2026 & 2027 Hyundai Palisade vs. 2027 Kia Telluride: Why the Palisade Is Our Pick

If you’re shopping for a new three-row SUV in Yakima, Ellensburg, the Tri-Cities, or anywhere in Central Washington, chances are you’ve compared the Hyundai Palisade and the Kia Telluride.

They’re two of the biggest names in the three-row SUV segment, and the competition gets even more interesting with the redesigned Hyundai Palisade, the new Palisade Hybrid, and the redesigned 2027 Kia Telluride and Telluride Hybrid.

But if you’re asking us which one we’d put in our own driveway?

We’re choosing the Hyundai Palisade.

The Telluride is a good SUV. The Palisade simply gives us more of what we want in a modern family vehicle: a premium interior, impressive technology, available HTRAC All Wheel Drive, a powerful new hybrid, luxury-focused Calligraphy models, rugged XRT PRO capability, and thoughtful features designed around the people who actually have to live with the vehicle every day.

Palisade vs. Telluride: The Palisade Feels Like the More Premium SUV

Here’s where the Palisade starts separating itself.

Hyundai didn’t redesign the Palisade to simply compete with other mainstream three-row SUVs. It feels like Hyundai looked at vehicles from luxury brands and asked, “Why shouldn’t Palisade buyers get that too?”

Step inside the newest Palisade and you’ll understand what we mean.

The cabin is spacious, modern, quiet, and designed around comfort. Available features include:

• Available front and second-row relaxation seating
• Available heated and ventilated first and second-row seating
• Large digital displays
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Available Hyundai Digital Key 2 Premium
• Available Surround View Monitor
• Rear Seat Quiet Mode
• Premium interior materials
• Three-row seating for the whole family

The Telluride has plenty of technology of its own, but when we compare the overall cabin experience, the Palisade is the one we’d rather spend hours in.

And isn’t that what really matters in a family SUV?

The Palisade Hybrid Might Be the Sweet Spot of the Entire Segment

This is one of the biggest reasons we’re excited about the newest Palisade.

You can now get a Hyundai Palisade Hybrid.

And Hyundai didn’t create an underpowered hybrid simply to chase a fuel economy number.

The 2027 Palisade Hybrid produces an impressive 329 combined horsepower and 339 lb-ft of combined system torque.

That means you can have the space and capability of a large three-row SUV while still getting the efficiency families want.

Properly configured 2027 Palisade Hybrid models are EPA-rated at up to:

• 33 MPG City
• 35 MPG Highway
• 34 MPG Combined
• Up to approximately 619 miles of estimated driving range

Think about what that means for a Central Washington family.

Yakima to Seattle.

Yakima to Spokane.

Trips to the Tri-Cities.

Weekend trips over the pass.

Family vacations.

School. Sports. Work. Costco. Road trips.

The Palisade Hybrid gives you the space you need without making every trip to the gas station feel like punishment.

Yes, the Telluride Hybrid Is Good. We’d Still Take the Palisade.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid is a serious competitor.

It also produces 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, and certain configurations offer impressive fuel economy and driving range.

So if you’re comparing spec sheets alone, these vehicles can look extremely close.

But we don’t buy vehicles to stare at spec sheets.

We drive them.

We sit in them.

We load kids into them.

We load groceries, luggage, sports equipment, strollers, pets, and everything else life throws at us into them.

That’s where we believe the Hyundai Palisade makes the better case.

It’s the combination of performance, comfort, interior design, technology, trim variety, and everyday usability that makes the Palisade our winner.

Palisade Calligraphy Makes a Strong Case Against Luxury SUVs Too

Forget the Telluride for a minute.

The Palisade Calligraphy makes us wonder why some families are spending dramatically more money on a luxury badge.

Higher Palisade trims deliver the type of cabin, technology, seating comfort, and exterior presence you normally expect from considerably more expensive vehicles.

Premium materials?

Absolutely.

Upscale technology?

Absolutely.

A cabin you’re proud to put clients, friends, or family in?

Absolutely.

And for shoppers who want an even more distinctive appearance, the 2027 lineup includes the Calligraphy Black Ink.

If your idea of a three-row SUV involves comfort and luxury instead of simply having a third row, the Palisade Calligraphy belongs at the top of your shopping list.

The Palisade XRT PRO Is Made for Central Washington

Luxury isn’t everything.

We live in Central Washington.

That means snow, mountain passes, gravel roads, camping trips, hunting trips, boats, bikes, trailers, skiing, and weekends where the pavement eventually ends.

That’s where the Hyundai Palisade XRT PRO comes in.

The XRT PRO gives the Palisade a more capable and adventurous personality with features designed for drivers who want to do more than commute.

Available equipment includes HTRAC All Wheel Drive, an electronic rear limited-slip differential, all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance, recovery hooks, an integrated tow hitch, and rugged XRT PRO styling.

The result?

A family SUV that doesn’t have to stay home when the family gets adventurous.

HTRAC All Wheel Drive Is a Big Deal Around Here

There are parts of the country where AWD might be considered optional.

Central Washington isn’t one of them.

