Well, this should be an interesting matchup. With Kia Motors sitting under the umbrella of the Hyundai Motor Group, they get all sorts of cool technology coming their way, especially with the recent partnership between Aptiv and the Hyundai Motor Group. Even though a part of the major automobile group, Kia Motors and Hyundai Motors remain competitors. So of course, once the Kia Telluride came out, the largest SUV in the Kia Motors lineup, Hyundai was close behind with their Palisade. Now that both have been out for some time, let us see who will truly shine.

Engineering

Both of these SUVs share a lot of similarities. When it comes to the powertrain and the drivetrain, both vehicles come standard with front-wheel-drive, a 3.8-liter V6 engine under the hood, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Consumers have the option of switching to all-wheel drive if they choose, able to send up to 50 percent of available power to their rear wheels, but it can impact the fuel economy.

The standard V6 can generate up to 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. When driving on front-wheel drive, the 2020 Kia Telluride has a combined fuel economy of 23 mpg where the Palisade barely pales with a combined fuel economy of 22 mpg. If consumers choose all-wheel drive, both SUVs have a fuel economy of 21 mpg when combined. Speaking of small differences, some say the Palisade is a little cushier but barely noticeable. Both SUVs are comfortable and travel quietly. If looking to haul some cargo for the weekend, both can also two up to 5000 pounds.

Style

Although competitors, one could say the Hyundai Palisade is a rebadged Kia Telluride, seeing as how one came out before the other (Telluride), but surprisingly the two start to split when we go past what’s underneath. The 2020 Kia Telluride has more of a rugged look, although not made for going off-road and tackling rough terrain. Designed with a wide grille and narrow headlights, the Telluride looks as wide as it is large.

With the 2020 Hyundai Palisade, the SUV is going for a more upscale look. It’s elegant, unique, and the chrome kickup near the rear windows are a nice touch. When it comes to interiors, it’s the same story in terms of style. One is rough and the other goes for luxury. However, Kia Motors is never one to skimp on comfort and creature features.

Comfort and Safety

When it comes to comfort, the 2020 Kia Telluride and 2020 Hyundai Palisade deliver. Both SUVs can sit up to eight passengers with plenty of room in the second row for adults, and both SUVs can second-row captain’s chairs for even more comfort. For those in the back, the second-row can slide forwards or back up to 40 inches in either direction, so don’t feel too bad about asking for more legroom in the third-row. Throughout the Palisade, consumers may find quilted leather, but the 2020 Kia Telluride also deals a decent interior with soft-touch materials throughout and clever storage solutions for keeping valuables safe. Plus, the Telluride has three more cubic-feet of space than the Palisade, with 21 cubic-feet with the seats up and 46 cubic-feet when the seats folded.

Curious about the safety? Kia Motors hasn’t been named the safest car brand in America for nothing. Both have received high marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but the 2020 Kia Telluride offers helpful safety features like Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance with assist, a Driver Attention Warning system, Forward Collision Warning with avoidance and pedestrian detection, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Rear Parking Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go tech standard across the lineup. Good luck getting half of that on the Palisade unless you buy something higher than the base trim.

Pricing and Availability

The starting MSRP for the 2020 Kia Telluride is $31,690 (plus destination fee) and has been available since March. The starting MSRP for the 2020 Hyundai Palisade is $31,550 (plus destination fee). It’s a small difference, and for anyone willing to argue over 150 – the Palisade won’t be available until sometime late 2020, possibly June or July.

Why wait for glory? Shop for a new car online with NowCar and check out the 2020 Kia Telluride.

Photo Source/Copyright: Kia Motors and Hyundai Motors