2021 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy stood out with its distinctive grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, and unique 20-inch alloy wheels. It featured upgraded interior detailing, including a simulated suede headliner, which gave it a more luxurious appearance compared to other Palisade models. The standard LED headlights added a modern touch, and the overall design was polarizing, drawing mixed reactions. Inside, the Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy impressed with its premium Nappa leather and suede headliner, offering a cabin that felt more expensive than its price suggested.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels, each with standard all-wheel drive. The top-of-the-line SX Limited trim was particularly popular, offering a luxury SUV feel at a mainstream price. It featured premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, and heated and ventilated seats. The SX Limited Nightsky Edition added a blacked-out look with gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert. The Telluride's styling was widely praised, with its exterior and interior design receiving high marks for quality and execution.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. It offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, Snow, and a Lock function for improved traction. The Palisade's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, and it delivered a firm yet comfortable ride. The suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive, though not particularly sporty. The Palisade's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, with a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

The 2021 Kia Telluride shared the same 3.8-litre V6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, also producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It featured Kia's Drive Mode Select with Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart modes. The Telluride's AWD system included a low-speed Lock function and 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance, making it capable in challenging conditions. The suspension tuning minimized head-toss and provided a firm, connected sensation at lower speeds, while softening at higher speeds for a smooth ride. The Telluride's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres, with an average of 11.5 L/100 km during testing.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with eight-way power-adjustable front seats and heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. The third-row seat was more accommodating than most in its class, and the Palisade provided ample in-cabin storage. Cargo space measured 509 litres behind the third-row seats, expanding to 1,297 litres with the third row folded, and 2,447 litres with the second row folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate was a convenient feature, though it could be disabled if desired.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs offered heating and ventilation, and the third-row seat was suitable for adults. The Telluride provided thoughtful storage solutions, including smartphone storage pouches and USB ports. Cargo space measured 601 litres behind the third-row seats, expanding to 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and 2,455 litres with the second row folded. The smart hands-free power liftgate was a practical feature, with the option to disable it if needed.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems, with 8-inch and 10.25-inch touchscreen displays. Both systems allowed pairing of two smartphones via Bluetooth, but only the 8-inch setup offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, and Blue Link connected services. Additional features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system allowed pairing of two smartphones and included wireless smartphone charging. The SX trim added a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, though the sound quality was not exceptional. The Limited grades included a head-up display with comprehensive information, including blind-spot notifications.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. It included a rear occupant alert system and a Safe Exit Assist system. The Palisade's Highway Driving Assist provided smooth and sophisticated adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. It earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and forward-collision avoidance. The SX trim added front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star frontal-impact results.