If you’re reading this, you are likely considering choosing between the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and the 2025 Kia Telluride.
The fact is, this is a tricky choice precisely because these are two of the best three-row SUVs available today consistently attracting the loyalty of families across the country.
The decision is made even more complex by the fact that they are corporate cousins, built on the same architecture and sharing the exact same V6 engine and transmission, which is why we’ve created this.
Instead, our goal is to illuminate the two distinct identities that Hyundai and Kia have masterfully crafted.
We will walk through every critical aspect, from the story each vehicle’s design tells to the subtle but significant differences in how they drive.
We will scrutinize their technology, safety features, and, crucially, the real-world cost of ownership.
The Hyundai Palisade
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is designed to project an aura of elegance and refinement.
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Its entire aesthetic language avoids overt ruggedness in favor of a premium presence that allows it to compete visually.
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This is most evident when you look at its front end. The large, cascading parametric grille features a complex, jewel-like mesh pattern that looks intricate and expensive.
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This is framed by prominent chrome accents and sleek, vertically-oriented LED lighting signatures that give it a modern, almost architectural appearance.
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The entire design is calculated to appeal to a buyer who values a vehicle that looks composed and expensive, feeling just as at home in a corporate parking lot as it does in a suburban school drop-off line.
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The Palisade's styling is a visual contract, promising a serene, comfortable, and luxurious daily driving experience—a promise that, as we’ll see, is largely fulfilled by its on-road manners and interior appointments.
The Kia Telluride
In contrast to the Palisade's luxury focus, the 2025 Kia Telluride presents a different aesthetic, one that is more rugged and utilitarian in its design language.
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The exterior styling is defined by a boxier, more muscular silhouette, a wide stance, and a prominent version of Kia's "tiger nose" grille. A key visual element is its lighting; the Telluride features amber-colored, vertically stacked "halo" LED daytime running lights.
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The Telluride’s rugged persona can be amplified by trims that add function. The X-Line and X-Pro packages are central to the Telluride's identity, making it appear more like an adventure vehicle.
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These trims add off-road-oriented features, including different roof rails, exclusive 18- or 20-inch alloy wheels, and an increase in ground clearance.
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The look is further altered with gloss-black exterior accents and a different lower fascia design. This styling is geared towards a narrative of adventure and utility.
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This divergence in design allows the parent company to appeal to different segments of the market with a shared platform.
The Driving Experience
At the heart of both the 2025 Palisade and Telluride lies an identical and well-regarded powertrain.
This might lead you to believe they drive the same, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
This section will demystify how two vehicles with the exact same engine and transmission can feel so different from behind the wheel.
Both SUVs are propelled by a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) V6 engine.
This powerplant produces a robust 291 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 262 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm, and these figures are identical across every single trim level for both models.
Power is routed through a smooth and responsive 8-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels (FWD) or an available all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.
This powertrain provides ample muscle for confident highway merging, comfortable cruising, and all the power you’ll need for most family-hauling duties.
Acceleration is closely matched, with both vehicles capable of reaching 60 mph from a standstill in the low-7-second range, a perfectly respectable time for this class of vehicle.
This mechanical parity is crucial because it proves that any difference you feel in the driving experience is the result of deliberate engineering choices, not a difference in raw power.
The Palisade's Comfort-Tuned Ride
The Hyundai Palisade is engineered with a distinct comfort bias. Its suspension is tuned to be softer and more compliant, with the primary goal of isolating you and your passengers from road imperfections.
The objective is to deliver a plush, quiet, and composed ride that emulates the feel of a true luxury vehicle. This isn't just marketing speak; it's borne out in independent testing.
Expert reviews consistently laud the Palisade for its serene cabin environment, with minimal road and wind noise, and its remarkable ability to glide over bumps and rough pavement.
Edmunds, for instance, awards the Palisade an exceptional 9.2 out of 10 for comfort, specifically noting its passenger-friendly nature and quietness.
This focus on comfort makes the Palisade an excellent choice for reducing fatigue on your daily commute and an outstanding companion for long-distance highway travel.
Palisade XRT: Capability Meets Comfort
For those who want the Palisade's refined luxury experience without sacrificing adventure capability, Hyundai offers the Palisade XRT.
The XRT package transforms the Palisade's sophisticated aesthetic with rugged, adventure-ready styling cues while preserving its premium character.
Key visual elements include distinctive 20-inch dark alloy wheels, gloss black exterior accents, and XRT-specific badging that signals its enhanced capability without abandoning the Palisade's upscale design language.
Where the XRT truly excels is in delivering enhanced capability without the comfort compromises. Unlike the Telluride's firmer, truck-like suspension tuning, the Palisade XRT maintains the brand's signature smooth, compliant ride quality that makes daily driving a pleasure.
