In this head-to-head comparison, we examine the 2023 Hyundai Palisade and the 2023 Kia Telluride, two leading midsize SUVs that offer a blend of style, performance, and value. Discover their key differences, features, and total cost of ownership as we delve into an in-depth analysis.

The Need to Know

• Both the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride offer impressive value, performance, and features in the midsize SUV segment.
• They share the same engine, power, and torque figures, with a 3.8-liter V-6 engine producing 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.
• The Palisade includes complimentary maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles, which the Telluride does not offer.
• The Kia Telluride has a slightly lower total cost of ownership and better fuel economy than the Hyundai Palisade.
• Both vehicles have a strong warranty, covering five years or 60,000 miles for the limited warranty and 10 years or 100,000 miles for the powertrain warranty.
• Personal preferences and priorities will play a significant role in deciding between the Palisade and Telluride, making it essential to test drive both models before making a decision.

Hyundai Palisade: Affordable Luxury for the Whole Family

Price: $36,545 – $48,900+

EPA Fuel Economy: 21/19/25 mpg (combined/city/highway)

See listings near you with local market price data.

The Hyundai Palisade delivers a high-class cabin, a smooth ride, and ample space for families. With a range of trims from the value-oriented base to the luxurious Calligraphy model, the Palisade caters to various preferences. It’s powered by a 3.8-liter V-6 engine, providing 291 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Standard connectivity and technology features are abundant, while top models boast extras such as a panoramic sunroof, in-dash navigation, and quilted leather upholstery.

Why It’s Great

• Spacious interior and cargo area
• High-class cabin
• Smooth ride quality
• Powerful V-6 engine
• Range of connectivity and technology features

Performance

Fuel economy: 21 mpg city / 25 mpg highway

Horsepower: 291 hp

Torque: 262 lb-ft

Engine size: 3.8-liter V-6

Electric or hybrid models not available

Warranty and Maintenance

Basic: 3 years/36,000 miles

Powertrain: 10 years/100,000 miles

Complimentary Maintenance: 3 years/36,000 miles

See extended warranty options for better coverage.

Total Cost of Ownership

According to our CarEdge cost of ownership data, the average cost of owning a Hyundai Palisade for 5 years is $43,014. This total will vary per vehicle, driver and location. These ownership expenses include:

• Depreciation
• Insurance Premiums
• Maintenance and Repairs
• Loan Interest
• Fuel Costs

Depreciation

The Hyundai Palisade is forecast to depreciate 33% after 5 years and have a 5-year resale value of $31,580. This is for a top-of-the-line, fully equipped model. If you purchase a used Hyundai Palisade that is 2 years old, then you could save $6,843 compared to buying new, and still have a relatively new model with plenty of useful life remaining. If you plan to keep this vehicle for 3 years then your total cost of depreciation would be $8,838.

Insurance

Auto insurance for a Hyundai Palisade will cost about $2,246 per year.

This is more than the national average for popular SUV models by $21. Our car insurance comparison study assumes a 40-year-old good driver with full coverage and good credit that drives around 13,000 miles per year. Here’s how to compare rates instantly.

Fuel

A Hyundai Palisade gets an average of 22 MPG, which will cost a total of $8,360 for fuel after 5 years, or about $1,672 annually. These estimates are based on $3.00/gallon, assuming 12,000 miles driven per year – 55% city and 45% highway. Fuel costs will be considerably higher with higher fuel prices.

See the latest average gas prices in every state.

Maintenance

A Hyundai Palisade will cost about $8,180 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service.

This beats the industry average for popular SUV models by $953. There is also a 23.97% chance that a Palisade will require a major repair during that time. This is 2.47% worse than similar vehicles in this segment.

Interest

At 4.75% APR for a 72-month loan, a Hyundai Palisade with an out-the-door price of $40,000 would cost $5,718 in total interest over the loan payoff period. See what financing rates you qualify for. See what financing rates you qualify for.

Here’s the full breakdown of Hyundai Palisade total cost of ownership, including charts and graphs.

Kia Telluride: Handsome Styling and Impressive Value

Price: $35,890 – $52,895+

EPA Fuel Economy: 21/18/24 mpg (combined/city/highway)

See listings near you with local market price data.

