When it comes to choosing the perfect SUV for your family, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride are two top contenders. As a proud Hyundai dealer serving the Rocky Mount area, we at Medlin Hyundai are here to give you our honest opinion on how these two SUVs stack up against each other.
Exterior Design: First Impressions Matter
Let’s face it, when you’re rolling up to soccer practice in Greenville or heading out for a weekend getaway from Roanoke Rapids, you want an SUV that looks the part. The Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride both offer bold, eye-catching designs, but there are some key differences to consider.
2025 Hyundai Palisade Exterior
The Palisade boasts a sleek, modern look with its cascading grille, LED headlights, and aerodynamic lines. It’s the kind of SUV that turns heads as you cruise through Cary or Goldsboro, making you feel like the coolest parent on the block.
Kia Telluride Exterior
The Telluride, on the other hand, has a more rugged, boxy appearance that some may prefer. However, we think the Palisade’s refined styling gives it a slight edge in the looks department, especially for those Wake Forest families who appreciate a touch of sophistication.
Interior Design: Comfort and Convenience
Of course, it’s what’s on the inside that really counts, and both the Palisade and Telluride offer spacious, well-appointed interiors. But when it comes to keeping your crew comfortable on those long drives to Wilson, the Palisade has a few tricks up its sleeve.
2025 Hyundai Palisade Interior
The Palisade’s interior is simply luxurious, with available features like:
- Nappa leather seating
- Heated and ventilated front and second-row seats
- Dual sunroofs
- Premium audio system
Plus, with its spacious third row and ample cargo space, there’s room for all your kids’ sports gear, camping equipment, or whatever else your family adventures require.
2025 Kia Telluride Interior
The Telluride also offers a comfortable interior with available upgrades like:
- Leather seating
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Dual sunroofs
- Harman Kardon audio system
While the Telluride’s interior is certainly nice, we think the Palisade’s added touches of refinement give it a more upscale feel.
Technology and Safety: Keeping Your Family Connected and Protected
Let’s be real, when you’re wrangling a car full of kids, you need all the help you can get. That’s where the Palisade’s advanced technology and safety features come in clutch, whether you’re navigating the streets of Rocky Mount or hitting the highway for a family road trip.
2025 Hyundai Palisade Technology and Safety
The Palisade offers an impressive array of tech and safety features, including:
- 12.3-inch touchscreen display with navigation
- Android Auto and™ Apple CarPlay® compatibility
- Hyundai Digital Key
- Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Highway Driving Assist
- Safe Exit Assist
With these features, you can stay connected, entertained, and most importantly, safe on the road.
Kia Telluride Technology and Safety
The Telluride also offers a range of tech and safety features, such as:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation
- Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® compatibility
- Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Highway Driving Assist
While the Telluride’s offerings are solid, we think the Palisade’s larger screen and additional safety features give it an advantage in this category.
Performance: Power and Efficiency
Finally, let’s talk about what’s under the hood. Both the Palisade and Telluride offer capable powertrains that can handle everything from the daily school run to weekend adventures. But when it comes to fuel efficiency and overall performance, the Palisade has a few advantages.
Hyundai Palisade Fuel Economy and Drivetrain
The Palisade is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and offers available all-wheel drive for added traction and stability. And with an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway, the Palisade is surprisingly fuel-efficient for a vehicle of its size.
Kia Telluride Fuel Economy and Drivetrain
The Telluride also features a 3.8-liter V6 engine, but it’s slightly less powerful at 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It’s also paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and offers available all-wheel drive. The Telluride’s fuel economy is slightly lower than the Palisade’s, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway.
While both SUVs offer capable performance, we think the Palisade’s slightly more powerful engine and better fuel efficiency give it an edge in this category.
The Verdict: Hyundai Palisade Wins the Battle
After comparing the exterior design, interior comfort, technology and safety features, and performance of the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride, we at Medlin Hyundai believe the Palisade comes out on top. Of course, don’t just take our word for it. Visit Medlin Hyundai at 1800 N. Wesleyan Blvd, Rocky Mount, NC to experience the new Hyundai Palisade for yourself.


