2026 Hyundai Palisade Launches as Kia Telluride Holds Steady

UPDATE: The highly anticipated 2026 Hyundai Palisade has officially launched, showcasing significant upgrades in style, engines, and technology. Meanwhile, the Kia Telluride remains unchanged for now, as Kia has yet to announce details about its upcoming redesign. If you’re in the market for a three-row SUV, this comparison between the new Palisade and the current Telluride is essential reading.

The 2026 Palisade starts at $41,035, while the 2025 Telluride is priced more attractively at $37,885. Both vehicles come with standard features like eight-passenger seating, LED headlights, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Telluride offers synthetic leather upholstery as standard, elevating its premium feel compared to the Palisade’s cloth seating.

In terms of performance, the Palisade features a new standard 287-horsepower V6 engine, with an estimated 21 mpg in combined driving. A new hybrid option is also expected, but precise fuel economy figures have yet to be announced. Conversely, the Telluride boasts a 291-horsepower V6 capable of achieving up to 22 mpg, accelerating to 60 mph in just 7.5 seconds. This makes it one of the more competitive options in its class.

The Palisade excels in comfort with a notably quiet cabin that absorbs road imperfections seamlessly. While the Telluride is also comfortable, the enhancements in the Palisade’s seating and ride quality stand out. Cargo capacity is generous in both SUVs, with the Palisade offering 19.1 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 86.7 cubic feet with all seats folded down.

While the Telluride has a slight edge in raw cargo space, the latest improvements in the Palisade make it a compelling choice for families and adventurers alike.

Edmunds experts suggest that the Palisade’s fresh design gives it a current edge, but the Telluride’s forthcoming redesign could level the playing field.

What’s next? As consumers weigh their options, the anticipation for the Telluride’s updates adds a layer of excitement to the SUV market. Stay tuned for more details as they emerge.

This analysis was contributed by Dan Frio at Edmunds, providing critical insights into the evolving landscape of three-row SUVs. Make sure to share this update with fellow SUV enthusiasts!