Kia Telluride vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

The 2025 Kia Telluride, available in Canada in five trim levels, offered a range of features and a distinctive design that set it apart in the crowded SUV market. With base prices ranging from $53,840 to $66,540, including destination charges, the Telluride came standard with all-wheel drive. The X-Line and X-Pro trims added unique features like increased ground clearance and off-roading capabilities, with the X-Pro trim enhancing towing capacity to 2,500 kilograms. The Midnight Lake Blue paint on the X-Pro trim added a touch of elegance, although the blacked-out treatment somewhat muted the SUV's personality. Inside, the Telluride boasted a luxurious look with simulated wood trim, metallic accents, and Nappa leather, though some lower cabin plastics revealed cost-saving measures. The dual-screen display added a modern touch, though some controls were difficult to read in daylight.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, sold in two trim levels in Canada, integrated seamlessly into the existing Palisade lineup. The Luxury trim featured 20-inch alloy wheels and a striking front grille with LED headlights. The Palisade's design was both stylish and functional, with body-colour heated side mirrors and acoustic side glass for a quieter ride. The rear design was equally impressive, with wide-spaced letters and LED taillights. Inside, the Palisade Hybrid offered a comfortable and thoughtfully designed cabin, with features like H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery and power-adjustable seats. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The interior design was crafted with care, offering a richer feeling of craftsmanship compared to other non-luxury crossovers.

The 2025 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. It offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Snow, and Smart, with the latter adapting to driver behaviour. Despite some competitors switching to turbocharged four-cylinders, the Telluride's V6 was smooth and refined, delivering ample power for road trips. It achieved a fuel economy of 11.6 litres per 100 kilometres over nearly 2,000 kilometres, aligning with the Natural Resources Canada rating. The X-Pro trim's all-terrain tires provided excellent off-road capability, though they sacrificed some on-pavement grip. The Telluride's driving experience was generally pleasurable, though brake pedal behaviour in traffic was occasionally problematic.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery, producing a combined 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain delivered impressive performance, with the Palisade never lagging in town or on the highway. The advanced eight-speed automatic transmission and hybrid system optimized power distribution, enhancing handling and fuel efficiency. The Palisade's cabin was remarkably quiet, thanks to noise-absorbing carpet and acoustic glass. The steering was sharp, though the pedal feel was somewhat squishy. Overall, the Palisade Hybrid offered a fun-to-drive experience for a family SUV.

The 2025 Kia Telluride's interior was thoughtfully designed, with features like heated and ventilated second-row seats, USB-C charging ports, and smartphone storage sleeves. The second-row captain's chairs provided comfort and convenience, with ample legroom and a rear climate control zone. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable for adults, and the cargo space was generous, offering 601 litres behind the third row and expanding to 2,455 litres with the seats folded. While not class-leading, the Telluride's cargo capacity was sufficient for most needs.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered 2,455 litres of total cargo capacity, trailing some competitors but exceeding others. The second-row legroom was slightly reduced due to the battery's position, but the cabin remained comfortable and spacious. The third-row legroom and headroom were competitive, though not class-leading. The Palisade's cabin featured dual-zone climate control, multiple USB-C power outlets, and ample storage solutions. The second-row bench seat was standard, with captain's chairs available on higher trims. The Palisade's interior was well-equipped and thoughtfully designed, offering a comfortable and practical space for passengers.

The 2025 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a 10-inch head-up display on higher trims. The head-up display provided blind-spot alerts, while the Blind Spot View Monitor showed live video feeds. However, the Telluride lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the voice recognition system was rudimentary. The Harman Kardon audio system delivered impressive sound quality, and the SiriusXM satellite radio provided entertainment options.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Driver Talk intercom system facilitated communication between rows, and a 14-speaker Bose stereo was available on higher trims. A wireless charging pad was standard, though it could overheat devices. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim featured a built-in dashcam, and the "Stay Mode" allowed the use of climate control and infotainment while the engine was off. The Palisade's technology offerings were comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2025 Kia Telluride came standard with a suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Highway Driving Assist provided semi-autonomous highway driving, and higher trims added features like reverse automatic braking and front cross-traffic alert. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid also offered a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and automatic emergency braking. The blind-view monitor was standard on higher trims, and the safe-exit alert indicator enhanced safety. While the 2026 Palisade had not yet been crash-tested, the 2025 model received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.