2025 Hyundai Palisade vs. 2025 Kia Telluride: A Comprehensive Comparison
Choosing between the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and the 2025 Kia Telluride can be challenging, as both are compelling three-row mid-size SUVs built on the same foundation. However, they cater to distinct consumer preferences, with the Palisade exuding a more luxurious and refined persona, and the Telluride leaning towards robust utility and adventure readiness. This comparison aims to dissect their core differences and similarities across various aspects, including ride dynamics, engine specifications, fuel economy, exterior aesthetics, interior comfort, technological advancements, and safety performance. Understanding these nuances will be crucial for prospective buyers to align their vehicle choice with their personal driving style and family needs, ensuring a satisfying ownership experience with either of these popular models.
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade and 2025 Kia Telluride, while sharing a common engineering base, present distinct philosophies in their design and performance. The Palisade is engineered to offer a more cushioned and absorbent ride, effectively smoothing out road imperfections for enhanced passenger comfort. In contrast, the Telluride features a firmer suspension system, which minimizes body roll and provides a more controlled driving experience, particularly appealing to those who might venture off the beaten path. Both SUVs are powered by a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission, available in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Palisade FWD models achieve an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, with AWD variants slightly less efficient at 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The Telluride, however, shows a minor advantage in FWD fuel economy, offering 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, while its AWD versions manage 18 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. When it comes to towing capabilities, the Telluride surpasses the Palisade with a maximum capacity of 5,500 lbs, compared to the Palisade's 5,000 lbs. These subtle differences in ride dynamics and practical capabilities highlight the divergent target audiences for each model.
The exterior styling of these two SUVs visually communicates their intended use. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade boasts a more refined and upscale appearance, characterized by a bolder grille, sleeker lines, and a choice of seven exterior paint colors. Standard exterior features across most Palisade trims include 18-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights (DRLs), and LED taillights, with optional enhancements like side mirror approach lights and door handle welcome lights further accentuating its premium appeal. The 2025 Kia Telluride, on the other hand, embraces a more rugged and utilitarian aesthetic, featuring increased exterior cladding, a more angular profile, and a wider selection of eight exterior colors. While also offering 18-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights, the Telluride distinguishes itself with available LED fog lights and, in its X-Line and X-Pro trims, a marginally higher ground clearance of 8.4 inches compared to the standard 8-inch clearance shared by both models.
Inside the cabin, both the Palisade and Telluride offer versatile seating for seven or eight passengers, with the seven-seat layout featuring comfortable second-row captain's chairs. The Palisade provides a slight advantage in front legroom, measuring 44.1 inches, which is 2.7 inches more than the Telluride. However, both SUVs offer identical legroom for the second and third rows, at 42.4 inches and 31.4 inches, respectively. When it comes to cargo space, the Telluride offers a bit more practicality: 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet behind the second row, and a substantial 87 cubic feet with all seats folded down. The Palisade, in comparison, provides 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 45.8 cubic feet behind the second, and 86.4 cubic feet with all seats folded. Regarding seating materials, the base Palisade comes with cloth upholstery, while the entry-level Telluride features synthetic leather. Both models offer synthetic leather, leather-trimmed, and Nappa leather options across higher trim levels.
In terms of technology and safety, the 2025 Palisade often feels more advanced. Both SUVs are equipped with a 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen, but the Palisade sets itself apart with a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster across all trims. The Telluride, by contrast, offers a standard 4.2-inch digital instrument display, with the larger 12.3-inch version available as an option. Both vehicles include driver intercom systems, facilitating easier communication between front and rear passengers, and feature front-row audio isolation for a quieter ride. However, the Palisade's available Harman Kardon sound system boasts 12 speakers, two more than its Kia counterpart, contributing to a more immersive audio experience. On the safety front, the Telluride received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) highest accolade, the Top Safety Pick+, while the Palisade earned the second-highest rating, Top Safety Pick.
Ultimately, the decision between the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and the 2025 Kia Telluride boils down to individual priorities. If a luxurious ride, a sophisticated aesthetic, and advanced interior technology, such as a fully digital instrument cluster and a superior sound system, are paramount, the Palisade is likely the more appealing choice. Its emphasis on premium comfort and refined design makes it ideal for urban families or those who prioritize a plush driving experience. Conversely, if rugged versatility, greater towing capacity, slightly better fuel economy in FWD configurations, and a top-tier safety rating are key factors, the Telluride emerges as the stronger contender. Its utilitarian design and practical features cater well to active lifestyles and adventurous families. Potential buyers are strongly encouraged to test drive both models to personally assess their driving dynamics, interior comfort, and overall feel before finalizing their decision, as each SUV offers a unique blend of attributes designed to meet different needs.