The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade are often pitted against each other as top contenders in the family-friendly, three-row SUV category. Both vehicles share a platform and are packed with features, but subtle differences can make one a better fit for your specific needs. For families prioritizing third-row functionality and ease of use, particularly when navigating the complexities of car seats, the nuances between these two SUVs become even more critical. Let’s delve into a detailed comparison, focusing on key aspects for families to help you decide between the Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade.
Third Row Face-Off: Space and Comfort Compared
When it comes to the crucial third row, the Kia Telluride subtly edges out the Hyundai Palisade in practical usability, especially for families with children.
Telluride’s Third Row: Prioritizing Practicality
While neither SUV boasts an award-winning third row, the Telluride offers a slightly more accommodating space. The middle seat in the Palisade’s third row feels significantly cramped, almost comically small, making it unsuitable for older children or adults. In contrast, the Telluride provides marginally better dimensions, making it a more viable option for fitting three passengers in the back when needed. Furthermore, the original article highlights a critical design flaw in the Palisade: the lower LATCH anchors are positioned on top of the seatbelt. This placement renders them practically unusable with booster seats, suggesting a lack of real-world family use consideration in the Palisade’s third-row design. Therefore, by default, the Kia Telluride’s third row emerges as the more practical choice for families needing to utilize this space, even if it’s not perfectly designed for car seats.
Palisade’s Third Row: Design Disappointments
As mentioned, the Hyundai Palisade’s third row suffers from a notably narrow middle seat, effectively limiting its usability for anything beyond very small children or short trips. The poorly designed lower anchor placement further detracts from its family-friendliness, especially for parents utilizing booster seats. This suggests that while the Palisade aims to offer three-row seating, its execution falls short in truly catering to the needs of families who regularly utilize all seating positions.
Third Row Access: Navigating Entry and Exit
Accessing the third row is another key differentiator between the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, particularly when considering the presence of car seats in the second row.
Palisade’s Tilt and Slide: Convenient Without Car Seats
The Hyundai Palisade employs a “Tilt and Slide” mechanism for third-row access. This system works well when the second row is unoccupied by car seats. It’s described as light and easy to operate, even for children, making it convenient for families where third-row access is needed primarily for older kids or occasional adult passengers. However, “Tilt and Slide” mechanisms are generally less car seat-friendly compared to other designs.
Telluride’s Buttons: User-Friendly Access, Car Seat Considerations
The Kia Telluride takes a different approach, offering buttons, both on the top and lower part of the second-row seats, to slide them forward for third-row entry. While the Telluride lacks a car seat tilt feature, these conveniently placed buttons are a significant advantage, especially for parents. They allow for easier second-row adjustments even with children in car seats, a feature appreciated for its practicality in daily family life. While not perfect, this system demonstrates a greater consideration for families dealing with car seats compared to the Palisade’s system.
Amenity Advantage: Feature by Feature Breakdown
Both the Telluride and Palisade are generously equipped with amenities, especially as you climb up the trim levels. Here’s a comparison of some standout features:
Hyundai Palisade: Tech-Forward Comfort
The Hyundai Palisade boasts some unique tech and comfort features:
- Blind Spot View Monitor: Projects real-time footage from blind spot cameras onto the dashboard when signaling, enhancing safety.
- Seatbelt Sensors on Dashboard: Provides an additional layer of safety awareness by displaying seatbelt status directly on the dashboard.
- Second-Row Door Amenities: Includes sunshades and two cupholders integrated into each second-row door for passenger convenience.
- USB-C Chargers Throughout: Ensures modern device compatibility and charging for all passengers.
- Second-Row Sunshades and Ceiling Vents: Available on higher trims, adding comfort for rear passengers.
- Massage Seats (Front Row): A premium feature on the highest trim level for driver and front passenger relaxation.
Kia Telluride: Feature-Rich and Family-Focused
The Kia Telluride counters with its own set of compelling amenities:
- Second-Row Sunshades and Ceiling Vents: Mirrors the Palisade in providing rear passenger comfort.
- Second-Row USB-C Ports: Matches the Palisade in modern charging convenience.
- Curved Infotainment Display: Offers a visually appealing and modern dashboard aesthetic.
- Surround View Monitor: Simplifies parking and maneuvering in tight spaces with a comprehensive view.
- Blind Spot Monitoring: A standard safety feature for lane changes and avoiding collisions.
- Heads-Up Display: Projects key driving information onto the windshield for enhanced driver awareness.
- Full Display Mirror: Can function as a traditional mirror or a camera display for an unobstructed rear view.
- Heated and Ventilated Second-Row Seats: Available on higher trims, providing premium comfort for rear passengers.
Trunk Space: Practicality Behind the Third Row
Neither the Kia Telluride nor the Hyundai Palisade excels in trunk space when the third row is in use. Both offer adequate space for daily needs like a stroller and some groceries. However, they are not class-leading in this aspect and may require a roof box or cargo carrier for larger family trips requiring significant luggage. For everyday errands and school runs, the trunk space is sufficient, but don’t expect to load up for a major family vacation with the third row occupied.
Kia Telluride vs. Hyundai Palisade: Making the Right Choice
For smaller families, or those prioritizing a smoother ride and unique tech features, the Hyundai Palisade is a compelling option. Its refined driving experience and amenities like the blind spot camera and massage seats are attractive. However, the compromised third row and less car seat-friendly access are significant drawbacks for families who frequently use the third row or have multiple children in car seats.
On the other hand, the Kia Telluride emerges as the more practical choice for larger families or those who prioritize third-row usability and easier car seat access. While it might not have the Palisade’s smooth ride or some of its unique tech, the Telluride’s slightly more spacious and functional third row, combined with user-friendly access buttons, makes it a more family-focused SUV overall.
Ultimately, the best way to decide between the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade is to test drive both. Experience each SUV firsthand to assess which one better fits your family’s specific needs and preferences. And if you remain undecided, consider exploring the Nissan Pathfinder, often praised as a strong competitor blending some of the best qualities of both the Telluride and Palisade.
