2022 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, and exclusive 20-inch wheels. The interior was upgraded with premium detailing and a simulated suede headliner. The Limited trim, which previously included some of these features, adopted a more standard look similar to the Palisade SEL with option packages. The Calligraphy trim made the Palisade appear more luxurious, drawing mixed reactions due to its unconventional styling. Inside, the Beige over Navy Blue color scheme, premium Nappa leather, and suede headliner made the Calligraphy’s cabin feel like a bargain compared to other midsize three-row SUVs.

The 2022 Kia Telluride continued to impress with its muscular design and balanced proportions. For 2022, Kia made minor changes to the grille pattern and added new badges. The Telluride’s interior was both upscale and functional, featuring thoughtful details like overhead air vents, manual rear side window shades, and USB ports embedded into the front seatbacks. The SX Prestige package added premium Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner, making the interior feel more expensive. The Telluride’s seats were comfortable for adults in all three rows, and the one-touch sliding and folding second-row seat mechanism made accessing the third row easier. Cargo space was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 87 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with an optional all-wheel-drive 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 traction. The Palisade AWD had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in combined driving, and our test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg. The Palisade’s firmer suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive without being overly harsh. It had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, with a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

The 2022 Kia Telluride also featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. AWD models included a Lock mode for even power distribution. The Telluride offered a smooth ride with good handling, thanks to its brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control system and 20-inch wheels with 245/50 tires. It had driving modes similar to the Palisade and performed well on various terrains, including snow and muddy roads. The Telluride’s fuel economy matched the Palisade’s, with an EPA estimate of 21 mpg in combined driving and our test vehicle returning 21.1 mpg. It also had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious and accessible interior, 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 had plenty of in-cabin storage, including a storage tray under the center console. Cargo space measured 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate was a convenient feature, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2022 Kia Telluride balanced form and function with an upscale, organized interior. It featured dual-zone automatic climate control for front-seat occupants and single-zone automatic climate control for the rear. The SX Prestige package added premium Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner. The Telluride’s seats were comfortable for adults in all three rows, with a one-touch sliding and folding second-row seat mechanism for easy access to the third row. Storage space was ample, with 21 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with all seats folded. The hands-free power liftgate made loading and unloading easy.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen requiring a wired connection. The Calligraphy trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, Blue Link connected services, and wireless smartphone charging. Other features included a Driver Talk intercom system, Quiet Mode, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system.

For 2022, Kia made its 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard, including navigation and voice recognition technology. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now required a wired connection. Kia Connect provided connected services, including emergency assistance, remote engine start, and smart speaker integration. The Telluride also featured USB charging ports in all three rows, a wireless smartphone charging pad, Quiet Mode, and Driver Talk. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, a head-up display, and a surround-view monitoring system.

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. Higher trims included a Blind View Monitor and Blue Link services with automatic collision warning and emergency assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA and featured Highway Drive Assist for advanced adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance.

The 2022 Kia Telluride included Kia Drive Wise, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Highway Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The Telluride also featured Safe Exit Assist and Blind-Spot View Monitor. It earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick” designation from the IIHS.