2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade underwent significant design changes, presenting a more upright and squared-off profile. Its standout feature was the front lighting, with rectangular slashes flanking a massive grille, giving it a bold and distinctive appearance. Inside, the Palisade embraced a Midcentury Modern aesthetic with flowing shapes and simple lines, creating a refined and relaxing environment. The interior materials were of high quality, with the top-spec Calligraphy model offering a luxurious feel, while the off-road-oriented XRT Pro maintained durability with high-quality materials. The Palisade was also slightly larger than its predecessor, offering seating for seven or eight passengers.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid showcased a bold reinterpretation of its design, which could polarize opinions. Its grille, with a flat, faceless look, spanned the entire front end, while body-colored vertical strakes varied in appearance depending on the color and trim level. The X-Line and X-Pro models featured distinctive grille blocks and amber accent lights. The side profile was bold, with faceted fender sculpting and black plastic tabs atop each wheel well. The rear view adopted a different style, resembling a Range Rover with rounded corners and vertical taillights. Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, with a simple horizontal dashboard layout and a modern appearance. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim offered a luxurious two-tone palette, though some buttons were difficult to read.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 287 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. While it had slightly less power than the previous 3.8-liter V6, it remained competitive with its rivals. The eight-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and the ride was comfortable yet controlled. The Palisade's suspension offered good isolation from bumps, and the brakes were improved for shorter stopping distances. The Palisade's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, and the HTRAC AWD system provided versatility with various driving modes. The XRT Pro trim enhanced off-road capability with features like all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance. A hybrid powertrain was expected to be available later, offering a total system output of 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid version added electric motors, increasing output to 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. The Telluride Hybrid offered a smooth and quiet ride, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power. The X-Pro Prestige trim provided off-road capabilities, while the Hybrid SX Prestige had a stiffer ride with its 20-inch wheels. The Telluride's suspension managed bumps well, and the interior remained quiet over various surfaces. On winding roads, the Telluride was composed and controllable, though not particularly sporty. The brake pedal effort was soft, but brake response was immediate in panic stops.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious interior with captain's chairs in the middle row, providing comfort and roominess. Access to the third row required some maneuvering, but the seats were suitable for occasional adult use. USB-C charging ports and cupholders were available for all passengers, and the climate-control system was upgraded for 2026. The Palisade allowed for flexible passenger and cargo space with sliding second- and third-row seats. Heated and ventilated seats were available in higher trims, and the cargo space was competitive, with a maximum of 86.7 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid provided ample space for adults in all three rows, though the rear seats were better suited for smaller passengers. The second row featured power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation in the Hybrid SX Prestige trim. The middle-row seats offered significant travel, allowing for more cargo or third-row legroom. The Telluride's cargo capacity was competitive, with up to 89.3 cubic feet available. The Hybrid models lost only about one cubic foot of cargo space. The Telluride could tow up to 5,000 pounds, with the Hybrid rated at 4,500 pounds. The interior offered various storage options, including a large center bin and deployable cupholders.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The infotainment system included onboard navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Calligraphy model offered a 12-inch head-up display and integrated front and rear dashcams. An in-car intercom and Rear Seat Quiet Mode were standard, along with a UV-light cleaning system. The Bose audio system provided excellent sound quality, and the Surround View Monitor camera system was available on higher trims.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch climate control screen. The infotainment system included native navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was easy to use, though some delays and hard taps were noted. The Telluride offered customization options for the infotainment screen, and the SX trim and above featured a 14-speaker Meridian audio system. The sound quality was excellent, with powerful bass and clear tones.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade had not yet received safety ratings from NHTSA or IIHS, but the previous version performed well. It offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Additional features were available on higher trims, such as evasive steering assist and Highway Driving Assist II.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid had not received crash test scores from NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims offered additional features like a surround-view camera system and automatic reverse braking. The driver attention monitor had some operational issues, but the highway driving assist was effective on longer trips.