Used 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL vs Used 2025 Kia Telluride SX
The used 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL is the superior choice over the used 2021 Kia Telluride SX for buyers seeking a reliable three-row SUV. With only 37,847 miles on stock number SIG2907 compared to 103,235 miles on the Telluride SX, the Palisade SEL offers significantly lower wear, active factory warranty protection, an updated 12.3-inch touchscreen, 9 standard airbags, and a higher payload capacity of 1,482 lbs.
Table of Contents
- Which SUV Offers the Best Value for Cimarron Hills Families: 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL or 2021 Kia Telluride SX?
- Pricing and Ownership Costs for the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL and 2021 Kia Telluride SX
- Passenger Comfort and Cargo Space for Active Families
- All-Wheel Drive Performance and Handling on Foothill Terrain
- Technology Features That Enhance Daily Commutes and Weekend Adventures
- Safety Systems Designed for School Runs and Family Peace of Mind
- Warranty Coverage and Maintenance Considerations for Used 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL and 2021 Kia Telluride SX Owners
- Frequently Asked Questions: Choosing Between the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL and 2021 Kia Telluride SX for Suburban Colorado Families
Which SUV Offers the Best Value for Cimarron Hills Families: 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL or 2025 Kia Telluride SX?
The used 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL delivers far greater overall value than the used 2021 Kia Telluride SX due to a 65,388-mile advantage, a newer design generation, and higher payload performance. While both full-size crossovers share a foundation of three-row versatility and all-wheel-drive capability, comparing these two specific vehicles on our lot highlights how much further your investment goes with a newer model year.
At #1 Phil Long Hyundai of Motor City, our stocked 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL (Stock #SIG2907) has logged just 37,847 miles. In contrast, the 2021 Kia Telluride SX (Stock #LB194C) carries 103,235 miles on its odometer. Lower mileage directly correlates with reduced mechanical fatigue on critical components like the suspension, steering assembly, and electronic actuators. For families living in Cimarron Hills who balance daily school drop-offs with suburban errands and mountain trips, starting with under 40,000 miles provides years of dependable driving before major service intervals arrive.
Beyond odometer readings, the 2025 Palisade SEL represents a more modern execution of the three-row family cruiser. It boasts a higher maximum payload capacity of 1,482 lbs compared to the Telluride SX's 1,382 lbs, allowing you to carry more passengers and cargo without compromising stability. When you are ready to upgrade your family's daily ride, you can value your current trade-in online to see how easily you can transition into a low-mileage SUV. If you are also considering brand-new models, feel free to explore our new Hyundai lineup to compare options across model years.
Pricing
Manufacturer-listed pricing per trim, across compared vehicles.
| 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL Trim | MSRP | 2021 Kia Telluride SX Trim | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEL FWD | $39,950 | SX FWD | $42,490 |
| SEL AWD | $41,950 | SX AWD | $44,390 |
Pricing and Ownership Costs for the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL and 2025 Kia Telluride SX
Lower long-term ownership costs strongly favor the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL because its lower mileage minimizes near-term maintenance expenses compared to an older vehicle that has surpassed 100,000 miles. When evaluating pre-owned vehicles, looking past the initial price tag to consider predictable maintenance and component longevity is essential for keeping your household budget on track.
Vehicles crossing the 100,000-mile mark, such as the 2021 Kia Telluride SX, often require routine replacements of wear-and-tear items including brake rotors, suspension struts, serpentine belts, and fluids that fall outside standard oil changes. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL, with only 37,847 miles, is still well within its primary operational lifecycle. Its mechanical components have experienced a fraction of the thermal cycles and highway stresses, translating to fewer unexpected repairs over your ownership period.
Fuel costs between the two vehicles remain identical, as both feature a 3.8L V6 engine rated by the EPA at 19 MPG city, 24 MPG highway, and 21 MPG combined. However, the Palisade SEL maximizes every gallon by delivering a modern interior environment equipped with standard features that were optional or unavailable on older Telluride models. To assist with your purchase planning, #1 Phil Long Hyundai of Motor City specializes in helping buyers with various credit backgrounds, allowing you to submit an online credit application and secure terms tailored to your budget.
