2023 Hyundai Palisade vs 2022 Kia Telluride

In 2022, Kia made minimal changes to the Telluride, preserving the muscular design and balanced proportions that had already made it a midsize SUV favorite. The styling remained consistent, with minor alterations to the grille pattern and the addition of Kia's new badges. Available in LX, S, EX, and SX trims, the Telluride's pricing ranged from $32,790 to $44,590, plus a destination charge of $1,225. Optional all-wheel drive (AWD) was available for an additional $2,000 ($1,900 for the SX trim). The SX trim test vehicle, equipped with AWD, the SX Prestige Package, and carpeted floor mats, had a total cost of $48,325.

Inside, the Telluride showcased a well-organized and visually appealing interior, albeit with some plasticky elements. Particularly on the SX Prestige, the high-gloss plastic contrasted sharply with the Nappa leather upholstery and simulated suede headliner, but still, the overall impression was one of an upscale vehicle. For 2022, Kia added new standard features, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and various driver aids, enhancing the Telluride’s already strong appeal.

In 2023, Hyundai gave the Palisade a substantial styling update, enhancing its overall road presence with a bolder front fascia and squared-off grille. LED lighting became standard, and higher trims received additional premium touches like a unique glossy black and chrome grille on the Calligraphy trim. The new XRT trim sported distinctive dark grille and black 20-inch wheels.

Hyundai offered a fresh addition to their color palette, Robust Emerald, for the Calligraphy trim, replacing the previous Rainforest color. Inside, the Palisade’s Calligraphy model tested featured premium Nappa leather seats and an abundance of soft-touch materials, making for a luxury-like interior. A dual-pane sunroof brightened up the cabin, adding to the sophisticated feel. Second-row captain's chairs and a range of seat configurations increased the Palisade’s seating versatility, although seating for eight was limited to the lower trims with the bench seat configuration.

The 2022 Kia Telluride impressed with a 3.8-liter V6 engine delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Despite its size and higher center of gravity, it offered a satisfying driving experience. The Telluride came exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered AWD as an option. The AWD system included a Lock mode to split power evenly between the front and rear axles, although its limited wheel articulation made it more suitable for mild off-roading.

With driving modes like Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport, the Telluride aimed to cater to different driving preferences. The SX trim's 20-inch wheels and 245/50 tires provided commendable grip, while the supple ride made for comfortable cruising. On long drives, the vehicle performed admirably, leveraging its Highway Driving Assist for a smooth experience. The fuel economy was respectable, with the AWD Telluride SX returning 21.1 mpg in combined driving. When considering towing, the Telluride could handle up to 5,000 pounds.

Similarly, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade featured the same 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing identical figures of 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The powertrain included an eight-speed automatic transmission, controllable through standard paddle shifters, with front-wheel drive as the default and AWD as a $1,900 option. During an off-road test, the Palisade’s HTRAC AWD system proved capable in muddy conditions but emphasized comfort over rugged terrain capability.

The AWD Palisade added a dedicated Tow Mode that optimized gear shifts, enhancing its towing potential to 5,000 pounds. Fuel economy ratings stood at 19 mpg city, 27 highway, and 22 combined for front-wheel-drive models, with a slight reduction to 19 city, 25 highway, and 21 combined for AWD models.

The 2022 Kia Telluride excelled in blending form with function. Its well-designed interior, equipped with grab handles, rear smartphone storage pouches, and multiple USB ports, demonstrated its utility. Standard dual-zone climate control and available premium leather options in higher trims added to the luxury feel. The SX Prestige further offered heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, dual sunroofs, and a Smart Power Liftgate.

The Telluride’s seating was comfortable, with even the third row accommodating adults, although not ideally. Cargo space was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with it folded, and a maximum of 87 cubic feet. It proved practical for everyday tasks, such as hauling Ikea purchases, thanks to its folding seats and flat load floor.

In comparison, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade provided ample space, accommodating seven or eight passengers with 44.1 inches of legroom in the front row, 42.4 inches in the second, and 31.4 inches in the third row. With a passenger volume of 155.3 cubic feet, it exceeded the Toyota Highlander. Convenient features like a one-touch seat slide and ingress/egress handles simplified third-row access. The Palisade’s cargo capacity measured 18 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet behind the second row and 86.4 cubic feet with the seats folded.

For 2022, the Kia Telluride came standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, although it lost the previously wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, now requiring a wired connection. Kia Connect was also standard, offering various connected services, including a year’s trial subscription featuring emergency assistance, remote engine start, and more. Safety and convenience technologies like Quiet Mode, Driver Talk, and a surround-view monitoring system were also part of the package.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade raised the bar with standard WiFi hotspot functionality and a new 12.3-inch color touchscreen infotainment system. Even the base trim got built-in navigation, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth connectivity. A 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system was optional on the SEL and standard on the Limited and Calligraphy trims. The Palisade also featured innovative remote accessibility and management through the Bluelink connected vehicle system, which offered expanded functionalities for 2023.

Additional features such as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, in-car intercom, rear-seat quiet mode, and Hyundai’s Digital Key 2 Touch, which is compatible with both iPhone and Android devices, were impressive advancements, making the Palisade a technologically advanced option.

Safety was a priority for Kia in the 2022 Telluride, equipped with the Kia Drive Wise suite, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Highway Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance. Although the system had limitations—like not bringing the vehicle to a safe stop in emergencies—it was generally well-received. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a “Top Safety Pick” designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade, built on the success of its predecessor, aimed to maintain and enhance its safety profile. While not yet rated for 2023, it included Hyundai’s Smart Sense suite as standard, featuring forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, and more. Standard safety capabilities were expanded to include blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and safe exit warning. Higher trims offered more advanced features like Highway Driving Assist II and a full-display digital rearview mirror.