2027 Kia Telluride vs Hyundai Palisade: Turbo vs V6 Explained Simply
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Two of the most popular three row SUVs right now are the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. Both have entered a new generation, and on paper, they still look very similar.
But once you look under the hood, things change quickly.
This is where the real difference lies. And honestly, it’s the only thing most buyers will care about after driving both.
What’s New: The Big Engine Change
The biggest talking point is simple:
- Telluride moved to a turbocharged four cylinder
- Palisade stayed with a naturally aspirated V6
That one decision changes how both SUVs feel on the road.
Engine Specs Comparison
| SUV | Engine | Power | Torque | Transmission | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Telluride | 2.5L turbo petrol | 274 hp | 311 lb ft | 8 speed automatic | AWD |
| Hyundai Palisade | 3.5L V6 petrol | 287 hp | 260 lb ft | 8 speed automatic | AWD |
What stands out?
- Palisade has more horsepower
- Telluride has around 50 lb ft more torque
And that torque difference is something you feel instantly.
Fuel Economy: Surprisingly the Same
Despite different engines, both SUVs return similar numbers:
- 18 city
- 24 highway
- 20 combined MPG
So if you expected the turbo engine to save fuel, that advantage doesn’t really show up here.
Real World Driving: This Is Where It Gets Interesting
Telluride Turbo Experience
The turbo engine feels strong right away.
- More low end torque
- Faster initial pull
- Feels effortless in city driving
Press the accelerator and it pushes you back into your seat quickly. That torque makes it feel quicker than the numbers suggest.
Also, it is about one second faster to 60 mph compared to the Palisade.
But there’s a trade off.
- Slightly more engine noise
- Not as smooth as a V6
- A bit less refined under acceleration
Not bad. Just not premium smooth.
Palisade V6 Experience
Now this is where things flip.
The V6 is not about quick punch. It’s about feel.
- Smooth power delivery
- Quiet cabin
- Refined acceleration
It sounds and feels more expensive. Almost like a luxury SUV.
But you do notice:
- Less torque off the line
- Needs more throttle input, especially uphill
- Not as quick in straight line acceleration
Still, the smoothness is hard to ignore.
Turbo vs V6: Pros and Cons
Kia Telluride Turbo Pros
- Strong torque makes it feel quicker
- Easier city driving
- Faster 0 to 60 performance
Kia Telluride Turbo Cons
- Less refined sound
- Slightly more engine noise
Hyundai Palisade V6 Pros
- Extremely smooth engine
- More refined driving experience
- Feels more premium
Hyundai Palisade V6 Cons
- Less torque
- Needs more effort for quick acceleration
Which One Should You Pick?
This depends on what you value more.
Pick Telluride if:
- You want quicker acceleration
- You drive mostly in city traffic
- You like strong low end torque
Pick Palisade if:
- You care about refinement
- You want a smoother drive
- You prefer a traditional V6 feel
Real Talk: What Most Drivers Will Prefer
Interestingly, even after testing both, many drivers still lean towards the V6.
Not because it’s faster. It isn’t.
But because:
- It feels calmer
- It sounds better
- It delivers a more premium experience
There’s also a practical angle. A naturally aspirated V6 is simpler, and some buyers trust it more for long term reliability.
Final Thoughts
The new generation of Telluride and Palisade proves something important.
You don’t always upgrade performance by switching to a turbo engine. You just change the character.
- Telluride feels modern and punchy
- Palisade feels smooth and traditional
There’s no clear winner. Just different personalities.
If possible, drive both. You’ll know your answer within five minutes.
And yes, a hybrid option is expected, which might end up being the real sweet spot for most buyers.
Sources and References
- 2027 Kia Telluride Review (Car and Driver)
Independent US automotive publication. Covers pricing, performance, and real world driving impressions. - 2027 Kia Telluride Full Review (Edmunds)
Trusted US car buying platform. Focuses on real world testing, ownership experience, and performance. - Telluride vs Palisade Spec Comparison (Edmunds)
Direct comparison article explaining engine changes, platform similarities, and differences. - 2027 Kia Telluride Overview (Kelley Blue Book)
Well known US valuation and review site. Covers features, pricing expectations, and redesign details. - 2027 Telluride Technical Specs & Features
Detailed breakdown of engine options, hybrid system, and feature upgrades. - Hyundai Palisade vs Kia Telluride Comparison Guide
Dealer backed comparison with clear specs, MPG, and feature differences. - Kia Telluride vs Hyundai Palisade Engine Test (Car and Driver)
Real performance testing data. Shows acceleration difference and torque advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the 2027 Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade?
The biggest difference is the engine. The Kia Telluride now uses a 2.5 liter turbocharged four cylinder, while the Hyundai Palisade continues with a naturally aspirated 3.5 liter V6. This changes how both SUVs feel while driving.
Which SUV is more powerful, Telluride or Palisade?
The Palisade has slightly more horsepower at 287 hp, but the Telluride produces more torque at 311 lb ft. That extra torque makes the Telluride feel quicker during initial acceleration.
Is the 2027 Kia Telluride faster than the Hyundai Palisade?
Yes, the Telluride is slightly faster. It can reach 60 mph about one second quicker, mainly because of the stronger low end torque from the turbo engine. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Which SUV has better fuel economy?
Both SUVs offer almost identical fuel economy. They deliver around 18 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg combined. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Which one feels more refined to drive?
The Hyundai Palisade feels more refined. Its V6 engine delivers smoother acceleration and quieter operation, which gives it a more premium and relaxed driving experience.
Does the Telluride turbo engine feel less smooth?
Yes, compared to the V6, the turbo engine is slightly less smooth. It is still quiet and controlled, but it does not match the natural refinement of a V6 engine.
Which SUV is better for city driving?
The Telluride is easier to drive in the city. Its higher torque makes acceleration feel effortless without pressing the throttle too hard.
Which engine is better for long term reliability?
Many buyers prefer the Palisade V6 for long term ownership because it is a simpler naturally aspirated engine. Turbo engines are efficient and powerful, but they add complexity.
Why did Kia switch to a turbo engine in the Telluride?
Kia likely made the switch to improve performance and acceleration. The turbo engine delivers more torque and helps the SUV feel quicker in everyday driving.
Will there be a hybrid option for Telluride and Palisade?
Yes, a hybrid powertrain is expected for both models. Many drivers may prefer it as it could offer a balance between performance and efficiency.
