2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid vs. 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Comparison: Same DNA, Different Personalities
By Miguel Cortina and William Walker | April 06, 2026
The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade share a lineage so close that the primary distinction between these three-row SUVs comes down to their inherent personalities. Built on the same architecture, sharing the same wheelbase, and often equipped with identical powertrains, the key differentiators are often the smallest nuances. The Telluride projects an image of rugged utility and understated elegance, while the Palisade offers a softer, more luxurious demeanor.
Both models are transitioning into their second generations, having significantly outperformed expectations upon their initial launch. The Telluride made a profound impact, even securing MotorTrend’s 2020 SUV of the Year award in its debut year. The Palisade has remained a consistent favorite, even being recognized as the top three-row SUV following its midcycle refresh.
To compare these two closely related vehicles, we headed to the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Southern California. Renowned for its geological instability, the area provided a varied test environment featuring winding roads, city streets, highway stretches, and even rough pavement scarred by landslides and minor tremors. Throughout the drive, we evaluated interior space across all three rows, the accessibility of the third row, and the functionality of their infotainment and advanced driver-assistance systems.
2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid vs. 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid: The Verdict
There is no bad choice when comparing the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid and the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid. These SUVs fulfill the fundamental requirements of a modern family vehicle, delivering the expected levels of space, technology, and safety. However, where they diverge is in the execution of these features.
Ultimately, the Palisade pulls slightly ahead. It handles uneven roads with greater composure, feels more refined from the driver’s seat, and provides just enough flexibility in the third row to be a significant advantage in daily use. The Telluride remains an impressive vehicle—stylish, spacious, and remarkably fuel-efficient—but in this direct comparison, it takes a secondary position.
What is remarkable is not the gap between them, but how minimal it is. Kia and Hyundai have engineered two nearly identical SUVs that manage to feel distinct in some very important areas. Call it a sibling rivalry, but right now, the Palisade is the one setting the pace.
Second Place: Kia Telluride
Pros: Premium, rugged styling; Spacious cabin; Excellent fuel economy
Cons: Split HVAC controls; Third row lacks flexibility; Brakes need improvement
Verdict: A strong three-row SUV with many advantages, but the Palisade is slightly better where it matters most.
First Place: Hyundai Palisade
Pros: Smooth ride; Inviting cabin; Flexible third row
Cons: Slightly less fuel-efficient; Slightly higher price; One wireless charger
Verdict: After a strong debut, the Palisade continues to hold its own against the competition.
2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy AWD Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| :— | :— |
| Base Price | $60,380 |
| Price as Tested | $60,625 |
| Vehicle Layout | Front-engine, front-motor, AWD, 7-pass, 4-door hybrid SUV |
| Powertrain | |
| Total Power | 329 hp |
| Total Torque | 339 lb-ft |
| Engine | Turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4, 258 hp @ 5,800 rpm, 260 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm |
| Displacement | 2,497 cc/152.4 cu in |
| Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 |
| Redline | Not indicated |
| Motors | Permanent-magnet motor, 72 hp, 195 lb-ft; permanent-magnet motor, 17 hp, 75 lb-ft |
| Battery | 1.7-kWh lithium-ion |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Axle/Top Gear Ratio | 3.76:1/2.97:1 |
| Top Gear Revs @ 60 MPH | 2,000 rpm |
| Chassis | |
| Suspension | F: struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar; R: multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
| Steering Ratio | 14.3:1 |
| Turns Lock-to-Lock | 2.7 |
| Brakes | F: 13.6 x 1.2-in vented disc, 1-piston sliding caliper; R: 12.8 x 0.8-in disc, 1-piston sliding caliper |
| Wheels | 8.5 x 21 in, cast aluminum |
| Tires | Pirelli Scorpion MS, 265/45R21 108V XL M+S |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 116.9 in |
| Track, F/R | 67.4/67.8 in |
| Length x Width x Height | 199.4 x 78.0 x 69.5 in |
| Ground Clearance | 7.4 in |
| Approach/Depart Angle | 18.6/21.1 deg |
| Turning Circle | 39.2 ft |
| Curb Weight (Dist F/R) | 5,001 lb (54/46%) |
| Weight to Power | 15.2 lb/hp |
| Headroom, F/M/R | 40.1/40.0/37.7 in |
| Legroom, F/M/R | 44.2/41.4/32.1 in |
| Shoulder Room, F/M/R | 61.4/60.6/55.6 in |
| Cargo Volume Behind F/M/R | 86.7/46.3/19.1 cu ft |
| Payload Capacity | 1,180 lb |
| Towing Capacity | 4,000 lb |
| MotorTrend Test Data | |
| 0-30 MPH | 2.5 sec |
| 0-40 MPH | 3.6 sec |
| 0-50 MPH | 5.1 sec |
| 0-60 MPH | 6.6 sec |
| 0-70 MPH | 8.3 sec |
| 0-80 MPH | 10.7 sec |
| 0-90 MPH | 13.2 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | 16.3 sec |
| Passing, 45-65 MPH | 3.2 sec |
| Quarter Mile | 15.0 sec @ 96.1 mph |
| Braking, 60-0 MPH | 122 ft |
| 0-100-0 MPH | 20.9 sec |
| Lateral Acceleration | 0.82 g |
| Figure-Eight Lap | 27.2 sec @ 0.67 g (avg) |
| Consumer Info | |
| Airbags | 10: dual front, f/m side, f/m/r curtain, driver knee, front center |
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr/60,000 mi |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 yr/100,000 mi |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr/unlimited mi |
| Fuel Capacity | 18.2 gal |
| EPA Fuel Economy, City/HWY/Combined | 29/30/29 mpg |
| EPA Range | 528 mi |
| Recommended Fuel | 87 octane |
| On Sale | Now |
2027 Kia Tellurid Hybrid SX Prestige AWD Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| :— | :— |
| Base Price | $58,135 |
| Price as Tested | $60,210 |
| Vehicle Layout | Front-engine, front-motor, AWD, 7-pass, 4-door hybrid SUV |
| Powertrain | |
| Total Power | 3
