Last updated: 2026-03-04

Hyundai Palisade vs Kia Telluride: Reliability Compared

Hyundai Palisade reliability comparison

Hyundai Palisade

63
GoodReliability score: 63 out of 100, rated Good
VS
More ReliableKia Telluride reliability comparison

Kia Telluride

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the Hyundai Palisade and the Kia Telluride? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two full-size suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Kia Telluride currently leads with an average score of 66/100 compared to 63/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride Generations Compare?

The Kia Telluride is currently in its first generation, introduced in 2019 for the 2020 model year, with a significant refresh occurring in 2023. As it approaches the later stages of its generation cycle, the Telluride benefits from a mature platform that tends to be well-sorted, with many initial issues typically addressed by now. Conversely, the Hyundai Palisade is also in its first generation, launched in 2018 for the 2020 model year, with a facelift in 2022. Being at a similar point in its lifecycle, the Palisade also offers a mature and refined experience. Both models have undergone updates that enhance their reliability, making them solid choices for buyers seeking dependable SUVs.

Verdict

The Kia Telluride is more reliable than the Hyundai Palisade, scoring 66/100 vs 63/100.

The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade are closely matched in reliability, with average reliability scores of 71 and 70 out of 100, respectively. The Telluride has a slightly lower owner complaint rate at 23.3 per 10,000 sold compared to 31.7 for the Palisade, despite a similar estimated annual repair cost of $573 for both. However, the Telluride has a slightly better recall record with 27 recalls over 6 years, compared to the Palisade's 33 recalls over 7 years. Overall, the Telluride edges out the Palisade in reliability due to its lower complaint rate and fewer recalls.

Key Differences

  1. 1Kia Telluride has 8.4 fewer complaints per 10k sold
  2. 2Kia Telluride has 6 fewer total recalls
  3. 3Kia Telluride scores 3 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

0Hyundai Palisade
—
3Kia Telluride
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair CostRepair Frequency

Hyundai Palisade vs Kia Telluride: Which Is More Reliable?

Hyundai Palisade vs Kia Telluride at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricHyundai PalisadeKia Telluride
Reliability Score63/10066/100
Years Tracked76
Total Recalls3327
Complaints per 10k Sold31.723.3
Annual Repair Cost$573/yr$573/yr
Repair Frequency0.4/yr0.4/yr
Year Wins24

What Are the Common Problems With the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride?

The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade exhibit distinct problem profiles despite their shared platform. The Telluride has a notable concentration of complaints related to unknown or other issues and visibility/wiper systems, with a significant number of crash-linked issues in the power train and service brakes categories. In contrast, the Palisade faces a higher volume of service brake complaints, including a substantial number of crash-linked incidents, alongside issues with seat belts and visibility/wiper systems. Both vehicles report electrical system problems with similar crash-linked frequencies, but the Palisade's service brakes and seat belt issues highlight specific safety concerns not as prevalent in the Telluride.

Hyundai Palisade vs Kia Telluride common problem areas comparison
ComponentHyundai PalisadeKia Telluride
VISIBILITY/WIPER3.6Average4.2Average
UNKNOWN OR OTHER3.3Average4.4Average
SERVICE BRAKES5.4Average0.5Very Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2.1Low2.8Low
SEAT BELTS3.9Average0.1Very Low
ENGINE1.7Low1.9Low
POWER TRAIN1.6Low1.7Low
SUSPENSION2.3Low0.3Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING—None2.5Low
STEERING1.1Low0.3Very Low
STRUCTURE0.4Very Low0.9Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.4Very Low0.2Very Low
VISIBILITY0.2Very Low0.3Very Low
AIR BAGS0.2Very Low0.2Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE0.1Very Low0.2Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING0.1Very Low—None
SEATS—None—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Hyundai Palisade or Kia Telluride?

Independent repair cost data show that the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade have identical annual repair costs of $573 and the same repair frequency at 0.4 visits per year. While both vehicles share these figures, the absence of specific major repair risk data means neither model demonstrates a clear advantage in terms of unexpected, costly repairs. Given the comparable maintenance and repair profiles, cost-conscious buyers may consider other factors like warranty coverage, dealership network, or personal preference. Since both models present identical repair costs and frequency, they represent equal value in this regard, allowing potential owners to focus on other differentiators when making a decision.

How Does Hyundai Palisade vs Kia Telluride Reliability Compare by Year?

Hyundai Palisade vs Kia Telluride year-by-year reliability scores
YearHyundai PalisadeKia TellurideEdge
202570/1003R / 139C78/1002R / 32CKia Telluride
202463/1005R / 304C69/1004R / 180CKia Telluride
202362/1005R / 326C68/1005R / 161CKia Telluride
202265/1005R / 241C63/1006R / 280CHyundai Palisade
202161/1006R / 354C63/1004R / 280CKia Telluride
202059/1007R / 521C55/1006R / 667CHyundai Palisade

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Hyundai Palisade scored 70/100 and the 2025 Kia Telluride scored 78/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Hyundai Palisade vs the Kia Telluride?

If you prioritize reliability and fewer owner complaints, the Kia Telluride is a slightly better choice for you. With a reliability score of 71/100, it edges out the Hyundai Palisade, which scores 70/100. The Telluride also has fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold, at 23.3 compared to the Palisade's 31.7. This suggests that Telluride owners generally report fewer issues, which can be a significant factor in long-term satisfaction. On the other hand, if you're less concerned about the number of recalls and more focused on specific issues, the Hyundai Palisade might suit you better. While it has 33 recalls compared to the Telluride's 27, its top issues center around service brakes and seat belts, which may align more closely with your maintenance priorities. Both models share an estimated annual repair cost of $573 and a repair frequency of 0.4 per year, so your budget will remain consistent regardless of choice.

Hyundai Palisade vs Kia Telluride: Common Questions

Is the Hyundai Palisade more reliable than the Kia Telluride?
Based on our data, the Kia Telluride is more reliable with an average score of 66/100 compared to 63/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Hyundai Palisade or the Kia Telluride?
The Hyundai Palisade has more recalls (33) compared to the Kia Telluride (27). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Hyundai Palisade or the Kia Telluride?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Kia Telluride has a lower complaint rate at 23.3 per 10,000 sold versus 31.7 for the Hyundai Palisade. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Hyundai Palisade or the Kia Telluride?
Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Kia Telluride is cheaper to maintain at $573/year versus $573/year for the Hyundai Palisade.

Related Reliability Comparisons

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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