The Hyundai Palisade and the Kia Telluride have recently introduced second-generation versions of their popular mid-size, three-row SUVs. 9-inch wheelbase and feature similar dimensions. 4 inches, depending on the variant.
Three-row seating is standard with both vehicles, but the middle row seats are a three-person bench in lower trim levels, dropping total capacity to eight passengers. Once you get to the middle trim levels, you get bucket seats in the second row, dropping total capacity to seven. The Kia Telluride offers slightly more cargo space than the Hyundai Palisade, with 22 cubic feet of cargo space when all seats are in place, versus 19 in the Palisade.
Fold away the rearmost seat, and the Telluride maintains its edge, 49 cubic feet to 46. In max-cargo mode, with all rear seats flattened, the Telluride gives you 89 cubic feet of cargo space to the Palisade's 87. 5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and two electric motors.
5-liter turbo-four. The Palisade has a maximum tow rating of 5000 pounds, and all-wheel drive versions come with a dedicated tow mode that programs the automatic transmission to hold lower gears longer. The hybrid versions have slightly lower tow ratings: 4500 pounds for the Telluride Hybrid and 4000 pounds for the Palisade Hybrid.
Both models boast a dramatic new look, with the biggest difference being the base powertrain: a V-6 at Hyundai versus a turbo-four at Kia.
Both vehicles offer impressive features and capabilities, but the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference between these two Korean brands. The Palisade's more powerful engine may give it an edge in terms of towing capacity, while the Telluride's hybrid powertrain provides better fuel efficiency.
