2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Hyundai Palisade

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai's largest SUV, received a styling update that enhanced its road presence. The new front fascia, with its bold strokes and squared-off grille, gave the Palisade a stronger and more commanding look. Standard LED accents, daytime running lights, and headlights added to its appeal, while the Ultimate Calligraphy trim featured premium rear accent lighting and a unique grille. The Palisade's 20-inch alloy wheels, standard across the lineup in Canada, contributed to its premium feel, especially with the new multi-spoke design on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The interior of the Palisade was stylish and bright, thanks to the dual-pane sunroof, and featured premium Nappa leather in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The seating configurations allowed for either seven or eight passengers, with second-row captain's chairs available on higher trims.

The 2023 Kia Telluride, particularly in the X-Line and X-Pro models, showcased fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a unique grille design, raised roof rails, and black 20-inch wheels, while the X-Pro added exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. The interior updates included a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed under a curved 24-inch piece of glass. The Telluride's interior changes also included new colours, minor trim updates, and a more functional centre console. The X-Line and X-Pro trims had their names embossed on the front seatbacks, adding a touch of exclusivity.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered competitive performance in its class. The Palisade's all-wheel drive system, standard in Canada, proved capable during a muddy off-road test drive. While not designed for rock-crawling, the Palisade provided a comfortable ride and a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds). Its fuel economy was rated at 12.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.5 on the highway, and 11.2 combined.

The 2023 Kia Telluride shared the same 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering identical power specs of 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The Telluride offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting. The X-Line averaged 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, while the X-Pro returned 11.5 L/100 km, including off-roading. The Telluride's suspension was raised by 10 mm, improving ground clearance and off-road performance. The X-Pro trim increased towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms (5,500 pounds) and featured a self-levelling rear air suspension. The Telluride excelled on highways, offering a smooth ride and quiet interior, though the off-road tires made it feel slightly squishier in turns.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade offered ample space for seven or eight passengers, with legroom measuring 1,052 millimetres in the front row, 1,077 in the second, and 798 in the third. Passenger volume totalled 4,397 litres, and cargo space ranged from 509 litres behind the third row to 2,447 litres with all but the front-row seats folded. The Palisade featured HVAC vents in all three rows, a hands-free smart liftgate, and a centre console with a phone holder and cupholders.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and ventilated, and the third-row seat offered more comfort than many competitors. The Telluride provided ample storage space, a "smart" power tailgate, and generous cargo capacity, with 601 litres behind the third row and 2,455 litres with both rear rows folded. The interior featured manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and overhead climate controls for rear-seat passengers.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade boasted a new 12.3-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity. A premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was standard on higher trims, and the Bluelink connected vehicle system offered remote accessibility and management features. The Palisade also included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, in-car intercom, and a colour head-up display on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia Connect services. The system supported over-the-air updates and Bluetooth pairing for two devices. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. New digital-key technology and a Full Display rear-view mirror were available, along with an optional head-up display with a larger viewing area.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and came with Hyundai's Smart Sense suite of safety features. Standard features included forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Palisade also offered Highway Driving Assist I and II, a full-display digital rearview mirror, and a rear seat occupant alert system.

The 2023 Kia Telluride also received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and offered an extensive list of standard safety features. These included forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Telluride introduced new features like Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Advanced Highway Drive Assist, along with a Rear Occupant Alert system and a Blind-Spot View Monitor.