2024 Hyundai Palisade vs 2023 Kia Telluride

During our time in Texas, we experienced the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models, which featured refreshed front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The Telluride offered new paint colours such as Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, while the interior introduced fresh colours like Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, boasting a raised suspension, unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-colour door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro model took it further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road appeal. Inside, the updates were subtle, with a new digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both housed under a curved 24-inch glass panel. The interior changes also included new colours, minor trim updates, a redesigned steering wheel, and a more functional centre console. The X-Line and X-Pro trims featured embossed trim names on the front seatbacks. In Canada, the Telluride was available in EX, SX, SX Limited, X-Line, and X-Pro trims, with prices starting at $50,195 for the EX and reaching $62,795 for the X-Pro, excluding a $1,950 destination charge.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its distinctive styling, setting it apart from other family-friendly SUVs. In Canada, it was offered in two trims: Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy, priced at $57,431 and $61,031, respectively, including a $2,000 destination charge. Our test vehicle was the U.S. equivalent of the Ultimate Calligraphy trim, featuring an artificial suede headliner, quality upholstery, metal speaker grilles, and sophisticated interior design, giving it a luxury SUV feel. The Palisade's interior was well-appointed, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a dual-panel sunroof. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added an Ergo Motion massage function for the driver. The Palisade's configurable storage options, including a large storage bin and wireless smartphone charger, added to its practicality. Second-row passengers enjoyed excellent comfort, with a rear climate control panel and USB charging ports. The third-row seat was more comfortable and roomy than most rivals, with standard heating and air conditioning vents. The hands-free power tailgate was a convenient feature, though it could be turned off if not needed. The Palisade offered 509 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,447 litres with the second and third rows folded.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting for power distribution. The Telluride X-Line averaged 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, while the X-Pro returned 11.5 L/100 km, including off-roading. Official ratings suggested 11.4 L/100 km in combined driving. The Telluride's suspension was raised by 10 mm, improving ground clearance to 21.3 mm, and enhancing off-road performance with a new Downhill Brake Control system. The X-Pro model, with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, increased towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. The Telluride excelled in off-road conditions, showcasing its AWD Lock mode, ground clearance, and stability. On highways, it offered a smooth ride, though the steering in Sport mode felt overly firm.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade also featured a 3.8-litre V6 engine with 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. AWD was standard in Canada, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance. The Palisade offered driving modes like Eco, Comfort, Sport, Smart, and Snow, with an AWD lock for off-road conditions. However, it was better suited for less challenging terrain. The V6 engine provided ample power and smooth acceleration, with the transmission always in the right gear. The Palisade averaged 15.0 L/100 km in Comfort mode during testing. Its suspension was tuned for a firmer ride, offering excellent visibility and maneuverability in the city. On mountain roads, it displayed athleticism, with predictable handling and reliable brakes. Overall, the Palisade delivered a pleasant driving experience, though real-world fuel economy was less impressive.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The interior offered ample space, with comfortable front seats and a power lumbar stabilization system. The second row featured manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. A button on the second-row captain’s chairs facilitated access to the third row, which was more comfortable than many competitors. The Telluride provided generous storage space, with a smart power tailgate and an automatic closing function. Cargo space was ample, with 601 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,455 litres with both rear rows folded.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade's interior featured artificial leather upholstery in the Urban trim and premium Nappa leather in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. It included heated and ventilated eight-way power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard rear seats. The Calligraphy trim added an Ergo Motion massage function for the driver. Configurable storage options included a large storage bin, wireless smartphone charger, and floor tray. Second-row passengers enjoyed a three-person bench seat or optional captain’s chairs, with excellent comfort and a rear climate control panel. The third row was more comfortable and roomy than most rivals, with standard heating and air conditioning vents. The hands-free power tailgate offered convenience, with 509 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,447 litres with the second and third rows folded.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. The voice recognition system performed well, though climate control adjustments required manual input. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and Bluetooth supported dual-device pairing. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Digital-key technology and a Full Display rear-view mirror were available, along with an optional head-up display. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature, reminding drivers when traffic ahead was moving.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and a rear-seat Quiet Mode. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a USB-A cable. Wireless charging was included in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. Hyundai’s Bluelink connected services offered remote engine starting and emergency assistance. The 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system provided excellent audio quality. Additional technologies included a digital rearview mirror, semi-autonomous remote parking, and a head-up display, though it struggled with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The adaptive cruise control system featured stop-and-go capability and curve speed reduction. Highway Drive Assist 1.5 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance, with Advanced Highway Drive Assist adding lane-change assist. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA crash-test results were unavailable.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a robust set of driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. It also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keep assist. Highway Driving Assist paired adaptive cruise control with curve speed control and lane-centring assist. The rear-seat reminder system used ultrasonic sensing for alerts. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA crash-test results were incomplete.