This means you get increased ground clearance and enhanced all-terrain capability for weekend adventures, while still enjoying the serene, luxury-focused ride that makes the Palisade superior for daily commuting and long highway drives.
The XRT package includes enhanced HTRAC all-wheel drive tuning optimized for varied terrain, increased approach and departure angles for better off-road performance, and additional underbody protection—all while retaining the Palisade's 5,000-pound towing capacity and spacious, premium interior.
You get genuine adventure capability when you need it, paired with the daily luxury and comfort that the Telluride doesn’t match.
The Telluride's Capability-Focused Ride
Conversely, the Kia Telluride's suspension is tuned to be firmer and more controlled. This results in what many reviewers describe as a "sportier" or more "truck-like" ride.
This tuning provides a greater sense of connection to the road, but the trade-off is a ride that can feel less compliant over broken pavement when compared directly to its Hyundai counterpart.
This firmer setup is a deliberate choice that aligns with the Telluride's image. The firmer ride is necessary to support its higher towing capacity on certain trims and provide a more controlled feel when managing heavy loads.
This firmer setup is a deliberate choice that aligns with the Telluride's image. The firmer ride is necessary to support its higher towing capacity on certain trims and provide a more controlled feel when managing heavy loads.
Objective Capability: Where the Numbers Make the Decision For You
While ride quality can be subjective, certain performance metrics provide objective, black-and-white points of comparison.
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Towing Capacity: The Hyundai Palisade offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds across all its trims. Similarly, the Kia Telluride matches this 5,000-pound rating on most of its trims.
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Ground Clearance: The Palisade features a standard ground clearance of 8.0 inches. The Telluride starts at the same 8.0 inches, but this figure increases to 8.4 inches on its X-Line and X-Pro trims.
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Drivetrain Systems: While both offer capable AWD, the systems are tailored to their missions. The Palisade's HTRAC system is praised for its excellent on-road manners and includes a "Snow" mode designed to optimize traction on slippery surfaces.
The Telluride's AWD system on its X-Line and X-Pro trims includes a center-locking differential, a feature that provides a more traditional power split for certain low-traction situations.
| Specification | 2025 Hyundai Palisade | 2025 Kia Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.8L GDI V6 | 3.8L GDI V6 |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 1291 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Options | FWD or HTRAC AWD | FWD or AWD |
| 0-60 mph (approx.) | 6.9 - 7.6 seconds | ~6.7 seconds |
| Max Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs | 5,500 lbs (Standard) |
| Max Ground Clearance | 8.0 inches | 8.0 inches (Standard) |
The interiors of the 2025 Palisade and Kia Telluride
To make the right choice, ask yourself: "Do I prioritize driver comfort and premium materials, or maximum cargo capacity?"
Both offer well-appointed cabins with premium materials like Nappa leather in top trims, but the Palisade delivers a more upscale daily driving experience.
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Where the Palisade excels is in creating a comfortable environment for daily driving. The Palisade's interior design priorities focus on the driver and front passenger comfort - the people who spend the most time in the vehicle.
This approach results in a more refined experience that reflects its premium market positioning -
While both SUVs share similar overall dimensions due to their common platform, the Palisade's strategic space allocation creates better front-seat comfort.
The Hyundai Palisade delivers where it matters most for daily use, offering an impressive 44.1 inches of front-row legroom compared to the Telluride's 41.4 inches.
This nearly three-inch advantage improves driving comfort significantly, providing a spacious driving position that makes daily commutes more enjoyable. -
The Palisade's design priorities focus on quality over quantity - creating a more refined, driver-focused environment rather than simply maximizing cargo numbers.
While the Telluride offers slightly more cargo space (21.0 vs 18.0 cubic feet behind the third row), the Palisade's thoughtful interior design and superior front-seat comfort make it the better choice for drivers who value premium comfort over maximum hauling capacity.
Material Quality and Exclusive Luxury
Both vehicles have set a high bar for interior quality in the mainstream segment. Upper trims in both the Palisade (Limited, Calligraphy) and Telluride (SX, SX Prestige) feature high-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces, convincing wood or metal-look trim, and available Nappa leather upholstery.
The most significant differentiator lies in the Palisade's roster of exclusive, high-end comfort features that are unavailable on the Telluride at any price. The top-tier Palisade Calligraphy trim offers an Ergo-Motion driver's seat, which uses internal air pockets to provide subtle massaging and posture adjustments to reduce fatigue on long drives.
It also offers power-folding and, uniquely, power-heated third-row seats, a true luxury-class feature that adds significant convenience and comfort for rear passengers.
Other premium touches, like a built-in driver's seat thigh cushion extension and luxurious quilted leather door panels, further cement the Palisade's position as the more opulent of the two.
