The 2020 Kia Telluride is my pick. 📸: Connie Peters
But which one should I consider?
Sisters from a different mister, the Hyundai Palisade and 2020 Kia Telluride have a lot in common. I had a chance to drive both recently and with the two both making their debut into the 3-row-SUV space recently, I wanted to get a closer look.
You see, I drive a 3-row SUV, and before that, minivans for more than 10 years. Why? I have three children, need for enough cargo space for everything that comes along with that: carpool, activities, road-trips, and regular family daily needs in a car.
Related: 2020 Kia Telluride SX 3-Row SUV: Bespoke Details at an Off-the-Rack Price
The Hyundai Palisade is also pretty sweet. 📸: Connie Peters
Kia Telluride vs. Hyundai Palisade
I was beyond excited to see what a 3-row SUV at this price point could offer because I was hoping it would be value and function for the money.
Spoiler Alert: Huge value AND function for the dollar!
The 8 seat configuration of the Kia Telluride. 📸: Connie Peters
Let’s Start with the Kia Telluride
My new favorite 3-row SUV is hands-down the Telluride. I love the handling, the power under the gas pedal, the interior spaciousness, sound system, color-change ambient lighting and cargo space.
It really is the best value for your dollar in this category, in my opinion.
I loved the customizable ambient lighting. 📸: Connie Peters
How Much?
The Telluride starts at USD $31,690 and tops out at $41,490 plus add $2000 for AWD. *The Canadian Kia Telluride starts at CAD $44,995 with AWD standard and is AJAC’s Large Utility Vehicle of the Year for 2020.
With drive mode selection including Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Smart, I tested mainly Sport and Comfort, the default. As usual, Sport mode ups the transmission and suspension feel and tightens the steering a touch. I always enjoy that feeling in almost any car.
I loved this interior color combination. 📸: Connie Peters
How About the Interior?
The interior is incredibly comfortable with very wide leather seating that could fit any size adult as driver or passenger.
The sound system is pleasant and more than apt with a 10 speaker Harmon Kardon stereo with a 10″ Touchscreen infotainment system including a standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. (8″ screen is standard)
There is so much space in the Telluride for cargo. 📸: Connie Peters
2020 Hyundai Palisade Offers More of the Same
Of course, being that Hyundai and Kia are “cousins” that were each sent off to create a 3-row SUV at the same time on the same platform, you’d expect most of the same features in each, and you’d be right.
Related: Family Adventure is a Bit More Luxe in the 2020 Hyundai Palisade 7 Seater SUV
The sleek lines on the Palisade. 📸: Connie Peters
How Much?
The Palisade starts at USD $31,550 – $44,700 for FWD and adds $1,700 for AWD. *The Palisade starts at CAD $38,549 for FWD.
The features that make Palisade feel slightly more lux are the quilted leather seat surface touches, some more chrome interior touches, and a more European looking front grille.
I love the side cameras on the Palisade. 📸: Connie Peters
Drive Mode Changes in the Palisade Feel Fancy
I loved the graphic display when changing from one drive mode to the next in the Hyundai Palisade.
Similarities Between the Telluride and Palisade
There are so many similarities in the two vehicles, things like fold-flat seats, 6 USB ports throughout – even in the third row, 8 cup holders, and even a dual sunroof. I am particularly in love with this feature because it means the back of the vehicle gets as much light as the front of the vehicle, and those in the back row don’t feel quite as closed in as they would normally without that rear sunroof.
The versatile interior of the Palisade. 📸: Connie Peters
Safety Features Abound
The Automatic Start/Stop engine in super quiet when you stop at a light, you don’t’ even notice it, which I find unusual in a lot of cars with this feature.
Plenty of safety features abound in both vehicles including adaptive cruise control, safe exit assist, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and a pre-collision warning and braking system with pedestrian detection.
Features that are fantastic for families include rear window shades, automatic liftgate with adjustable speed and height, underfloor rear cargo storage, wireless phone charging and turn signal cameras on the instrument cluster display.
One feature that is making more and more of a presence on vehicles now is the front-facing camera at low speeds when you’re maneuvering from reverse into drive. This is so handy in tight parking spaces with the camera/display staying on until you reach 20km/hour.
Related: The First-Ever Hyundai Palisade: This Big, Bold Beauty is Everything You want in a 3 Row SUV
The Forward camera view at low speeds. 📸: Connie Peters
Kia Telluride vs. Hyundai Palisade, Which One is Your Favorite?
Essentially, Kia and Hyundai are like cousins, built on the same platform, so the main differences between these two vehicles are the design, inside and out, and body style. So it really boils down to personal preference and your liking for one badge over the other.
Which one did I pick?
While I loved the sophisticated look, interior design touches like the quilted leather seats and front grille design of the Palisade, my favorite was the Telluride for its unique body styling unlike anything else on the market
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In their top trim levels, the Palisade and Telluride are excellent. Here in the Boston area, however, dealers are asking full sticker for the Palisade Limited and $5000 over sticker for the Telluride SX. At those price levels there is a lot of competition. My wife and I did a full evaluation back in August and she selected a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium. With dealer discounts and rebates, it sold for $8500 below the sticker price and we received a very fair value for her 2012 Toyota Highlander as a trade-in.
Glad you got an SUV you’re happy with! The Atlas is an excellent car, too. Yes, we have heard about the premiums some dealers are asking for and with Tellurides sold out and Palisades in high demand, it’s a sellers market. But as you found, there are great options even under those circumstances.