Passenger Comfort and Cargo Space for Active Families
While both SUVs comfortably seat 7 passengers across three rows, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL provides superior cabin refinement, updated seat upholstery, and modern interior ergonomics for daily family life. Navigating carpool lanes, loading sports equipment, and embarking on weekend road trips require a cabin that adapts quickly to changing passenger and cargo demands.
Inside the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL, passengers are treated to Black H-Tex leatherette seat upholstery that offers the soft texture of real leather with enhanced durability and easy cleanup after spillages. Front occupants enjoy power-adjustable bucket seats with 5-way electrical adjustments for the driver and 4-way adjustments for the passenger, complete with standard multi-stage heating. Second-row captain's chairs provide an effortless aisle for access to the third-row split bench, ensuring seating comfort across all three rows.
Cargo flexibility is another area where the Palisade SEL excels. It offers about 18 cu ft of cargo capacity with all seats in place, expanding to a spacious about 86 cu ft when the rear seats are folded flat. The 2021 Kia Telluride SX offers about 21 cu ft behind its third row and about 87 cu ft total, but its Black Nappa leather seats show the natural wear expected from 103,235 miles of use. The fresh condition of the Palisade's interior hardware, quiet cabin insulation, and tactile control surfaces create a far more welcoming atmosphere for long family journeys.
Dimensions & Capacity
Capacity and dimensions by trim
| Specification | 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL | 2021 Kia Telluride SX |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 7 | 7 |
| Cargo | 18.0 cu ft | 21.0 cu ft |
| Towing | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Curb weight | 4,389 lbs | 4,354 lbs |
| Payload | 1,482 lbs | 1,382 lbs |
All-Wheel Drive Performance and Handling on Foothill Terrain
Both vehicles feature a robust 3.8L V6 engine producing 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, but the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL pairs its engine with a smooth SHIFTRONIC® 8-speed automatic transmission that delivers refined power delivery across varied elevations. Driving through rolling foothill terrain and changing weather conditions demands a responsive powertrain and active traction management.
The Palisade SEL utilizes an automatic full-time all-wheel-drive system engineered to continuously monitor wheel slip and route torque to the axle with the most grip. Whether navigating wet pavement, gravel access roads, or lightly snow-covered streets in Gleneagle, the system engages automatically without requiring driver intervention. The SHIFTRONIC® transmission includes steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, giving drivers manual gear control when descending steep inclines or engine braking down mountain passes.
Towing capability is equally matched on paper, with both the 2025 Palisade SEL and 2021 Telluride SX rated for 5,000 lbs of braked towing capacity and 1,650 lbs unbraked. However, the Palisade SEL carries a higher payload capacity of 1,482 lbs compared to the Telluride's 1,382 lbs, giving you a 100-lb advantage when loading up heavy cargo while pulling a utility trailer. Additionally, with a curb weight of 4,389 lbs, the Palisade maintains a planted, confident stance on highways and winding secondary roads alike.
Engine & Performance
Powertrain specs by trim
| Specification | 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL | 2021 Kia Telluride SX |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.8L | 3.8L |
| Horsepower | 291 hp | 291 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | SHIFTRONIC® | automatic 8-speed |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
Technology Features That Enhance Daily Commutes and Weekend Adventures
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL takes a clear technology lead with its standard 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation display, eclipsing the older 10.3-inch screen found in the 2021 Kia Telluride SX. Modern driver interfaces have advanced rapidly over recent model years, making screen size, processing speed, and software responsiveness key factors in everyday driving convenience.
Hyundai's 12.3-inch dashboard center display features high-resolution 3D mapping, intuitive touch controls, and integrated voice recognition. Seamless smartphone integration comes standard via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to stream music, navigate via mobile apps, and manage hands-free calls effortlessly. The Palisade SEL also features a standard wireless charging pad, 3 front USB charging ports, and 2 rear USB ports to keep everyone's devices powered throughout the trip.
