Shopping for a top-tier SUV can be an exhilarating yet overwhelming experience, especially when the market is saturated with stellar models.
Today, we take a deep dive into three standout SUVs – the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Toyota Highlander.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Hyundai Palisade | Kia Telluride | Toyota Highlander |
| Design | Stylish and modern | Rugged and elegant | Conservative and functional |
| Engine | 3.8L V6, 291 hp | 3.8L V6, 291 hp | 3.5L V6, 295 hp, Hybrid available |
| Fuel Economy (mpg) | 19 city / 24 hwy | 20 city / 26 hwy | 21 city / 29 hwy, Hybrid: 36 city / 35 hwy |
| Interior Space (cubic feet) | 21/86 | 21/87 | 16/84 |
| Towing Capacity (pounds) | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 (3500 for hybrid) |
| Seating Capacity | Up to 8 | Up to 8 | Up to 8 |
| Safety Rating | IIHS Top Safety Pick | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ | IIHS Top Safety Pick |
| Starting Price (USD) | ~$33,000 | ~$33,000 | ~$35,000 |
Hyundai Palisade: Style Meets Substance
Let’s start with the Hyundai Palisade, a relatively new entrant in the SUV category, but one that certainly has gained significant traction.
- Pros of Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade is a trendsetter, offering a polished, sleek design that’s both modern and sophisticated. Its spacious, luxurious interior doesn’t skimp on comfort or tech.
With ample seating for up to eight people, the Palisade stands out for its user-friendly infotainment system, impressive safety features, and stellar warranty.
Another notable advantage is the V6 engine that delivers 291 horsepower. It’s robust enough for highway driving while offering reasonable fuel efficiency. The ride is smooth, and noise isolation in the cabin is excellent.
The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) option adds an extra layer of security for those rainy or snowy days.
- Cons of Hyundai Palisade
However, the Palisade isn’t without its shortcomings. Its third-row seating, while spacious, can be challenging to access. Also, despite a robust V6 engine, the driving experience might lack some excitement for speed enthusiasts.
Also Read: Differences Between Chevy Traverse, GMC Acadia And Buick Enclave.
Kia Telluride: Elegance Unleashed
Next on our list is the Kia Telluride, an SUV that effortlessly blends style and performance.
- Pros of Kia Telluride
The Telluride’s attractive exterior design is complemented by a luxurious, feature-packed interior. It comfortably seats up to eight and offers a smooth, quiet ride. The V6 engine, delivering the same horsepower as the Palisade, ensures a strong performance.
Its unique selling point lies in its remarkable safety features and driver assistance technologies, earning it top marks in safety ratings. The Telluride also stands out for its towing capacity, which, at 5000 pounds, edges out the Palisade.
- Cons of Kia Telluride
The Telluride does have a few drawbacks, though. Some might find the infotainment system a bit complex, and while the fuel economy is decent, it trails behind the Highlander.
Toyota Highlander: Dependability Defined
Lastly, we delve into the Toyota Highlander, a long-standing favorite in the midsize SUV category.
- Pros of Toyota Highlander
The Highlander has built its reputation on reliability. It comes with a V6 engine that balances performance and fuel efficiency exceptionally well. Its standard safety features are impressive, and the hybrid variant is an excellent choice for eco-conscious buyers.
The Highlander offers an optional third row, increasing its versatility. Its infotainment system is user-friendly, and the interior, while not as upscale as the Palisade or Telluride, is comfortable and functional.
- Cons of Toyota Highlander
The third-row space in the Highlander is a tad tight, suitable primarily for children. Its cargo space also trails behind the other two models. Also, while the ride is smooth, it lacks the athleticism of its rivals.
Key Differences Between Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Toyota Highlander
While each of these SUVs is a strong contender in its own right, it’s their key differences that will likely steer your decision-making process. Let’s dive deeper.
- Design and Styling
The Hyundai Palisade is stylish and modern, featuring a large front grille, angular headlights, and sculpted lines for a robust look. Inside, the Palisade offers a sophisticated, clean layout with an integrated infotainment screen, push-button transmission, and premium materials.
In contrast, the Kia Telluride projects an image of rugged elegance. It stands taller and wider, with a boxy design that hints at classic SUV styling. The interior echoes this with its high-quality, comfortable fittings and user-friendly layout.
The Toyota Highlander, on the other hand, leans toward a more conservative design. Its latest iteration features a bold front grille and contoured lines. Inside, the Highlander’s cabin is well-appointed, with an emphasis on functionality rather than outright luxury.
- Performance
When it comes to performance, the Palisade and Telluride are almost identical, with a 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers 291 horsepower. Both offer AWD as an option, providing good handling and stability.
The Highlander uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower. The real standout feature, however, is the availability of a hybrid model that offers impressive fuel efficiency for an SUV of this size.
- Interior Space and Comfort
Both the Palisade and Telluride comfortably seat up to eight people with generous headroom and legroom. They also share nearly identical cargo space — around 21 cubic feet behind the third row and about 86 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.
The Highlander is a bit smaller inside, seating up to eight but with more cramped third-row space. Its cargo area is also slightly less generous, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row and about 84 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
- Safety Features
While all three SUVs excel in safety features, the Telluride comes out slightly on top. Its comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assist technologies, including Blind Spot Detection, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Lane Keeping Assist, led to it being awarded the 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
The Palisade also boasts a similar suite of safety features, but it falls just short of the Telluride in the IIHS safety ratings. The Highlander doesn’t lag too far behind, with Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5+ package providing a wide range of safety features, including pedestrian detection and dynamic cruise control.
Also Read: Should You Get Subaru Outback Wilderness Or Touring XT?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Each vehicle has its strengths. The Highlander offers excellent reliability and fuel efficiency, while the Telluride shines in safety features and towing capacity. It ultimately comes down to what you value more in an SUV.
Yes, the Hyundai Palisade is slightly larger than the Toyota Highlander in terms of overall dimensions, leading to a more spacious interior.
The Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade are very similar in size, with only minor differences that most drivers wouldn’t notice.
Whether the Toyota Highlander or Kia Telluride is better largely depends on individual preferences. The Highlander is renowned for its reliability and fuel efficiency, while the Telluride boasts stellar safety features and towing capacity.
Conclusion
Each of these SUVs, the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Toyota Highlander, have unique attributes that make them standout contenders in the midsize SUV category. Your final decision will come down to personal preferences and needs.
Happy shopping!
