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2027 Hyundai Palisade vs. 2027 Kia Telluride

2027 Hyundai Palisade vs. 2027 Kia Telluride comparison blog by Chris Crain Hyundai
Overview

If you are shopping for a three-row SUV in Conway, AR, two names will come up again and again: the Hyundai Palisade and the Kia Telluride. These two SUVs are close cousins. They share some parts and engineering, and both are known for offering ample space, style, and value for the money.

But they are not the same. Both SUVs were recently redesigned, and each brand took a different path. The 2027 Hyundai Palisade keeps a strong V6 engine and adds an available hybrid. The 2027 Kia Telluride drops its V6 for a smaller turbocharged four-cylinder engine and also offers a hybrid.

In this comparison, our team at Chris Crain Hyundai breaks down how these two family SUVs stack up in design, interior, performance, technology, and safety. By the end, you will have a clear idea of which one fits your family best.

Design

The Hyundai Palisade has a bold, upscale look. Its front end features a flat, upright grille and striking LED daytime running lights that stretch across the front. The shape is boxy in a confident way, which gives it a strong presence on the road. It is also about 2.5 inches longer than the previous Palisade, with a longer wheelbase that provides more interior space. Hyundai also gave it active air flaps and a smooth shape to help it cut through the wind.

For drivers who like adventure, the Palisade offers the rugged XRT Pro trim. It adds tougher styling and off-road upgrades, so it looks just as good on a gravel road as it does in a school pickup line.

The Kia Telluride also has a fresh new look. It has a taller, wider grille, vertical headlights and taillights, and a floating roof design. Like the Palisade, it grew longer and gained a longer wheelbase. Kia's X-Pro trim adds all-wheel drive and its own off-road features.

Both SUVs look sharp, so style comes down to personal taste. Still, the Palisade's clean lines and premium details give it a more luxury-inspired feel.

Interior

Both of these SUVs are built for families, and it shows inside. Each one offers three rows of seats with room for seven or eight people, depending on the setup you choose.

Cargo space is almost a tie. The Palisade offers up to about 86.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the Telluride offers about 86.9 cubic feet. In real life, you will not notice the difference. Both can handle sports gear, groceries, and luggage for a family road trip.

Where the Palisade stands out is in how it feels. Hyundai offers a wide range of seat materials, from cloth to soft Nappa leather on higher trims. The cabin has a clean, modern layout with real buttons below the screens, so you don't have to dig through menus to change basic settings. It feels more like a luxury SUV than a typical family hauler.

The Telluride's cabin is also nice, with real wood and metal accents and two-tone leather on upper trims. It is a comfortable and well-made space. Even so, the Palisade's premium touches and thoughtful layout give it the edge for families who want a more upscale feel every day.

Performance

This is where the two SUVs differ the most.

The 2027 Hyundai Palisade comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 287 horsepower. It is smooth and strong, and it can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. That is enough for a small camper, a boat, or a trailer full of gear for a weekend at Greers Ferry Lake.

The Palisade also offers a hybrid version. It pairs a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors to make 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. That has more power than the V6 and better gas mileage. The hybrid can tow up to 4,000 pounds and comes with HTRAC all-wheel drive on many trims.

The 2027 Kia Telluride no longer offers a V6. Its standard engine is a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 274 horsepower. Kia's hybrid uses the same 329-horsepower setup as the Palisade Hybrid, and Kia says it can earn up to 35 mpg combined. That is a real strength for the Telluride if fuel savings are your top goal.

Still, the Palisade gives buyers something the Telluride does not: a choice. You can pick a proven V6 for strong towing, or go with the efficient hybrid. For many Arkansas families who tow, travel, or just want a powerful engine, that flexibility matters.

Technology

Both SUVs are packed with modern tech. Each one offers two 12.3-inch screens across the dashboard, one for the driver's gauges and one for the infotainment system. Both also support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so that you can use your phone's maps, music, and messages on the big screen.

The Palisade adds some helpful extras. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mean you don't have to plug in your phone. Its wireless charging pad delivers 15 watts of power and includes a cooling fan to keep your phone from overheating. Available features include a Surround View Monitor, which gives you a bird's-eye view of the SUV when parking. That is a big help with a vehicle this size.

The Telluride offers a similar dual-screen setup and many of the same smart features. In the end, both SUVs are well equipped, but the Palisade's small, thoughtful touches make everyday driving a little easier.

Safety

When you are carrying your whole family, safety comes first. Both SUVs come with a long list of driver-assistance features, such as forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.

The Palisade has an important win here. The 2026 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This is the group's highest award, and it means the Palisade performed very well in tough crash tests. The award applies to Palisades built after November 2025. The 2027 Palisade builds on that same design.