Connecting to your vehicle remotely is simpler with Hyundai's Blue Link® telematics system, which includes 36 months of complimentary subscription services on the Palisade SEL. Through a smartphone app, you can remotely start the engine, adjust climate control settings (including heating and cooling), lock or unlock doors, and check vehicle diagnostics. While the 2021 Telluride SX features a 10-speaker Harman/Kardon® audio system, its older infotainment architecture lacks the speed, display clarity, and extended over-the-air update support standard on the 2025 Palisade.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy and range by trim
| Specification | 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL | 2021 Kia Telluride SX |
|---|---|---|
| MPG | 19 city / 24 hwy / 21 combined | 19 city / 24 hwy / 21 combined |
Safety Systems Designed for School Runs and Family Peace of Mind
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL prioritizes occupant protection with 9 standard airbags, outmatching the 7-airbag safety layout of the 2021 Kia Telluride SX. Protecting your family on crowded morning school runs and busy highway commutes requires an active safety suite that constantly monitors surrounding traffic.
Hyundai equips the 2025 Palisade SEL with a comprehensive array of advanced driver assistance systems. Standard safety technology includes Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, and Lane Keeping Assist. The Palisade SEL also features Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, which automatically adjusts cruising speed based on road curvature data and prevailing traffic flow.
Passive safety is equally comprehensive. The Palisade's 9-airbag setup includes dual front airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags covering all three rows. Additional family safety features include a Rear Occupant Alert system to prevent children or pets from being left inside, as well as Safe Exit Warning to alert passengers if vehicles are approaching from behind when opening rear doors.
Warranty Coverage and Maintenance Considerations for Used 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL and 2021 Kia Telluride SX Owners
Factory warranty protection heavily favors the used 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL, which retains substantial time and mileage under Hyundai's original 60-month/60,000-mile limited warranty and 120-month/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Buying a pre-owned vehicle with active factory coverage provides incredible reassurance and protects your wallet against unforeseen repairs.
Having logged only 37,847 miles, our 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL (Stock #SIG2907) benefits from remaining factory warranty coverage for both basic components and its 3.8L Lambda II V6 powertrain. Conversely, the 2021 Kia Telluride SX (Stock #LB194C) has reached 103,235 miles, placing it beyond the 100,000-mile threshold where original factory powertrain coverage expires.
Furthermore, buying your pre-owned Palisade from #1 Phil Long Hyundai of Motor City grants you access to our dedicated service center, factory-trained technicians, and genuine OEM replacement parts. To discover all available vehicles on our lot, you can browse our pre-owned vehicle inventory today. When your vehicle requires routine care, easily schedule a service appointment through our online portal for transparent, convenient maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions: Choosing Between the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL and 2025 Kia Telluride SX for Suburban Colorado Families
Selecting the right three-row SUV comes down to balancing vehicle age, mileage, safety technology, and long-term peace of mind. Here are clear answers to common questions buyers ask when comparing these two popular crossovers at our dealership.
Q: Why is the used 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL a better purchase than the 2025 Kia Telluride SX?
A: The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL (Stock #SIG2907) has only 37,847 miles compared to 103,235 miles on the 2021 Kia Telluride SX (Stock #LB194C). This 65,388-mile difference means the Palisade has experienced substantially less wear and tear, retains active factory warranty coverage, features a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, and provides 9 standard airbags versus 7 in the Telluride.
Q: Do both SUVs offer all-wheel drive for winter weather driving?
A: Yes, both vehicles are equipped with all-wheel drive and matching 3.8L V6 engines delivering 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. However, the 2025 Palisade SEL pairs its engine with an updated 8-speed automatic SHIFTRONIC® transmission and features a higher payload capacity of 1,482 lbs, making it more capable when fully loaded with family gear.
Q: How does the interior technology compare between model years?
A: The 2025 Palisade SEL includes a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen display with 3D navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Blue Link® remote connected services, and a wireless charging pad. The 2021 Telluride SX features an older 10.3-inch screen that lacks the updated processing speed and software interface of the newer Hyundai.
Q: Is there still factory warranty coverage on these pre-owned SUVs?
A: The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL with 37,847 miles still retains remaining coverage from Hyundai's 60-month/60,000-mile limited warranty and 120-month/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The 2021 Kia Telluride SX has 103,235 miles, meaning its original factory powertrain warranty limits have been exceeded.
Q: How can I view and test drive the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL?
A: You can visit our showroom at 170 W Motor Way in Colorado Springs to inspect Stock #SIG2907 in person. Our friendly team is ready to assist you—give us (719) 453-0549 a call today to schedule your personal test drive.
