Used Kia Telluride vs. Used Hyundai Palisade for Indianapolis Families

Two Family Haulers With a Lot in Common

Park a Telluride next to a Palisade at a Greenwood shopping center and you’ll spot the family resemblance right away. Kia and Hyundai built both three-row SUVs from shared hardware. Then each brand styled and equipped its version a little differently. If you’re shopping secondhand for a family hauler, picking between them comes down to cargo room, towing, and which cabin feels like home.

• Both first-generation models use the same 291-horsepower 3.8L V6 and an eight-speed automatic.
• The 2024 Telluride has 21.0 cubic feet of space behind the third row, while the 2024 Palisade has 18.0.
• Telluride X-Pro trims in 2024 can tow 5,500 pounds, and every 2024 Palisade is rated at 5,000 pounds.

Which Model Years Are You Shopping?

Unless you find a nearly new 2026 Palisade or 2027 Telluride, a used one will be a first-generation model. For both nameplates, that means 2020 through 2025. Kia skipped a 2026 Telluride and launched its redesign as a 2027 model. Hyundai redesigned the Palisade for 2026.

So when you weigh a used Kia Telluride vs. used Hyundai Palisade, you’re looking at two SUVs from the same family tree. We’ll use 2024 manufacturer specs as our reference point, since a few numbers shift from year to year.

Power and Fuel Economy on I-465

Under the hood, you won’t find a difference. Each 2024 model runs a 3.8L V6 rated at 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic. That’s plenty of muscle for merging onto I-465 at rush hour or heading down I-65 toward Columbus.

Fuel economy is close too. With front-wheel drive, the 2024 Telluride earns EPA estimates of 20 city and 26 highway mpg, and the 2024 Palisade is rated at 19 city and 26 highway. Pick all-wheel drive and the Palisade edges ahead. It’s rated at 19 city and 24 highway, compared with 18 and 24 for the Telluride.

Cargo Room for Lake Weekends

Cargo space gives the Telluride its clearest win. Kia lists 21.0 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.0 behind the second row, and 87.0 with both rear rows folded. Hyundai lists 18.0, 45.8, and 86.4 cubic feet for the 2024 Palisade.

With every seat filled, those three extra cubic feet behind the last row can decide whether the cooler rides in back or on someone’s lap during the trip to Lake Monroe.

Towing and Winter Traction

Every 2024 Palisade can tow up to 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes, and most 2024 Tellurides match it. Telluride SX X-Pro and SX-Prestige X-Pro trims raise that rating to 5,500 pounds. X-Line and X-Pro trims also ride higher, with 8.4 inches of ground clearance. Other Telluride trims sit at 8.0 inches, and the Palisade sits at 8 inches.

Indiana winters bring slush on Meridian Street and icy mornings along US 31. Both SUVs offer all-wheel drive, and 2025 versions of each add a Snow mode and an AWD lock on all-wheel-drive models. That’s a nice bonus for weekend trips to Brown County State Park when the hills get slick.

Cabin Tech and Trim Choices

The Palisade leans into luxury at the top of its range. Every 2024 Palisade gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and Limited and Calligraphy trims add a head-up display, Harman Kardon audio, and heated third-row seats that fold with the push of a button.

Telluride shoppers get a wider spread of trims, from the LX up to rugged X-Line and X-Pro versions. On 2024 models, SX trims and above add Highway Driving Assist 2, a Surround View Monitor, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. Palisade Limited and Calligraphy trims include that same trio, and so does a well-optioned SEL. Both SUVs seat seven or eight, depending on trim.

Used Kia Telluride vs. Used Hyundai Palisade Spec Chart

Specs come from kiamedia.com and hyundaiusa.com for the 2024 model year. Figures can vary by model year, trim, and drivetrain, so confirm details on the exact vehicle you’re considering.

Picking the Right Hauler for Your Indy Routine

Lean toward the Telluride if cargo room behind the third row and an X-Pro tow rating top your list. A Palisade makes sense if you want Calligraphy-level touches or slightly better mileage with all-wheel drive.

Either way, pull the vehicle history report, check for open recalls on nhtsa.gov, and take each one out on roads you use every week. A loop down US 31 and a stretch of I-465 will tell you plenty about road noise and seat feel.

Find Your Next Three-Row SUV at Ray Skillman Auto Center

As a Kia dealer on Indy’s south side, we know the Telluride well, and our used inventory includes vehicles from many brands that come in on trade. Browse our pre-owned selection online first, then stop by to compare your favorites side by side. Our factory-trained technicians and parts team support Kia owners long after the sale. We also partner with national banks and local lenders to find a payment that fits your budget, whatever your credit history. Thinking about trading in your current ride? Get an online appraisal before you visit, and we’ll put that value toward the SUV that fits your family.

Used Telluride and Palisade Questions From Indy Shoppers

Do the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade share the same engine?

Yes, the first-generation models do. The 2024 Telluride and 2024 Palisade both use a 3.8L V6 rated at 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, an eight-speed automatic, and a 114.2-inch wheelbase. They differ in styling, cabin layout, and trim features.

Which SUV has more cargo space?

The Telluride does. Kia lists 21.0 cubic feet behind the third row of the 2024 model, while Hyundai lists 18.0 cubic feet for the 2024 Palisade. With both rear rows folded, the numbers are 87.0 and 86.4 cubic feet.

How much can a used Telluride or Palisade tow?

Every 2024 Palisade is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes. Most 2024 Telluride trims match that rating, and the SX X-Pro and SX-Prestige X-Pro trims can tow up to 5,500 pounds.

Which one gets better gas mileage?

It depends on the drivetrain. With front-wheel drive, the 2024 Telluride is EPA-rated at 20 city and 26 highway mpg, and the 2024 Palisade at 19 city and 26 highway. With all-wheel drive, the Palisade is rated at 19 city and 24 highway, and the Telluride at 18 city and 24 highway.

Which model years are first-generation?

For both SUVs, the first generation covers the 2020 through 2025 model years. Hyundai launched a redesigned Palisade for 2026, and Kia skipped the 2026 model year and moved straight to a redesigned 2027 Telluride.

Is all-wheel drive worth it for Indianapolis winters?

It can help on snowy mornings and slushy side streets around Indy. Both SUVs offer all-wheel drive, and 2025 AWD models of each come with a Snow mode and an AWD lock. A good set of winter tires helps either drivetrain.

Can I compare a used Telluride and Palisade at Ray Skillman Auto Center?

Our used inventory changes often, so check our website to see which three-row SUVs are on the lot right now. Our team can help you compare options, appraise your trade, and set up financing in one visit.