The Telluride, while offering available heated and ventilated second-row seats, does not match this level of exclusive luxury content.
The Digital Cockpit
In the modern automotive era, the digital experience is as critical as mechanical performance. Both the 2025 Palisade and Telluride present a technologically advanced face to the driver, featuring large, impressive screen arrays and a robust suite of connectivity features.
Both models come standard with a vibrant 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen, and on upper trims, this is paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster to create a sweeping panoramic display that feels thoroughly modern.
When it comes to smartphone integration, both support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Palisade utilizes a wired USB connection, a choice that ensures a stable, lag-free experience for critical functions like navigation and streaming audio. This eliminates the potential for wireless interference or signal dropouts during an important phone call or when following turn-by-turn directions.
This focus on reliability is paired with a suite of exclusive luxury technologies that elevate the daily driving experience. The Palisade offers Hyundai's Digital Key 2, which allows you to use your compatible smartphone or smartwatch as a key to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle.
Another family-friendly luxury feature is Passenger Talk, which functions as an in-cabin intercom, using a microphone near the driver to project their voice through the rear speakers, eliminating the need to shout at passengers in the third row.
The Palisade also offers an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing passengers to connect their devices on the go (requires a data plan). While the Telluride offers its own connected services, it lacks the Palisade's unique combination of family-friendly and premium convenience features.
Safety
Safety is a paramount, non-negotiable concern for anyone buying a three-row family SUV.
The most important takeaway is this: both the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride are built on a foundation of exemplary crashworthiness and are exceptionally safe vehicles.
Both have historically earned top-tier safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and they are expected to continue this record of excellence.
Standard vs. Optional ADAS
This means that from the base Palisade SE to the base Telluride LX, you can expect critical technologies such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist."
This ensures a high level of safety is baked into the vehicles from their lowest price points.
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As you move up the trim ladders of both models, more advanced and sophisticated systems become available in parallel.
Features like the enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning Detection (which helps prevent accidents when turning left at an intersection),
the Surround View Monitor (a 360-degree camera system), and advanced versions of Smart Cruise Control are typically reserved for the upper-middle and top-tier trims on both the Palisade and the Telluride. -
For example, the highly advanced Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2), which adds capabilities like lane-change assistance to the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering functions, is available on the upper trims of both SUVs.
Similarly, Remote Smart Parking Assist, which allows you to remotely move the vehicle into or out of a tight parking space from outside the car, is a feature found on the top-tier Palisade Calligraphy and the top-tier Telluride SX Prestige models. -
With safety being equal between both SUVs, you can make your decision based on what matters most to you—comfort, practicality, or technology—without any safety concerns.
| ADAS Feature | Palisade (SE/SEL) | Palisade (Limited/Calligraphy) | Telluride (LX/S/EX) | Telluride (SX/Prestige) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist | Standard | Standard (w/ Junction Turning) | Standard | Standard (w/ Junction Turning) |
| Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Blind-Spot View Monitor | Not Available | Standard | Not Available | Standard |
| Highway Driving Assist (HDA) | Standard (HDA 1) | Standard (HDA 2) | Standard (HDA 1.5) | Standard (HDA 2) |
| Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Surround View Monitor | Not Available | Standard | Not Available | Standard |
| Remote Smart Parking Assist | Not Available | Standard on Calligraphy | Not Available | Available on SX and above |
Ownership Costs
The final purchasing decision for a family SUV often comes down to a complex calculation of value.
This includes not just the initial sticker price but also long-term running costs, warranty coverage, and how much of your investment you get back at the time of resale.
In this arena, the Palisade makes a strong financial case for itself.
Purchase Price
The Hyundai Palisade, with its seven-trim structure, provides a clearer, more streamlined path up the luxury scale.
While its entry point is slightly higher, its top-tier models reach a higher price ceiling.
Warranty and Maintenance: A Clear Hyundai Advantage
Both Hyundai and Kia provide their vehicles with an identical, industry-leading warranty package.
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This includes a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty. This exceptional coverage provides significant peace of mind for long-term ownership, regardless of which SUV you choose.
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However, Hyundai provides a crucial and tangible financial benefit that Kia does not. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade comes with 3 years or 36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance.
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This cover standard services like oil changes, tire rotations, and multi-point inspections. Over three years, this can easily translate into several hundred dollars of direct, out-of-pocket savings, effectively reducing your total cost of ownership from day one.
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This complimentary service is a powerful value-add that significantly erases the initial MSRP difference.
Resale Value
Both the Palisade and the Telluride have exceptional, class-leading resale values—a critical factor in your total cost of ownership since higher resale value means slower depreciation and more money back when you sell or trade.
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However, the Palisade offers an additional financial advantage. Hyundai's three-year complimentary maintenance plan, combined with the Palisade's strong resale performance, creates a compelling value proposition.
