengers through the speaker system. You can also activate Quiet Mode and shut the sound off to the rear cabin to let rear passengers rest. Every Telluride comes with a wireless charging pad, six USB charging ports, and a USB media port.
Hyundai Palisade Tech
The Palisade’s extensive technology package includes the latest in-vehicle tech to make driving and riding enjoyable for all. You have a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation that powers your infotainment. Hyundai’s BlueLink connected car system enables remote operations similar to Telluride’s UVO Link. You also get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth technology.
The Palisade comes standard with a wireless charging pad, USB outlets in all three rows, and a Harman Kardon audio system. In addition, the Palisade features Driver Talk and Quiet Mode systems like the Telluride.
Kia Drive Wise
Every Telluride comes with Kia’s Drive Wise suite of driver-assist systems. These systems use advanced technology to monitor your Telluride’s surroundings and alert you to potential hazards. Under certain conditions, these systems provide additional braking and steering to help you mitigate or avoid a possible accident.
The suite includes blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear and forward collision warning, forward collision avoidance with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance system. In addition, you have lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane following assist systems that track your Telluride when traveling within marked lanes.
Kia’s safe exit assist system alerts you to approaching traffic when exiting on the street side. A rear occupant alert uses ultrasonic sensors to remind you of passengers in the rear cabin when you exit. The highway driving assist system enhances your cruise control system with navigation-based technology.
Hyundai’s SmartSense
The Palisade comes with a similar suite of driver-assist systems called SmartSense. The suite includes forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, lane following assist, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist systems. You also get an ultrasonic rear occupant alert, safe exit assist, and smart cruise control.
At Huffines Kia McKinney, we know what SUV drivers want. That’s why we stock an expansive inventory of Telluride SUVs loaded with the features you crave and at prices to fit your budget. If you’re going to upgrade your McKinney drive with the stylish, comfortable, and capable Telluride, you can explore our inventory online.