Whether you’re heading toward White Pass, crossing Snoqualmie, driving through winter weather in Yakima, or taking the family into the mountains, available HTRAC All Wheel Drive gives Palisade drivers additional confidence when conditions change.

On the Palisade Hybrid, HTRAC AWD is available across the trim lineup.

AWD models can also provide Terrain Mode settings designed for conditions such as Snow, Mud, and Sand.

That’s the kind of capability that actually matters where we live.

Gas Palisade or Palisade Hybrid? You Can’t Really Lose

Another reason we like the Palisade is that Hyundai doesn’t force every family into the same powertrain.

Want a traditional naturally aspirated V6?

Choose the gas Palisade with its 3.5-liter V6 producing 287 horsepower.

Want better fuel economy and more combined horsepower?

Step into the 329-horsepower Palisade Hybrid.

Both give you the redesigned Palisade’s premium cabin, three-row versatility, bold styling, modern technology, and available AWD.

The better question isn’t necessarily whether you should buy a Palisade.

It’s which Palisade fits your family best.

2027 Hyundai Palisade vs. 2027 Kia Telluride: Our Winner

Let’s make this simple.

Would we recommend test-driving the Kia Telluride? Sure.

It’s a good SUV.

But we’d drive it before driving the Palisade.

Because once you’ve experienced the newest Palisade, we think the Hyundai makes a very convincing argument for itself.

The Palisade gives you:

• A premium three-row interior
• Available front and second-row relaxation seating
• A 329-horsepower hybrid powertrain
• Up to an EPA-estimated 34 MPG combined on select hybrid configurations
• Available HTRAC All Wheel Drive
• Luxury-focused Calligraphy models
• Rugged XRT PRO capability
• Advanced safety and convenience technology
• Room for up to eight passengers depending on configuration
• A vehicle that feels at home commuting, road-tripping, or heading into the mountains

For us, the Hyundai Palisade is the more complete three-row SUV.

And for families throughout Central Washington, it’s the one we’d recommend putting at the top of the test-drive list.

And Then There’s the Other Half of the Decision: Where You Buy It

You can buy a vehicle from a lot of places.

We believe where you buy it matters.

At Hyundai of Yakima, our goal isn’t simply to sell you a Palisade and send you down the road.

We want to earn the opportunity to take care of you for years.

Why Hyundai of Yakima?

Our community has recognized Hyundai of Yakima as:

• Voted Best New Car Dealership
• Voted Best Pre-Owned Car Dealership
• Voted Best Auto Care Facility

Those awards mean more to us than another plaque on the wall.

They’re votes from the people we serve.

And we want every person who walks through our doors to understand why our customers continue choosing Hyundai of Yakima.

One of Central Washington’s Best Places to Shop for a Three-Row SUV

We love three-row SUVs.

More importantly, we understand why families buy them.

You don’t need someone to simply point at a vehicle on the lot.

You need someone who can help you figure out which trim, seating configuration, powertrain, drivetrain, and equipment actually make sense for your family.

Maybe that’s a Palisade SEL.

Maybe it’s a Palisade Hybrid.

Maybe you want the luxury of a Calligraphy.

Maybe your lifestyle screams XRT PRO.

We’ll help you compare them.

We’re Here Long After the Test Drive

A vehicle like the Palisade can be part of your family for years.

That’s why the relationship shouldn’t end when you drive off the lot.

Hyundai of Yakima has a full-service operation ready to help with routine maintenance, tires, alignments, diagnostics, repairs, accessories, window tint, paint protection, and more.

Our goal isn’t to sell you one Hyundai.

Our goal is to become your dealership.

Before You Buy a Telluride, Drive a Palisade in Yakima

If you’re considering a 2027 Kia Telluride or Telluride Hybrid, do yourself one favor before making the decision.

Drive the Hyundai Palisade.

Don’t just look at pictures online.

Sit in it.

Drive it.

Sit in the second row.

Climb into the third row.

Bring the kids.

Bring the car seats.

Open the cargo area.

Play with the technology.

Drive the V6.

Drive the Hybrid.

Try the HTRAC AWD system.

Then decide.

We think there’s a very good chance you’ll leave understanding why we’re putting the Hyundai Palisade ahead of the Kia Telluride.

Shop the Hyundai Palisade at Hyundai of Yakima

Ready to see why we’re calling the Palisade our winner?

Visit Hyundai of Yakima and compare our available Hyundai Palisade and Palisade Hybrid models.

We’re proud to serve drivers from Yakima, Union Gap, Ellensburg, the Tri-Cities, and throughout Central Washington.

Hyundai of Yakima
Driven to Serve.

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Disclaimer: Vehicle specifications, horsepower, fuel economy, driving range, towing capacity, features, trims, equipment, and availability are based on manufacturer information available at the time of publication and are subject to change. EPA estimates are for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage and driving range will vary based on vehicle configuration, options, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle condition, weather, and other factors. Features may be optional or limited to specific trims. Towing requires appropriate equipment and configuration. See Hyundai of Yakima and the applicable manufacturer for current specifications, availability, and complete details.