A Quebec family loading up for a July drive to the cottage knows the real test isn’t the destination. It’s the four or five hours in between. Kids get restless, adults get stiff, and a flat bench seat in the second row doesn’t help either one. The 2027 Kia Carnival’s available VIP Lounge second row is built around that exact stretch of highway. What Is the VIP Lounge Second Row? On the...
Three years ago, Kia and Hyundai came to us simultaneously with new players in the three-row mid-size SUV segment; the Telluride at Kia, the Palisade at Hyundai.
Since the two models are twins, we're not here to tell you that one is the eighth wonder of the world while the other is a flaw. It's clear that we're dealing with two similarly interesting models.
In this context, what makes the Telluride stand out? Let's find out.
A sense of luxury
It's clear that the two models being compared are similar. However, Kia has always played the luxury card more than Hyundai and it shows when you experience both vehicles. The Telluride's refinement is just a tad superior, and it comes in many forms. A simple example. From the base offering, you get synthetic leather seats on Kia while the offering is fabric on Hyundai.
Bigger?
The size of our two belligerents is really similar, but inside, Kia has done a better job of arranging everything, so that we enjoy a little more space, whether it's for the volume behind the third row, the second or the first. We're talking about 20 liters in total. However, with all the seats in place, the difference is more significant; 595 liters for the Telluride, 510 for the Palisade.
It's worth considering, especially since the small space behind the third row is where you tend to store your groceries.
Safety
A look at the safety sheet of each vehicle obviously reveals identical elements. However, there is one very important difference from the initial model. With the Telluride, blind spot and rear cross-traffic alerts are standard. With the Palisade, you have to upgrade to take advantage of them.
Simply for that element, very. Importantly, in addition to the leather seats from the start, the Telluride is more attractive.
Other Articles That May Interest You
Most EV shoppers in Quebec are not looking for more screens. They want the car to feel less like a gadget and more like something that just works, from the driveway to the parking garage. The 2026 Kia Niro EV builds its cabin experience around exactly that idea: a phone that replaces the key, a screen that remembers your settings, and remote tools that check on the car before you ever touch the...
Between school drop-off, hockey practice, and grandparent pickups, a family hauler either saves your morning or adds to the chaos. The 2027 Kia Carnival is built around the small daily frictions Quebec families actually deal with: tight parking spots, loaded arms, and cold starts. Here are seven grounded features worth knowing before you shortlist a trim. 1. Seating That Flexes With Your...