2027 Kia Telluride LX vs. 2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL: The Family SUV Showdown at Matthews Kia of Cartersville
Looking for a three-row SUV that can keep up with your busy family life and active weekends? You’ve come to the right place. We’re diving into an honest, detailed comparison between the 2027 Kia Telluride LX and the 2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL, two heavy hitters in the midsize SUV world. Whether it’s school runs, soccer practice, or weekend road trips, making the right choice for your family’s next ride is key. Let’s explore why the 2027 Kia Telluride LX stands out as a smart, reliable, and feature-packed option that fits your lifestyle perfectly.
Ready to see for yourself? Feel free to contact us at (770) 386-8400 or drop by Matthews Kia of Cartersville at 595 E Main St, Cartersville, GA 30121 for a closer look.
Table of Contents
- Quick Overview: SUVs Ready for Family Adventures
- Bold Designs & Room to Grow
- Getting Moving: Power and Driving Experience
- Inside the Cabin: Comfort, Space, and Quality
- Tech-Savvy Families: Infotainment and Connectivity
- Safety First: Driver Assistance You Can Trust
- Fuel and Efficiency: Keep Going, Longer
- Practical Features for Everyday Life
- Making It Count: Value and Ownership Costs
- Final Thoughts: Why the Telluride LX Is Made for You
Quick Overview: SUVs Ready for Family Adventures
Your busy household deserves an SUV that works hard and plays harder. The 2027 Kia Telluride LX brings a fresh update to the family favorite, boasting a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Across the driveway, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL uses a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 with 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft torque.
The Telluride starts at about $40,735, while the Palisade begins near $38,935. Keep in mind, Telluride offers a turbocharged engine producing more torque, translating into confident passing power around town and on the highway. Plus, the Kia steps up with an impressive warranty and tech package designed to make your family’s life easier.
Key Quick Specs
| Specification | 2027 Kia Telluride LX | 2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $40,735 | $38,935 |
| Engine | 2.5L turbocharged I4, 274 hp | 3.5L V-6, 287 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD | FWD or AWD |
| Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Cargo Volume Behind 3rd Row | 22.3 cu ft | Not specified |
| Max Cargo Volume (all seats folded) | 86.9 cu ft | Not specified |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.8 gallons | Not specified |
| Basic Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years / 100,000 miles | 10 years / 100,000 miles |
Bold Designs & Room to Grow
Exterior Styling That Fits Every Day and Adventure
When it comes to appearance, the 2027 Kia Telluride has been redesigned with a fresh, confident look. It brings a boxier, more rugged silhouette with wider stance and subtle but smart design tweaks like flush door handles and an eye-catching grille. The Hyundai Palisade has a refined, upright style that offers a modern vibe, but the Telluride’s broader frame and updated lighting really catch your eye in the driveway.
Size and Practical Dimensions
Telluride offers a slightly longer wheelbase and overall length, which means more room inside without making parking or maneuvering a chore. These few extra inches translate to meaningful improvements in legroom, especially in the second and third rows — a real plus for growing kids or weekend guests.
| Dimension | 2027 Kia Telluride LX | 2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Length | 199.2 inches | 201.2 inches |
| Wheelbase | 116.9 inches | 114.2 inches |
| Ground Clearance (X-Pro) | 9.1 inches | 8.4 inches |
| Seating Capacity | 7–8 passengers | 7–8 passengers |
Why it matters: Telluride’s longer wheelbase gives your family extra cabin space, making every ride more relaxing. The upgraded ground clearance on the X-Pro trim means you’re ready to explore more than just suburban streets.
Getting Moving: Power and Driving Experience
Performance That Balances Power and Efficiency
The Telluride LX’s turbocharged 2.5L inline-four provides a spirited 274 horsepower and an impressive 311 lb-ft of torque. That torque is what helps with smooth acceleration and merging into highway traffic confidently. The Palisade’s V-6 pushes slightly more horsepower at 287 but falls behind in available torque at 260 lb-ft, which means the Telluride’s powertrain feels more responsive in everyday driving.