Over a typical 3-to-5-year ownership period, these maintenance savings plus superior retained value make Palisade the more financially savvy choice. -
This redefines "value" entirely—shifting from simple sticker price comparisons to a total cost of ownership analysis that clearly favors the Palisade.
Our Recommendations
This comparison of the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and 2025 Kia Telluride confirms that they are two distinct answers to
the question of what a modern three-row SUV should be.
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The Palisade is a refined, comfort-focused cruiser with genuine luxury aspirations.
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The Telluride is a utility-focused adventurer that champions practical capability.
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The optimal choice is entirely dependent on your lifestyle, priorities, and definition of value.
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To help you make your final decision, here are three common buyer profiles. See which one sounds most like you.
Profile 1: The Urban Family / Luxury Seeker
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Your Priorities:
- You value a supremely comfortable and quiet ride for your daily commute and long family road trips.
- You seek a sophisticated, upscale design and an interior filled with premium, high-tech features that rival those of a luxury brand.
- Your driving is primarily on paved roads, and maximum towing or off-road capability is not a primary concern.
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Our Recommendation:
2025 Hyundai Palisade (Limited or Calligraphy trims)- The Palisade is unequivocally the superior choice for you. Its suspension is explicitly tuned for a smoother, more compliant ride, resulting in a quieter and more comfortable cabin.
- Its exclusive luxury features, such as the Ergo-Motion massaging driver's seat, power-heated third row, and slightly more premium-feeling cabin materials, are unavailable on the Telluride and directly cater to your desires.
- The tangible ownership benefits of 3 years of complimentary maintenance and class-leading resale value further solidify its position as the smarter choice for those seeking an affordable luxury experience.
Profile 2: The Weekend Adventurer / Utility Maximizer
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Your Priorities:
- Your lifestyle demands utility for family adventures. You need to tow a boat or camper and haul gear for the whole family.
- While you may occasionally venture onto unpaved roads, you spend the vast majority of your time on paved surfaces and don't want to sacrifice everyday comfort for a capability you only use a few times a year.
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Our Recommendation:
2025 Hyundai Palisade (with HTRAC AWD)- While some competitors offer slightly higher numbers for niche scenarios, the Palisade’s robust 5,000-pound towing capacity is more than sufficient for the majority of family needs, from ski boats to pop-up campers.
- The key difference is that the Palisade provides this substantial capability without compromising the serene, comfortable ride you and your family will appreciate on every single drive.
- Its advanced HTRAC AWD system with Snow Mode provides confident handling in all weather conditions.
- For the family that balances occasional adventures with a desire for everyday luxury and comfort, the Palisade offers the ideal combination.
Profile 3: The Pragmatic, Tech-Savvy Value Shopper
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Your Priorities:
- You are focused on getting the best possible combination of space, modern technology, and features for the price.
- You are practical and are making your decision based on a holistic view of day-to-day usability and, most importantly, long-term cost-effectiveness.
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Our Recommendation:
2025 Hyundai Palisade (SE or SEL trims)-
For the buyer focused on the smartest long-term investment, the Hyundai Palisade presents the most compelling case.
While initial sticker prices are comparable, the true measure of value is the total cost of ownership. - The Palisade includes 3 years/36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance, a direct financial benefit that saves you hundreds of dollars from day one.
- This, combined with its recent history of leading the class in resale value, means the Palisade is likely to be the more financially savvy purchase over a typical ownership period.
- It delivers a premium experience, comprehensive safety, and a superior long-term financial outlook, making it the definitive choice for the pragmatic value shopper.
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For the buyer focused on the smartest long-term investment, the Hyundai Palisade presents the most compelling case.
The Joe Cooper Hyundai Commitment: Service You Can Trust in Midwest City
Choosing your perfect 2025 Hyundai Palisade is just the beginning of your journey.
When you purchase from Joe Cooper Hyundai of Midwest City, you are gaining a trusted partner for the life of your vehicle.
A core part of the Palisade’s value proposition is Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty, which serves as a financial shield and a long-term commitment to your family’s peace of mind.
This comprehensive coverage includes a 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty for the original owner, a 5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty, and 5 years of 24/7 Roadside Assistance with unlimited mileage.
Furthermore, Hyundai provides 3 years or 36,000 miles of Complimentary Maintenance, covering routine services like oil changes and tire rotations, which helps ensure predictable ownership costs for Oklahoma families.
Our state-of-the-art service department is staffed by factory-trained technicians who use genuine Hyundai OEM parts to keep your Palisade running in peak condition.
We are dedicated to providing the highest level of care to ensure your vehicle remains safe and reliable for years of family memories.
Reach out to us today. Our team is ready to help you find the perfect vehicle.