The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade are the two most closely related 3-row SUVs on the American market. They share an underlying platform, near-identical dimensions, and comparable price ranges. For several consecutive years, both have ranked at the top of family SUV lists. For a family choosing between them — particularly a family with car seats — the question is whether the differences that exist actually matter.
Both the Telluride and Palisade earn NHTSA 5-star overall ratings in recent model years, with strong frontal and side crash scores. SafeCarCompare's SafeScore translates the underlying dummy sensor measurements into a 0–100 injury-margin score, showing how much margin was left below the federal injury threshold — not just whether the vehicle passed or failed. For specific model years, use the SafeCarCompare vehicle comparison tool to see exact SafeScore values side by side, as crash results vary year to year.
Both vehicles have also earned IIHS recognition. IIHS ratings use different test methodologies, including small-overlap frontal and side barrier configurations not used in NHTSA testing. SafeScore is based on NHTSA data only and does not incorporate IIHS results.
Both vehicles offer a choice between second-row captain's chairs and a bench seat depending on trim and configuration. LATCH lower anchor access in the second row is rated as accessible in both vehicles, but there are differences worth noting.
The Telluride's second-row seat bight is generally considered more open and accessible for LATCH connector installation in standard trim configurations. Some certified child passenger safety technicians (CPSTs) have noted that the Palisade's higher-trim captain's chair configurations have deeper lateral bolstering that makes reaching lower anchors more effortful — though this is trim-specific and varies by year.
The Palisade offers sliding second-row captain's chairs on certain trims, allowing the seats to move rearward for more rear-passenger legroom. This flexibility is useful for adults but changes the seat position relative to the LATCH anchors — confirm installation works correctly after any seat repositioning.
Neither the Telluride nor the Palisade's third row is a preferred location for car seat installation. The third row in both vehicles has limited headroom and is accessed through a narrow second-row fold-and-tumble mechanism. Most CPSTs recommend using the second-row center position for any child who must be in a convertible or forward-facing seat, reserving the third row only when all second-row positions are occupied.
If third-row car seat installation is required, tether anchor locations vary by model year and should be verified in the vehicle owner's manual before purchase. In both vehicles, tether anchors in the third row are typically located in the cargo area wall or roof, requiring careful routing.
Second-row tether anchors on both vehicles are located on the back of the second-row seatbacks in the standard position. This is accessible and straightforward for forward-facing seats in the second row. Remember that the top tether should be used regardless of whether you install with LATCH lower anchors or the seatbelt — it prevents forward head excursion independently and is required for maximum crash protection in the forward-facing position.
Three car seats simultaneously across the second row is challenging in both the Telluride and Palisade, particularly in captain's chair configurations. With a second-row bench seat (available on select trims of both vehicles), three-across becomes feasible with careful seat selection — narrow models like the Diono Radian and Clek Fllo are frequently cited in CPST community guidance for three-across configurations.
Before attempting three-across, measure the usable flat seat width in the second row for the specific trim you are considering — bench and captain's chair configurations provide different effective widths. The correct measurement is the available width at belt-path height, not just the outer cushion width.
| Feature | Kia Telluride | Hyundai Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall rating | 5 stars (recent MY) | 5 stars (recent MY) |
| Second-row LATCH access | Generally more open seat bight | Deeper bolstering on higher trims |
| Sliding second-row seats | No | Yes (select trims) |
| Top tether anchor location (2nd row) | Back of 2nd-row seatback | Back of 2nd-row seatback |
| Three-across (2nd row) | Needs bench seat trim; narrow seats required | Needs bench seat trim; narrow seats required |
| Third-row car seat suitability | Limited; seatbelt+tether recommended | Limited; seatbelt+tether recommended |
| Standard ADAS suite | Kia DriveWise | Hyundai SmartSense |
| Platform | Hyundai-Kia shared platform | Hyundai-Kia shared platform |
For families comparing these two vehicles on crash protection and car seat usability, the differences are real but not dramatic. The Telluride's second-row LATCH access is marginally better in standard trim configurations. The Palisade's sliding second-row seats offer more flexibility for adult passengers but require re-confirming installation after repositioning. On crash protection, both are strong performers — compare specific model years on SafeCarCompare to see which year's test results favor your consideration set.
If your family needs three car seats simultaneously, both vehicles present the same challenge. In that case, add a current-generation Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna to your test drive list — minivans' second-row width and sliding door access provide a meaningful usability advantage for families with three car-seat-age children.
Before committing to either vehicle, bring your actual car seats to the dealership and do a full trial installation in the rows and positions you plan to use. Seat bight depth, headrest clearance, and tether routing all vary enough from what you read online that an in-person installation is the definitive test.
Disclaimer: Car seat fit and usability varies by car seat brand and model, child size, and vehicle trim configuration. This article provides general guidance. Always consult your car seat manual, vehicle manual, and a certified CPST before finalizing installation. SafeScore is calculated from NHTSA public-domain data. IIHS ratings are not incorporated into SafeScore.
SafeCarCompare shows injury margins from NHTSA crash-test data — beyond star ratings. Enter any two vehicles to see head, chest, and neck injury margins side by side.