Popularity and Market Position
When the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride three-row SUVs arrived in 2019 for the 2020 model year, they immediately became popular worldwide. The automakers have been rushing to keep up ever since demand swiftly outpaced supply. The fact that we picked the Telluride as our 2020 hyundai fans SUV of the Year also didn’t help the situation. The South Korean manufacturers did not rest on their laurels, and for this model year, they provided the 2023 Hyundai Palisade and the 2023 Kia Telluride facelifts and minor interior updates. Both the Palisade and Telluride remain at the top of our ranking of the finest three-row SUVs in a crowded market.
Performance Comparison
Telluride SX-Prestige X-Line vs. Palisade Calligraphy: Strength on Paper
The underlying chassis, engine, transmission, and even key internal and external measurements are all shared by the 2023 Hyundai Palisade and the 2023 Kia Telluride. Hyundai/Kia’s 3.8-liter V-6 engine, which generates a decent 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, powers both three-row SUVs. A sophisticated all-wheel-drive system transfers power to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. While Hyundai’s nearly equivalent HTRAC AWD technology is an optional $1,900 option on the top-tier Calligraphy grade, Kia’s Telluride SX-Prestige X-Line comes standard with AWD.
Fuel Efficiency: Potential for Development
However, neither car offers exceptional fuel efficiency; the EPA estimates that the all-wheel-drive Palisade will get 19 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the interstate, and 21 mpg overall. The Telluride performs marginally worse, achieving only 18 city and 24 highway mpg. These are some of the lowest ratings in the class, and regrettably, it doesn’t seem like any completely electric, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid vehicles will be available anytime soon.
Yearly Improvements
Nevertheless, the EPA highway rating of the Hyundai Palisade increased by one mpg for both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variants from year to year. For FWD variants, Kia’s Telluride maintains its 2022–2023 EPA ratings, while AWD vehicles see a 1 mpg dip in city driving.
Performance Metrics
Closed-Course Exercises
In an unimpressive 6.9 seconds, both of these three-row SUVs ran from zero to sixty miles per hour. The 2023 Hyundai Palisade completed the quarter-mile in 15.1 seconds at 93.2 mph, a negligible 0.1 second faster than the 2023 Kia Telluride, which weighed 46 pounds less.
Handling and Braking
In our handling and braking tests, the Palisade came out on top by a slim margin, finishing our figure-eight course in 27.0 seconds at an average weight of 0.63 g and stopping from 60 mph in 118 feet. The large Kia finished the figure-eight test in 27.5 seconds at 0.61 g and halted after reaching 60 in 122 feet. We attribute these minor performance variations to tire selection.
Driving Experience
Highway Transportation and Management
While the 2023 Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride have similar chassis and drivetrains, their tuning starts to differ. The more lively of the two was the Kia. The transmission changed ratios quickly and firmly, and the Telluride seemed to accelerate more quickly from a stop.
Suspension and Handling
The Telluride’s suspension setting tilted toward the sporty side of neutral, resulting in minimal body roll on winding roads. In comparison, Hyundai tuned the Palisade with a focus on comfort, resulting in slightly greater body roll and less accurate steering.
Technology and Safety Features
Both vehicles share an impressive set of available driver-assistance technologies. New features include traffic-sign recognition and a left-turn warning system. Both SUVs now come equipped with Highway Driving Assist 2, a more powerful version of their driver assistance technology.
Unique Features
Most intriguingly, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade has a function that lets owners move the vehicle forward and backward from outside using a key fob, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
Exterior Design Updates
The most obvious distinction between the 2023 Hyundai Palisade and 2023 Kia Telluride is their exterior design. Both SUVs received updates for the 2023 model year, with Kia enhancing the Telluride’s exterior with new bumpers, cladding, and lighting elements.
Hyundai’s Design Approach
Hyundai’s Palisade features a large square grille and stacked rectangular headlamps, adopting a more rigidly vertical aesthetic. The overall design is reminiscent of the futuristic Ioniq 5 electric crossover.
Interior Comfort and Functionality
The interior passenger and cargo space of the 2023 Hyundai Palisade and 2023 Kia Telluride is almost the same. However, the design and functionality differ significantly.
Infotainment and Control Layout
Both SUVs feature sizable 12.3-inch infotainment screens. Kia opts for a more integrated design, while Hyundai separates the screens for a more traditional layout. The Telluride has a rugged, industrial feel, while the Palisade feels cozier and friendlier.
Comfort Features
Passengers in both vehicles enjoy USB-C charging and heated second-row seats. The Hyundai Palisade offers heated leather upholstery for third-row passengers, which is rare in this class.
Pricing and Value
In this comparison of three-row SUVs, the price of the 2023 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is $53,300, which is only $770 higher than that of the 2023 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Line at $54,070.
Comparing Base Models
The regular Telluride SX-Prestige, costing $51,955, would be a fairer comparison against the Palisade Calligraphy. The Palisade’s near-luxury feature list and marginally better fuel economy make it an excellent value at that price.
Conclusion: Which is the Winner?
