2027 Kia Telluride vs Hyundai Palisade: Hybrid, Towing and MPG

The 2027 Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade often come up together in three-row SUV searches, and both now offer a hybrid. If your family is weighing one against the other, the differences come down to fuel economy, towing, engines and how each one is set up for the way you drive. Here is a side-by-side look based on each brand’s published specs.

Telluride vs Palisade at a glance

Telluride highlights

Hybrid fuel economy and torque

Both hybrids are rated at 329 hp, but Kia lists the Telluride Hybrid at 339 lb-ft of torque and an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined on the EX FWD, versus 34 MPG combined for the best Palisade Hybrid FWD trims.* Kia says the Telluride Hybrid EX FWD has an estimated range of 637 miles, which is a big deal for families who drive to Vegas or down the hill on weekends.

Hybrid towing

Kia lists the Telluride Hybrid with a standard 4,500-lb towing capacity, with available self-leveling rear suspension. That can handle a small camper or boat with the right equipment.

Ground clearance and off-road trims

Kia lists up to 9.1 inches of ground clearance with a Ground View Monitor on equipped Telluride models, and the X-Pro trims are built for dirt roads and rougher trails around the High Desert.

A turbocharged gas engine

The gas Telluride uses a 2.5-liter turbo with 311 lb-ft of torque, compared with 260 lb-ft from the Palisade’s V6. More low-end torque helps when merging onto the 15 or climbing the Cajon Pass with a full load.

Palisade highlights

• Gas model horsepower and towing. The Palisade’s 3.5L V6 makes 287 hp, and Hyundai lists up to 5,000 lbs of towing with trailer brakes.
• Published cargo numbers. Hyundai lists 19.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.3 behind the second and 86.7 behind the first. Ask our team to show you the Telluride’s cargo area in person.

Which three-row SUV fits your family?

Choose the Telluride if

• You want a hybrid that can still tow up to 4,500 lbs
• Fuel economy and long highway range matter most
• You want an off-road ready X-Pro trim

Consider the Palisade if

• You want a V6 gas engine
• You tow near 5,000 lbs with a gas model

Comparing more three-row SUVs? Read our 2027 Telluride vs Toyota Grand Highlander comparison, our Telluride Hybrid vs gas guide and what’s new on the 2027 Telluride.

What else do High Desert shoppers ask about the Telluride and Palisade?

What is the difference between the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade?

For 2027, the gas Telluride uses a 2.5-liter turbo with 274 hp and 311 lb-ft, while the gas Palisade uses a 3.5-liter V6 with 287 hp and 260 lb-ft. Both offer a 329 hp hybrid, and Kia lists the Telluride Hybrid EX FWD at an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined versus 34 for the best Palisade Hybrid FWD trims.

Which gets better gas mileage, the Telluride Hybrid or Palisade Hybrid?

Kia lists the 2027 Telluride Hybrid EX FWD at an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined. Hyundai lists the Palisade Hybrid Blue SEL and SEL Premium FWD at 34 MPG combined. Actual mileage will vary.

How much can the Telluride Hybrid tow?

Kia lists a standard 4,500-lb towing capacity for the 2027 Telluride Hybrid, with available self-leveling rear suspension. Towing requires additional equipment.

Does the 2027 Telluride still have a V6?

No. Kia lists the 2027 Telluride gas engine as a 2.5-liter turbo with 274 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, and the Telluride Hybrid makes a combined 329 hp.

How many people does the 2027 Telluride seat?

Depending on trim, the 2027 Telluride seats seven with second-row captain’s chairs or eight with a second-row bench.

More from the Valley Hi Kia blog: model guides, comparisons, hybrid and EV tips and High Desert driving advice.