2027 Kia Telluride vs. 2026 Hyundai Palisade: Denver Comparison

The two most popular three-row SUVs from Korea are both brand-new: the 2027 Kia Telluride was redesigned for its second generation, and the 2026 Hyundai Palisade got a ground-up redesign of its own. They're corporate cousins with nearly identical size, price, and warranties — so the real decision comes down to how they drive, how much they haul, and which one fits Colorado life better. Here's an honest, side-by-side look for Denver families, focused on the gas models. (Shopping hybrids? See our Telluride Hybrid vs. Palisade Hybrid comparison.)

2027 Telluride vs. 2026 Palisade at a glance

MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title, and fees. Telluride fuel economy is Kia-estimated pending official EPA figures. Confirm current specs and pricing with Emich Kia.

Engines: turbo torque vs. a smooth V6

This is the clearest difference between the two. The Telluride uses a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 274 horsepower and a stout 311 lb.-ft. of torque, while the Palisade sticks with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 good for 287 horsepower but only 260 lb.-ft. On paper the Hyundai has a slight horsepower edge, but the Kia's turbo delivers noticeably more torque, lower in the rev range — which is why it feels quicker in everyday driving and posts a stronger estimated 0-60 time. For Denver drivers, there's a second benefit: turbocharged engines lose less power in thin mountain air than naturally aspirated ones, so the Telluride holds its punch better on I-70 climbs and at altitude than the V6 Palisade.

Fuel economy

Both are efficient for big three-row SUVs, and they're close. The gas Telluride is estimated at up to 22 mpg combined (front-drive), just ahead of the Palisade's 21 mpg combined. All-wheel-drive versions land within a point of each other as well. If maximum efficiency is the priority, note that both models also offer hybrids that reach the mid-30s — see our Telluride MPG guide for the full breakdown.

Space for people and gear

Both SUVs are nearly the same size on the outside (each rides on a 116.9-inch wheelbase and stretches about 199 inches long), and both seat seven or eight. Third-row legroom is identical at 32.1 inches. Where the Telluride pulls ahead is cargo: it offers 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row and 89.3 cubic feet with both rows folded, versus 19.1 and 86.7 for the Palisade. That extra room behind the third row is the difference between fitting the weekly Costco haul (or ski gear for a full crew) without folding a seat. Both cabins are genuinely upscale now, with dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available heated and ventilated seats.

Built for Colorado: AWD and off-road trims

Both offer available all-wheel drive (a $2,000 option on most trims) with snow and terrain modes for Front Range winters. Each also has a rugged range-topper: the Telluride X-Pro and the Palisade XRT Pro, both with all-terrain tires and terrain drive modes. The Telluride X-Pro has the edge on ground clearance at 9.1 inches versus the XRT Pro's 8.4 inches, plus up to 5,000 pounds of towing — useful if your weekends involve trailheads, campsites, or a small trailer.

Price and warranty: a near dead heat

Because they share a parent company, the Telluride and Palisade line up almost exactly on the two things shoppers ask about first. Starting prices are within a few hundred dollars ($39,190 vs. $39,435), and both carry the same excellent coverage: a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. Neither includes complimentary scheduled maintenance for these model years. In other words, you can't go wrong on value with either — which puts the focus back on driving feel, cargo, and the dealership experience.

Top reasons Denver drivers choose the Telluride

• More torque (311 vs. 260 lb.-ft.) from a turbo engine that shrugs off Colorado altitude.
• Quicker everyday acceleration and a slightly better combined mpg estimate.
• More cargo room behind the third row and with the seats folded.
• Higher ground clearance on the off-road X-Pro trim (9.1 inches).
• The same 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, at a virtually identical starting price.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Kia Telluride or Hyundai Palisade better?

They're closely matched corporate cousins. The 2027 Telluride offers more torque, quicker acceleration, more cargo room, and higher off-road ground clearance, while the 2026 Palisade counters with a slightly higher horsepower rating and a smooth V6. Pricing and warranties are nearly identical, so the best pick comes down to driving feel and fit.

Which one is better for Colorado altitude?

The Telluride's turbocharged engine has an advantage at elevation. Turbo engines lose less power in thin mountain air than the Palisade's naturally aspirated V6, so the Telluride tends to feel stronger on I-70 climbs and high-country drives.

Which has more cargo space, the Telluride or Palisade?

The Telluride. It offers 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row and 89.3 cubic feet maximum, versus 19.1 and 86.7 cubic feet for the Palisade.

Do the Telluride and Palisade have the same warranty?

Yes. Both include a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. Neither includes complimentary scheduled maintenance for these model years.

How much do the Telluride and Palisade cost?

The 2027 Telluride starts at $39,190 and the 2026 Palisade at $39,435 (both front-wheel drive, excluding destination and fees). All-wheel drive adds about $2,000 to most trims of each.

Do you have the Telluride in stock near Denver?

Yes. Emich Kia stocks the 2027 Telluride in a range of trims and colors. Browse live inventory online or visit our Denver showroom to compare it with the Palisade in person.