If only by a slim margin, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade prevails in this comparison test. The Palisade is better than ever thanks to its recent upgrades in design, interior amenities, and technology. This latest update should only increase consumer enthusiasm for Hyundai’s flagship SUV.
| Specifications | 2023 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy HTRAC | 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line (SX Prestige) |
|---|---|---|
| DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT | Front-engine, AWD | Front-engine, AWD |
| ENGINE TYPE | Direct-injected Atkinson-cycle DOHC 24-valve 60-degree V-6, alum block/heads | Direct-injected Atkinson-cycle DOHC 24-valve 60-degree V-6, alum block/heads |
| DISPLACEMENT | 3,778 cc / 230.5 cu in | 3,778 cc / 230.5 cu in |
| COMPRESSION RATIO | 13.0:1 | 13.0:1 |
| POWER (SAE NET) | 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| TORQUE (SAE NET) | 262 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm |
| REDLINE | 6,500 rpm | 6,500 rpm |
| WEIGHT TO POWER | 15.5 lb/hp | 15.3 lb/hp |
| TRANSMISSION | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| AXLE/FINAL-DRIVE/LOW RATIO | 3.65:1 / 2.36:1 / — | 3.65:1 / 2.36:1 / — |
| SUSPENSION, FRONT; REAR | Struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar | Struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
| STEERING RATIO | 15.6:1 | 15.6:1 |
| TURNS LOCK-TO-LOCK | 2.9 | 2.8 |
| BRAKES, F; R | 13.4-in vented disc; 12.0-in disc | 13.4-in vented disc; 12.0-in disc |
| WHEELS | 7.5 x 20-in cast aluminum | 7.5 x 20-in cast aluminum |
| TIRES | 245/50R20 102V Hankook Ventus S1 Noble2 (M+S) | 245/50R20 102V Michelin Primacy LTX (M+S) |
| DIMENSIONS | ||
| WHEELBASE | 114.2 in | 114.2 in |
| TRACK, F/R | 67.2/67.6 in | 67.2/67.6 in |
| LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT | 196.7 x 77.8 x 68.9 in | 196.9 x 78.3 x 68.9 in |
| GROUND CLEARANCE | 7.9 in | 8.4 in |
| APPRCH/DEPART ANGLE | 18.5/21.2 deg | 17.7/23.0 deg |
| TURNING CIRCLE | 38.7 ft | 38.8 ft |
| CURB WEIGHT (DIST F/R) | 4,503 lb (56/44%) | 4,457 lb (55/45%) |
| SEATING CAPACITY | 7 | 7 |
| HEADROOM, F/M/R | 39.3/38.8/37.2 in | 39.5/38.8/37.8 in |
| LEGROOM, F/M/R | 44.1/42.4/31.4 in | 41.4/42.4/31.4 in |
| SHOULDER ROOM, F/M/R | 61.2/60.8/55.2 in | 61.6/59.9/55.3 in |
| CARGO VOLUME BEH F/M/R | 86.4/45.8/18.0 cu ft | 87.0/46.0/21.0 cu ft |
| TOWING CAPACITY | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb |
| TEST DATA | ||
| ACCELERATION TO MPH | ||
| 0-30 | 2.4 sec | 2.3 sec |
| 0-40 | 3.6 sec | 3.6 sec |
| 0-50 | 5.0 sec | 4.9 sec |
| 0-60 | 6.9 sec | 6.9 sec |
| 0-70 | 8.9 sec | 9.0 sec |
| 0-80 | 11.1 sec | 11.2 sec |
| 0-90 | 14.1 sec | 14.3 sec |
| PASSING, 45-65 MPH | 3.6 sec | 3.7 sec |
| QUARTER MILE | 15.1 sec @ 93.2 mph | 15.2 sec @ 92.5 mph |
| BRAKING, 60-0 MPH | 118 ft | 122 ft |
| LATERAL ACCELERATION | 0.82 g (avg) | 0.80 g (avg) |
| MT FIGURE EIGHT | 27.0 sec @ 0.63 g (avg) | 27.5 sec @ 0.61 g (avg) |
| TOP-GEAR REVS @ 60 MPH | 1,700 rpm | 1,700 rpm |
| CONSUMER INFO | ||
| BASE PRICE | $53,085 | $53,350 |
| PRICE AS TESTED | $53,300 | $54,070 |
| AIRBAGS | 9: Dual front, f/m side, f/m/r curtain, driver knee | 7: Dual front, front side, f/m/r curtain, driver knee |
| BASIC WARRANTY | 5 yrs/60,000 miles | 5 yrs/60,000 miles |
| POWERTRAIN WARRANTY | 10 yrs/100,000 miles | 10 yrs/100,000 miles |
| ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE | 5 yrs/Unlimited miles | 5 yrs/60,000 miles |
| FUEL CAPACITY | 18.8 gal | 18.8 gal |
| EPA CITY/HWY/COMB ECON | 19/25/21 mpg | 18/24/21 mpg |
| EPA RANGE, COMB | 395 miles | 395 miles |
| RECOMMENDED FUEL | Unleaded regular | Unleaded regular |
| ON SALE | Now | Now |
Leave a Reply