If you're searching for a stylish, comfortable, and spacious midsize SUV, the 2025 Kia Telluride is one of your best bets. It features an upscale interior, a smooth ride, and a large cargo capacity. One of its closest competitors is the 2025 Hyundai Palisade. How does it fare against the Telluride? Find out in this Kia vs Hyundai comparison.
The Telluride has one of the most appealing interiors found in its class. The cabin is adorned with high-end materials, soft-touch surfaces, and luxurious amenities, particularly in the upper trim levels. With the capability to fit seven or eight passengers (depending on the seating setup), the Telluride has comfortable and cushioned seats for the first two rows, with plenty of legroom for adults. The third row is tolerable for adults on short trips but more appropriate for children on extended travels. Furthermore, this Kia three-row SUV has an impressive cargo capacity, with a maximum volume of 87 cubic feet.
The Palisade's interior also has a premium feel. The cabin features soft, cushioned seats, a range of upscale amenities, and ample space for people and cargo. This midsize SUV seats seven or eight passengers, depending on whether you opt for a second-row bench seat or captain's chairs. Although the first two rows have snug and supportive seats, the third row is suitable for adults only on short excursions. With the second and third rows folded, the total cargo volume of the Palisade is 86.4 cubic feet, which is lower than that of the Telluride.
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2025 Kia Telluride |
2025 Hyundai Palisade |
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Max Seating: 8 Max Cargo Capacity: 87 Cubic Feet Upholstery Options: Synthetic Leather (standard), Genuine Leather, and Nappa Leather (optional) |
Max Seating: 8 Max Cargo Capacity: 86.4 cubic feet Upholstery Options: Cloth (standard), H-Tex® Trimmed Seats, and Nappa leather (optional) |
The Telluride offers an excellent ride quality and handling for a three-row SUV. The steering feels balanced and well-weighted. It is light enough at slow speeds to make tight corners, but it stiffens up sufficiently at higher speeds. The body roll is kept to a minimum, and the ride is generally smooth. In addition, the brakes are powerful and bring the Telluride to a stop promptly.
While the Palisade does not provide a thrilling driving experience, it has a smooth and stable ride. It’s light and responsive on the road, handling more like a minivan than a traditional SUV, properly cushioning bumps to give riders a comfortable ride.
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2025 Kia Telluride |
2025 Hyundai Palisade |
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Base Engine: 3.8-Liter V6 Horsepower: 291 Torque: 262 lb-ft Transmission: Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission |
Base Engine: 3.8-liter V6 Horsepower: 291 Torque: 262 lb-ft Transmission: Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission |
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Max Towing Capacity: 5,500 Pounds |
Max Towing Capacity: 5,000 Pounds |
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Max Payload Capacity: Not Specified |
Max Payload Capacity: Not Specified |
The Telluride's infotainment system seamlessly integrates modern technology with an ergonomic design. The touchscreen is responsive and presents clear, colorful graphics. It also has a user-friendly menu structure. Moreover, there are also plenty of physical controls that make it easy to interact with the system.
Every Palisade trim is equipped with a big 12.3-inch touchscreen that provides sharp graphics, a simple layout, and prompt responses. The center console also has physical buttons, which are useful once you get used to where they are located.
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2025 Kia Telluride Top 5 Technology Features |
2025 Hyundai Palisade Top 5 Technology Features |
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The Telluride earned a five-out-of-five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a Top Safety Pick+. This vehicle comes with a comprehensive list of standard driver aids, such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control with lane-centering ability.
The Palisade also earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Moreover, this Hyundai comes with an extensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
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2025 Kia Telluride Safety Features |
2025 Hyundai Palisade Safety Features |
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This 2025 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Hyundai Palisade shows that while the two vehicles are similar, they cater to slightly different buyers. The Telluride is an excellent choice for families or anyone seeking a spacious, safe, and well-designed SUV. Meanwhile, the Palisade is a good option for those who prefer a comfortable ride and a high-tech cabin.
However, the Telluride ultimately stands out by offering greater value for money. Take this three-row SUV for a test drive today at Mike Shaw Kia in Corpus Christi, TX.