Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Palisade

No model demonstrates Kia’s growth like the Sportage compact crossover SUV. The nameplate has been around since Kia’s early days in the United States, and has evolved into a true rival for popular crossovers like the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4. The current-generation Sportage was introduced for the 2023 model year; it gets revised styling for 2026.

Verdict: The refreshed Sportage arrives with the competent execution we’ve come to expect from Kia, but the X-Pro Prestige model doesn’t live up to the brand’s reputation for value.

Hyundai redesigned the popular Palisade three-row sport utility vehicle for the 2026 model year. Already one of the best three-row crossover SUVs in America, Hyundai left no stone unturned in its quest to make the 2026 Palisade the best version yet.

Verdict: The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is an improvement over the outgoing version it replaces in every meaningful way. Consider the Palisade a top choice if you’re in the market for a three-row SUV that’s comfortable for the whole family. And if you’re planning to spend some time in the dirt, take a look at the new-for-2026 Palisade XRT Pro.