Transmission and Drivetrain Options
Both SUVs offer front-wheel drive with all-wheel drive options. The Telluride pairs its turbo engine with a slick 8-speed automatic — designed for smooth gear shifts and responsive performance. The Palisade matches that with its own 8-speed automatic transmission.
Acceleration and Towing
Estimated 0–60 mph times for the Telluride’s turbo model hover around 6.6 to 6.8 seconds, perfectly fine for family SUVs balancing comfort and power. Both models offer a strong towing capacity at 5,000 pounds, ideal for towing trailers, campers, or sports toys on your next family adventure.
| Performance Metric | 2027 Kia Telluride LX | 2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 274 hp | 287 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Options | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD |
| 0–60 mph Acceleration | 6.6–6.8 seconds (turbo) | Not specified |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
Inside the Cabin: Comfort, Space, and Quality
Room for Everyone — and Their Gear
The Telluride LX seats up to eight, perfect for taking the whole family on weekend getaways. Its cabin offers thoughtful features designed to keep everybody comfortable — from improved legroom in the back rows to optional captain’s chairs that make third-row access a breeze.
Quality Materials and Comfort Features
Standard cloth upholstery in the Telluride LX is durable and easy to maintain, with heated front seats available on higher trims. The Palisade SEL offers cloth seats as well, but some of the niceties like ventilated seats require stepping up the trim ladder. Dual-zone climate control comes standard in the Telluride LX, ensuring the driver and front passenger stay cozy without fighting over the temperature dial.
Flexible Cargo Space
Need space for a big batch of sports gear or camping supplies? The Telluride offers a competitive 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to nearly 87 cubic feet when the second and third rows fold down. This much room means you won’t have to skimp on what you bring along.
| Interior Specification | 2027 Kia Telluride LX | 2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Cargo Volume (3rd row up) | 22.3 cubic feet | Not specified |
| Cargo Volume (all seats folded) | 86.9 cubic feet | Not specified |
| Seat Material | Durable cloth | Cloth |
| Climate Control | Dual-zone | Dual-zone |
| Heated Front Seats | Available on trims | Optional |
Tech-Savvy Families: Infotainment and Connectivity
Screen and Connectivity Features
The Telluride LX features a sharp 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Hyundai Palisade SEL matches this screen size and also supports wireless smartphone mirroring, so both handle your favorite apps and navigation with ease.
Extras That Matter On the Road
The Telluride offers two wireless charging pads included in every model, so devices stay juiced without the mess of cords. Bluetooth audio, a capable AI-powered voice assistant, and multiple USB ports throughout the cabin keep everyone connected, while premium sound options are available as you move up the trim levels.
| Technology Feature | 2027 Kia Telluride LX | 2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Screen Size | 12.3-inch touchscreen | 12.3-inch touchscreen |
| Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | Wireless standard | Wireless standard |
| Wireless Charging Pads | Two standard | Optional |
| Voice Assistant | AI-powered | Standard |
| Premium Audio Options | 14-speaker Meridian optional | 14-speaker Bose optional |
Safety First: Driver Assistance You Can Trust
Standard Safety Equipment
Both SUVs come loaded with plenty of safety features standard. The Telluride LX offers blind-spot detection, lane keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The availability of enhanced highway driving assist on Telluride trims adds more confidence on long drives, with features like lane centering and adaptive cruise control.
Extra Eyes on the Road
Telluride’s higher trims bring a Blind-Spot View Monitor and a 360-degree camera system, providing a fuller picture of your surroundings. While these may not come standard on the LX trim, they underline the Telluride’s focus on family safety and driver convenience.
