2021 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy distinguished itself with a unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting including puddle lamps, additional lower body trim, exclusive 20-inch wheels, upgraded interior detailing, and a simulated suede interior headliner. These features made the Calligraphy trim look more upscale compared to other Palisade versions. The Limited trim, which previously included some of these features, now shared an exterior look with the Palisade SEL equipped with the Convenience or Premium option packages. Standard LED headlights were a new addition for models that lacked them in the previous year.

Inside, the Calligraphy trim impressed with a Beige over Navy Blue color scheme, light striated simulated wood trim, and quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather. The simulated suede headliner added to the luxurious feel, making the Calligraphy’s cabin appear more expensive than its sticker price suggested. This trim level drew attention, though opinions on its unconventional styling varied. While some found it appealing, others, like the author, preferred the Kia Telluride’s design.

Kia offered the 2021 Telluride in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX, with base pricing ranging from $32,190 to $42,490, excluding destination charges. The Telluride SX trim, especially with the Prestige option package, transformed the SUV into a luxury vehicle at a mainstream price. This package added premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display (HUD), and heated and ventilated second-row seats. The new Nightfall Edition package, available with EX and SX trims, provided a popular blacked-out look with gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert.

Our test vehicle, equipped with the Nightfall Edition package, AWD, the Prestige package, and other options, had a sticker price of $50,180, including a destination charge. The Telluride’s styling, both inside and out, was widely praised, with no significant criticisms. The interior featured contemporary design and quality execution, with thoughtful details like a solid and smooth transmission shifter. However, the interior color options were limited to black or gray unless you opted for the SX trim.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade came equipped with a powerful and quiet 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive (FWD), with an optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Drivers could choose between Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models adding a Snow mode and a Lock function for improved low-speed traction. The EPA estimated a Palisade AWD would achieve 21 mpg in combined driving, and our test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg with Smart mode engaged most of the time.

Hyundai tuned the Palisade to feel different from the related Kia Telluride, with a firmer suspension that provided excellent body-motion control. While the Palisade communicated more about road conditions, it remained predictable and undemanding to drive. The Palisade’s 5,000-pound towing capacity was supported by a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. Kia’s Drive Mode Select technology offered Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. AWD was optional, with a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction and eight inches of ground clearance.

During testing, the Telluride demonstrated impressive ride and handling, nearly eliminating the phenomenon known as “head-toss.” The suspension tuning provided a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds, while becoming more compliant at higher speeds. The Telluride’s 20-inch wheels and tires offered commendable grip, and brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control technology contributed to its composed handling. The EPA estimated an AWD Telluride would achieve 21 mpg in combined driving, and our test vehicle averaged 20.5 mpg.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in terms of interior size, seating, and accessibility. The Calligraphy trim added a luxurious touch, with eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and separate climate controls for third-row passengers. The second-row captain’s chairs provided ample legroom and support, and the third-row seat was more accommodating than most in its class. The Palisade offered plenty of in-cabin storage space and a hands-free Smart Liftgate for easy access to the cargo area. Cargo space measured 18 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.

The 2021 Kia Telluride also excelled in comfort and utility. The SX trim’s driver’s seat offered 14-way power adjustment, and both front seats were heated and ventilated. The Prestige package added heating and ventilation to the second-row captain’s chairs, along with side-window sunshades and an overhead climate control panel. The third-row seat was usable by adults, and a button automatically tilted and slid the second-row seat for easy access. The Telluride provided ample storage for personal items, with thoughtful features like airline-style USB ports and plastic grocery bag hooks. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expanding to 87 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen display and a 10.25-inch touchscreen display. Both systems could pair two smartphones to Bluetooth simultaneously, but only the 8-inch setup offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Calligraphy trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, Quiet Mode, and an available head-up display (HUD). A surround-view camera system assisted with parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The LX and S trims had an 8-inch touchscreen display, while the EX and SX trims had a 10.25-inch screen with a navigation system. Kia’s UVO Link connected services offered various plans, including features like Rear Occupant Alert, remote engine start, and climate control operation. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, Driver Talk, Quiet Mode, and an available HUD. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons and intuitive touchscreen operation.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping systems, and a rear occupant alert system. Limited and Calligraphy trims added a more sophisticated ultrasonic rear occupant alert system, active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, Safe Exit Assist, and a Blind View Monitor. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, and included three free years of Blue Link services for automatic collision warning and emergency assistance.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included eight standard safety technologies, such as blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Highway Drive Assist was standard with EX and SX trims, providing a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving aid. The SX trim added front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star rating from the NHTSA, though its standard headlights received a Poor rating.