2027 Kia Telluride vs. Hyundai Palisade: Specs, Price, and Features Compared

You have already done the hard part—narrowed it down to two of the best three-row SUVs on the market. Now you just need to make the call. The 2027 Kia Telluride and 2026 Hyundai Palisade share the same platform, similar pricing, and a lot of the same DNA. But the differences between them are real, and depending on what your family actually needs, one of them is the clearly smarter choice.

At Quality Kia of Greenwood, SC, we see families from all over South Carolina cross-shopping these two powerhouses every day. To help you decide, here is the honest, side-by-side breakdown of how these SUVs perform on the roads of Greenwood and beyond.

Price: Kia Telluride Starts Lower with More Trim Options 

The starting price is one of the clearest differences between the two: 

• 2027 Kia Telluride: Starts at $39,190—available in 10 gas trims and 5 hybrid trims 
• 2026 Hyundai Palisade: Starts at $41,035—available in 7 gas trims and 6 hybrid trims 

The Telluride’s lower entry price carries through most of the trim lineup, with equivalently equipped Telluride trims typically coming in a few hundred to a few thousand dollars less than their Palisade counterparts. The Telluride also offers more choices—15 total configurations versus the Palisade’s 13—giving you more flexibility to find the exact setup that fits your budget. 

Advantage: Kia Telluride 

Performance and Powertrain: Similar Power, Different Engines 

Both vehicles now offer gas and hybrid options, and the hybrid powertrain is shared between them. The gas engines, however, are different: 

Gas Engines: 

• Telluride: 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder—274 hp, 311 lb-ft of torque
• Palisade: 3.5L V6—287 hp, 260 lb-ft of torque 

The Palisade has a slight horsepower edge, but the Telluride’s turbo four-cylinder produces meaningfully more torque—51 lb-ft more—which translates to stronger real-world acceleration, especially from a stop or during highway merges. 

Hybrid Powertrain 

• Both vehicles share an identical 2.5L turbo-hybrid system producing 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque 
• Kia estimates up to 35 MPG combined for the Telluride Hybrid EX FWD; Palisade Hybrid is rated similarly 

Towing Capacity

• Telluride (gas): 5,000 lbs 
• Telluride (hybrid): 4,500 lbs
• Palisade (gas): 5,000 lbs 
• Palisade (hybrid): 4,000 lbs—500 lbs less than the Telluride Hybrid 

Advantage: Kia Telluride—more torque on gas, better towing on hybrid 

Interior Space and Cargo: Telluride Has the Edge Behind the Third Row

Both SUVs are spacious, but there are measurable differences worth knowing: 

• Cargo behind 3rd row—Telluride: 22.3 cu ft vs. Palisade: 19.1 cu ft
• Max cargo (all seats folded)—Telluride: 89.3 cu ft vs. Palisade: 86.7 cu ft
• Second-row legroom: Telluride leads with class-leading 2nd-row legroom; both offer 43.0 in of 2nd-row legroom on standard configs
• Front legroom—Palisade: 44.2 in vs. Telluride: 41.4 in—the Palisade has notably more front legroom

For families who use the third row regularly and need to fit a stroller or grocery haul back there, too, the Telluride’s cargo advantage is real. Taller drivers, however, may appreciate the Palisade’s extra front legroom.

Advantage: Kia Telluride on cargo; Hyundai Palisade on front legroom

Features and Technology: Where Each One Wins

Both vehicles are well-equipped — this is where the comparison gets nuanced. Here is what each one does better:

Kia Telluride Advantages

• Dual wireless phone chargers standard—Palisade only offers a single wireless pad, typically on higher trims
• Cooled front seats standard on Hybrid trims—a feature usually reserved for top trims on competitors
• Sunroof standard on Hybrid—Palisade charges extra
• X-Pro off-road trim with 9.1-in ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and Ground View Monitor—no true Palisade equivalent
• 10-airbag system including a front-row center airbag—targets IIHS Top Safety Pick+
• Digital rearview mirror standard on Hybrid—premium touch included without an upcharge
• More trim options at each price point—15 configurations vs. 13

Hyundai Palisade Advantages

• More front legroom—44.2 in vs. 41.4 in, a meaningful difference for tall drivers
• Massaging driver’s seat available on top trims
• Integrated front and rear dashcam on top trims—not offered on Telluride
• 120V household outlet available in the second row—Telluride’s outlet is in the cargo area
• Nappa leather is available at the Calligraphy trim
• 5-year unlimited mileage roadside assistance vs. Telluride’s 5-year/60,000-mile coverage

The Verdict: Which 3-Row SUV Is Right for You?

Both are excellent SUVs—there is no wrong answer here. But the differences do point each vehicle toward a specific type of buyer.

Choose the 2027 Kia Telluride if:

• You want more value for the money—lower starting price, more standard features
• Cargo space behind the third row matters—hauling gear with all seats in use
• You want a hybrid with a stronger towing capacity—4,500 lbs vs. 4,000 lbs
• You want off-road capability—the X-Pro is in a class of its own

Choose the 2026 Hyundai Palisade if:

• You are a tall driver who prioritizes front legroom
• Top-trim luxury perks matter—massaging seat, Nappa leather, built-in dashcam
• You want a second-row household outlet for charging laptops or devices on road trips

For most families, the 2027 Kia Telluride delivers more usable value. Better cargo space, stronger towing on the hybrid, more standard tech, a lower starting price, and the most capable off-road trim in the segment add up to a compelling package. The Palisade is a genuine competitor, but the Telluride tends to give you more of what families actually use, at a price that is easier to justify.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Kia Telluride better than the Hyundai Palisade?

For most buyers, yes—the 2027 Telluride offers a lower starting price, more cargo space, stronger hybrid towing, and more standard features. The Palisade edges it out on front legroom, and a few luxury touches at the top trim level. Which one is better depends on which of those factors matters most to you.

What is the best 3-row SUV you can buy?

The 2027 Kia Telluride and 2026 Hyundai Palisade consistently rank at or near the top of the midsize three-row SUV segment. Both offer a strong mix of space, safety, tech, and reliability at a competitive price point. The Telluride’s combination of value, cargo capacity, and available off-road capability makes it a standout pick for active families.

Does the 2027 Kia Telluride have a hybrid option?

Yes. The 2027 Telluride is the first generation of the model to offer a hybrid powertrain. The Telluride Hybrid uses a 2.5L turbo-hybrid system producing 329 hp with an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined on the EX FWD trim and a towing capacity of 4,500 lbs.

Should I buy the Telluride or Palisade?

If cargo space, value, and standard features are your priorities, the Telluride is the stronger pick. If you are a tall driver or want specific luxury features like a massaging seat or a built-in dashcam, the Palisade is worth a close look. The best way to decide is to drive both—and the 2027 Telluride is available now at Quality Kia of Greenwood, SC.

Explore the 2027 Kia Telluride at Quality Kia in Greenwood, SC

Ready to see the 2027 Kia Telluride in person? Quality Kia of Greenwood has it in stock. Browse our current Telluride inventory online or visit us at 1706 Montague Ave Ext in Greenwood, SC to schedule a test drive. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you find the right trim for your family and budget.

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