Crash Protection
Both models feature robust airbag coverage, but the Telluride’s driver knee airbag addition offers that extra peace of mind. Plus, Kia’s long-lasting reputation for top-notch safety engineering means you’re riding secure every mile.
| Safety Feature | 2027 Kia Telluride LX | 2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL |
|---|---|---|
| Blind-Spot Monitoring | Standard | Standard |
| Lane Keeping Assist | Standard | Standard |
| Forward Collision Warning | Standard | Standard |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Standard |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Alert | Standard | Standard |
| 360-Degree Camera | Available (higher trims) | Available (higher trims) |
| Airbags | 7 (including driver knee) | 10 (roof, side curtain extras) |
Fuel and Efficiency: Keep Going, Longer
Fuel Economy That Helps Your Wallet
The turbocharged 2.5L engine in the Telluride LX delivers an estimated 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway on the front-wheel-drive model, improving overall fuel use without sacrificing power. The Palisade SEL’s V-6 rates slightly lower at about 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, meaning you’ll likely spend less time (and money) at the pump driving the Telluride.
Range You Can Count On
With an 18.8-gallon tank, the Telluride’s driving range stretches over 400 miles for city and highway mixed driving. The Palisade’s data here isn’t specified, but the Telluride’s EcoBoost engine pairs efficiency with reliable performance.
Hybrid Variants Offer Even More Efficiency
If fuel economy really matters, telluride’s hybrid model (available in other trims) hits impressive 29 city / 32 highway mpg figures, showcasing Kia’s advances in balancing power and planet-friendly driving — a level matched only by the Palisade’s new hybrid option also offering generous range and fuel savings.
| Fuel Economy | 2027 Kia Telluride LX | 2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL |
|---|---|---|
| City MPG | 20 | 19 |
| Highway MPG | 29 | 26 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.8 gallons | Not specified |
| Estimated Range | Approx. 414 miles | Not specified |
Practical Features for Everyday Life
Room for Life’s Essentials
From school sports gear to grocery hauls, the Telluride LX makes hauling easy with nearly 87 cubic feet of storage when rear seats fold, plus smart storage solutions like an expanded center console accessible even from the back seats.
Quiet Ride and Thoughtful Layout
The Telluride’s cabin is designed to be both spacious and peaceful, with available acoustic glass that dials down road noise and comfortable seating configurations offering flexibility for kids and cargo alike.
Convenience That Keeps You Moving
Standard on the Telluride LX is a power liftgate to simplify hands-full situations, and higher trims add available hands-free liftgate operation — perfect for those busy family days when your hands are full with kids or bags.
Making It Count: Value and Ownership Costs
Industry-Leading Warranty Coverage
Matthews Kia of Cartersville stands behind the 2027 Telluride with a mighty strong warranty package: 5 years or 60,000 miles basic coverage and an industry-leading 10 years or 100,000 miles powertrain warranty. Hyundai matches this powertrain promise, but Kia’s overall value, plus our exclusive Lifetime Powertrain Warranty option, means you can enjoy peace of mind a long time after your purchase.
Maintaining Your Telluride
While scheduled maintenance isn’t included free for either model, you can always schedule service conveniently with us at Matthews Kia of Cartersville — just Schedule Service online or call our friendly staff. Plus, we offer helpful perks like Trade-In value estimates if you’re thinking about upgrading.
Resale and Ownership Benefits
The Telluride’s strong reputation for reliability, combined with a robust warranty and family-focused features, often translate to strong resale values — a smart choice for your wallet long term.
Final Thoughts: Why the Telluride LX Is Made for You
When picking an SUV to fit into your busy life, the 2027 Kia Telluride LX shines as a balanced blend of power, comfort, safety, and value. It’s crafted with families in mind — whether that means daily errands, weekend getaways, or road trips with everyone aboard.
Compared to the 2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL, the Telluride offers turbocharged performance with more torque, a slightly roomier interior, leading safety features, and a long-standing reputation backed by a powerful warranty and service support from Matthews Kia of Cartersville.
Take a look around our New Kia Inventory and Matthews Kia Preowned Inventory to discover the perfect Telluride for your family’s next chapter.
Feel free to stop by at 595 E Main St, Cartersville, GA 30121 or call us at (770) 386-8400 — we’re here to help you find the right car for your family’s busy life. Ready to take the Telluride out for a spin? Let’s set up your test drive today.
© 2026 Matthews Kia of Cartersville
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.