Kia Telluride vs. Hyundai Palisade vs. Ford Explorer — 2020 Midsize SUV Comparison Test

We think the Kia Telluride is the best midsize SUV on sale today, but the Ford Explorer and the Hyundai Palisade would like to say otherwise. We brought the three of them together and put them through our expert and exhaustive rating process and then sat down to talk it out. Will the Telluride remain the leader, or will the stylish Palisade or all-new Explorer take the top spot?

2020 Hyundai Palisade

Of the many choices for midsize SUVs, the all-new 2020 Hyundai Palisade has a ton of potential to be a top pick. Our current front-runner is the Kia Telluride, which shares a lot of its basic framework and engine with the Palisade. These two midsize SUVs are similar enough for us to say the decision will come down to preference, with the Palisade being more luxurious and the Telluride having more attitude.

Outside of personality, both the Palisade and the Telluride hit all the right spots when it comes to a family-friendly SUV. There is plenty of space for adults throughout, cargo space is generous even behind the third row, ride and seat comfort are praiseworthy, and the V6 engine does an excellent job of moving all of this around with ease. You can also rest easy with a long list of advanced safety features and the industry's most generous warranty coverage.

Whether you're looking at the well-equipped yet affordable base SE trim or the positively luxurious Limited model, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade should be on your short list of midsize three-row SUVs.

Read more about the Hyundai Palisade: https://www.edmunds.com/hyundai/palisade/2020/
Watch our 2020 Hyundai Palisade Review & Test Drive Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpL2gP9Krng

2020 Kia Telluride

The Telluride, an all-new three-row midsize SUV, is now Kia's largest vehicle and about the same size as a Honda Pilot. It can seat up to eight passengers and offers a maximum of 87 cubic feet of cargo capacity. A 291-horsepower V6 is standard, as are plenty of advanced driver safety features. The interior design is upscale, and Kia is also offering some family-focused features such as an available driver intercom system. Another draw is the Telluride's bold styling, a rarity in the class.

Even better, Kia has thoughtfully executed just about every aspect of the vehicle. It drives well, has plenty of utility and pleasant passenger space, and offers up just about all the features we expect from this class of vehicle. In higher trim levels, it becomes an even more appealing near-luxury choice, delivering a premium experience. If you're shopping for a three-row SUV, Kia's new Telluride is one of the top models to check out.

Read more about the Kia Telluride: https://www.edmunds.com/kia/telluride/
Watch our 2020 Kia Telluride Review & First Drive video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X63mENx5PI8

2020 Ford Explorer

Now entering its sixth generation, the 2020 Ford Explorer represents a complete rethink of this three-row family SUV. Early Explorers were built on truck frames and were primarily driven by the rear wheels, and the outgoing model employed a front-wheel-drive layout and car-like unibody construction.

The all-new 2020 model combines the best elements of each. It returns to a rear-wheel-drive layout, but its body retains unibody construction. This detail isn't obvious at first because the new Explorer uses familiar styling cues that give it a strong family resemblance. These outward clues only hint at the transformative changes that lie hidden beneath the sheet metal.

The new 2020 Ford Explorer rides, handles and accommodates passengers much better than the one it replaces, and it is dynamically superior to its crossover competition. But it can get expensive in a hurry, and the interior materials don't quite match the price. Overall, the Explorer merits close consideration. But you should also check out other three-row SUV standouts such as the Honda Pilot and the Kia Telluride.

Read more about the Ford Explorer: https://www.edmunds.com/ford/explorer/2020/
Watch our 2020 Ford Explorer Review & First Drive video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuOp4c7H2TI

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