2020 Hyundai Palisade vs. 2020 Kia Telluride
Considering platform-mates, the DNA profiles of both the Hyundai Palisade and the Kia Telluride are in relation to each other. They are so related that a 23andMe genetic test would struggle to tell what makes them apart. Further, both are motivated by the same transversely mounted, 291-hp V-6 mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Moreover, both share suspension components, brakes, and further optional all-wheel-drive systems. Furthermore, each can tug up to 5000 pounds when equipped properly. But it’s only natural for us to wade into the gene pool to sniff out just exactly how similar these two impressive mid-size, three-row SUVs are concurrent.
On the Road
Not so surprisingly, the experience of driving between these two essentially is a wash. Perhaps the Telluride misses a morning bathroom break, weighing just three pounds more than the 4440-pound Palisade. However, the extra mass is negligible. Each of them exhibits excellent wheel control over washboard surfaces against some of their direct competitors. For instance the Subaru Ascent and Volkswagen Atlas. Further, their electrically assisted steering feels precise and light. This furthermore activating their Sport driving modes dials in some additional heft. Thus, body roll is adequately maintained relative to others in the segment. Besides this, jumping back and forth between these two SUVs confide the slightest difference in ride quality, with the nod going to the Hyundai. However, we tend to doubt whether they are going to disclose the differences.
2020 Hyundai Palisade
At the test track, the Hyundai is backed up the brand’s claim that the two automakers individually perform their own powertrain tuning. Further, the Telluride’s 7.0-second sprint to 60 mph is competitive for the class. However, a rather violent drift from first to second gear under wide-open throttle puts it 0.2 seconds behind the Palisade. Further, The Kia never closes the gap in the quarter-mile, requiring 15.3 seconds to cross the line at 93 mph versus the Hyundai’s 15.1-second pass at a similar speed.
2020 Kia Telluride
Dynamics
Cultured in the same petri dish, both deliver almost the same dynamics. Moreover, both are fitted with 20-inch 245/50R-20 all-season tires. Further, this follows by a key difference being our Palisade was fitted with Bridgestone Dueller H/P Sport AS rubber while the Telluride rolled on Michelin Primacy Tour A/S tires. Regardless, both vehicles circled the skidpad with the same 0.81 g of lateral grip, and the Palisade bettered the Telluride’s stopping performance from 70 mph by four feet, coming to a stoppage in 173 feet.
The Inside View
2020 Kia Telluride
In a segment where bland and cheap-feeling interiors are so normal, the Palisade and Telluride step out with their premium trappings, especially with our test cars’ upscale trim levels.
Moreover, we could have never predicted a day in which we would compare the interiors of a Hyundai and a Kia to the likes of a Mercedes-Benz.
2020 Hyundai Palisade
Thus, that time has come. Moreover, both vehicles consist of seats wrapped in premium Nappa leather, as well as faux-suede headliners.
However, we’re still on the fence if the door panels of Palisade is quilted, they need to be perforated. Therefore, it is pertinent to find a non-luxury competitor with optional heated and ventilated seats in the second row.
Abundant space
Both the Palisade and Telluride have abundant space for all occupants. The Telluride has an extra overall cubic foot of space that is not possible to ignore. Further, a greenhouse that provides a panoramic view of the world. Moreover, a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple Car Play mounted proudly on either dash. Furthermore, there is a scattering of USB ports throughout their cabins to keep devices full of juice. Thus, both the high-level Hyundai and Kia are stacked with standard active-safety equipment.
Above all, The Palisade gets some treatments that are absent in the Telluride. Further, the Hyundai utilizes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, whereas the Kia relies on an analogy set up with a 7.0-inch screen between its main gauges. Moreover, Hyundai’s third-row features are a power-folding function. However, the operation part is so slow that we prefer the action of the Telluride’s manual setup. Similarly, we prefer Telluride’s traditional PRNDL shift lever versus the Palisade’s push-button arrangement. However, the latter does make room for a large storage cubby within the center console.
The Bottom Line
Above all, and considering the fact that styling is subjective, but when two contenders are this closely related, it is the only thing that counts. For many people, the Telluride got the better genes. People tend to like it so much that we immediately snagged one for a 40,000-mile long-term shakedown. Further, Kia’s masculine shoulders and blocky styling give it striking curb appeal. Conversely, the Palisade’s polarizing face and more complex surfacing simply never happen us looking back at it as we walk away. This further carries into their interiors, with the Telluride’s cabin apparently more visually appealing and better in terms of execution than the Palisade’s, at least to our eyes.
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