The 2023 Kia Telluride is an exceptional SUV that combines handsome styling, a comfortable cabin, and confident handling. Offering a range of standard features and a top trim that rivals luxury SUVs, the Telluride is perfect for families and adventurers alike. With a smooth V-6 engine, quiet cabin, and a 5,500-pound towing capacity, this mid-size crossover is ideal for long-distance cruising and hauling small boats or campers.

Why It’s Great

• Unbelievable value for the price
• Handsome styling
• Generous set of standard features
• Quiet cabin
• Confident handling
• 5,500-pound towing capacity

Performance

Fuel economy: 21 mpg city / 24 mpg highway

Horsepower: 291 hp

Torque: 262 lb-ft

Engine size: 3.8-liter V-6

Electric or hybrid models not available

Warranty

Basic: 5 years/60,000 miles

Powertrain: 10 years/100,000 miles

Complimentary Maintenance: Not available

See extended warranty options for better coverage.

Total Cost of Ownership

According to our CarEdge cost of ownership data, the average cost of owning a Kia Telluride for 5 years is $41,597. This total will vary per vehicle, driver and location. These ownership expenses include:

• Depreciation
• Insurance Premiums
• Maintenance and Repairs
• Loan Interest
• Fuel Costs

Depreciation

The Kia Telluride is forecast to depreciate 35% after 5 years and have a 5-year resale value of $30,347. This is for a top-of-the-line, fully equipped model. If you purchase a used Kia Telluride that is 2 years old, then you could save $7,599 compared to buying new, and still have a relatively new model with plenty of useful life remaining. If you plan to keep this vehicle for 3 years then your total cost of depreciation would be $8,420.

Insurance

Auto insurance for a Kia Telluride will cost about $1,967 per year.

This beats the national average for popular SUV models by $258. Our car insurance comparison study assumes a 40-year-old good driver with full coverage and good credit that drives around 13,000 miles per year.

Fuel

A Kia Telluride gets an average of 21 MPG, which will cost a total of $8,140 for fuel after 5 years, or about $1,628 annually. These estimates are based on $3.00/gallon, assuming 12,000 miles driven per year – 55% city and 45% highway. Fuel costs will be considerably higher with higher fuel prices.

Maintenance

A Kia Telluride will cost about $8,069 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service.

This beats the industry average for popular SUV models by $1,064. There is also a 23.71% chance that a Telluride will require a major repair during that time. This is 2.21% worse than similar vehicles in this segment.

Interest

At 4.75% APR for a 72-month loan, a Kia Telluride with an out-the-door price of $40,000 would cost $5,609 in total interest over the loan payoff period. See what financing rates you qualify for today. See what financing rates you qualify for.

Here’s a full breakdown of Kia Telluride total cost of ownership, with additional data, calculators and charts.

Which Is Better?

The Palisade and Telluride are literally automotive siblings, so it’s not easy to pick a winner. For most, deciding which is best will come down to styling preferences, local availability, and experiences at the dealership. But what fun is that? We’re going to do our best to pick an objective winner. 

Both vehicles offer impressive styling, spacious interiors, and powerful V-6 engines. However, the Telluride stands out for several reasons:

Value for money: The Kia Telluride offers an exceptional range of standard features and a top trim that rivals luxury SUVs at a competitive price. This makes it a more attractive option for those looking for a high-quality vehicle without breaking the bank.

Lower total cost of ownership: Over a five-year period, the Kia Telluride has a lower total cost of ownership ($41,597) compared to the Hyundai Palisade ($43,014). This difference can be attributed to lower depreciation, insurance premiums, and maintenance costs.

Better towing capacity: The Kia Telluride has a towing capacity of 5,500 pounds compared to the Telluride’s 5,000 pounds. That extra capability matters for those who need to haul small boats, campers, or trailers.

While the Hyundai Palisade offers some advantages, such as slightly better fuel economy and complimentary maintenance for 3 years/36,000 miles, the Kia Telluride’s overall value, lower total cost of ownership, and superior towing capacity make it the better choice for most buyers. However, it’s understandable that for many, the choice will come down to which model’s exterior and interior styling is preferred, and which dealers have the best deals.

Remember, the CarEdge team is ready to assist you with saving thousands of dollars on your next car purchase! Learn more about how we can help you get started today.