Add in features like the Surround View Monitor and rear parking camera, and the Palisade gives parents real peace of mind on every drive.

Our Choice

The Kia Telluride is a good SUV, and its hybrid's fuel economy is impressive. But when you look at the full picture, the 2027 Hyundai Palisade is our choice for Conway families.

Here is why:

-More engine choices. The Palisade offers both a strong V6 and a powerful hybrid. The Telluride no longer has a V6
-Better towing. With up to 5,000 pounds of towing on V6 models, the Palisade is ready for boats, campers, and weekend trips
-A more upscale feel. From its bold design to its Nappa leather options, the Palisade feels like a luxury SUV without the luxury price
-Proven safety. The Palisade earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, the group's highest honor
-Long-term value. Hyundai backs the Palisade with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, plus complimentary maintenance that adds long-term value.

If you want an SUV that does it all, the Palisade is hard to beat. And if you need all-weather confidence, it is also one of the best Hyundai AWD vehicles you can buy.

Test Drive the 2027 Hyundai Palisade at Chris Crain Hyundai

Ready to see the Palisade for yourself? Browse our Hyundai Palisade inventory and check out our latest new vehicle specials. Our team can also help you explore financing options and find out what your trade-in is worth.

Visit Chris Crain Hyundai at 1003 Museum Road in Conway, or contact us to schedule your test drive today.


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2026 Hyundai Sonata vs. Toyota Camry: Which Sedan Wins in Conway, AR?

Midsize sedans still have a lot of fans in Conway, AR, and the Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry are two of the biggest names in the class. Both offer comfortable rides, solid fuel economy, and a long list of standard features. But once you get into the details, the two sedans take different paths. At Chris Crain Hyundai in Conway, AR, we compared the 2026 Hyundai Sonata and the 2026 Toyota Camry on design, performance, technology, safety, and interior space. Then we explain why we think the Sonata comes out on top. Overview The 2026 Hyundai Sonata comes in six trims: the SE, SEL Sport, and N Line gas models, plus three hybrid trims called Blue Hybrid, SEL Hybrid, and Limited Hybrid. The 2026 Toyota Camry has gone hybrid-only across its entire lineup, with five trims ranging from the LE up to the XSE. Right away, the Sonata gives Conway shoppers more variety, with both gas and hybrid power available in the same lineup. 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Step up to the Sonata N Line, and you get a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine producing 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, numbers no Camry trim can touch. You can read more about this trim in our post on Hyundai N Line vehicles. If fuel economy matters more to you, the Sonata Hybrid delivers an EPA-estimated 51 mpg combined, which actually beats the Camry LE's 50 mpg combined rating. That means the Sonata lineup can outrun the Camry at the top end and out-sip it at the efficient end, all in the same model line. The Camry, now hybrid-only, makes a strong 232 horsepower, but it does not offer anything close to the N Line's performance. For more on how Hyundai builds performance into its lineup, see our article on Hyundai performance in Conway, AR. Technology Every 2026 Sonata trim comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, even on the base SE. Wireless charging is available starting on the SEL Sport trim and above. That means Sonata shoppers get a full-size touchscreen without having to pay for a top trim first. The Camry starts with a smaller 8-inch touchscreen on the LE, and only moves up to a 12.3-inch display on the XLE and higher trims. Wireless charging is available on the Camry as well, but the Sonata's approach of giving every trim the larger screen makes shopping simpler for buyers who want a full-size display without having to hunt for the right trim. Safety Every 2026 Sonata comes standard with Hyundai SmartSense. This full suite includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Safe Exit Warning. Higher trims add Highway Driving Assist, a Surround View Monitor, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. The Camry counters with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, a well-regarded system in its own right. Both sedans take safety seriously and come well-equipped from the base trim up. The difference lies in the extras: the Sonata's higher trims add features like a 360-degree camera view and remote parking assist, giving drivers even more confidence in tight spots around Conway. Interior Step inside the Sonata, and you get a spacious, modern cabin with the same large touchscreen across every trim, so the interior feels upscale even in the base model. Higher trims add more comfort features, and the N Line brings sport seats and unique interior trim for a more driver-focused feel. The Camry's cabin is comfortable and well built, especially in its higher trims, but the smaller base screen makes the entry-level LE feel less modern than the base Sonata. Buyers who want the Camry's best interior touches need to move further up the trim lineup. Our Choice After comparing both sedans, we believe the 2026 Hyundai Sonata is the better choice for drivers in Conway, AR. It offers a wider range of trims and gives buyers a genuine choice between hybrid efficiency and turbocharged performance within a single lineup. The Sonata Hybrid even out-mpgs the Camry's own hybrid-only lineup, and the N Line offers a level of performance the Camry simply cannot match. Every new Sonata also comes backed by Hyundai's strong ownership benefits. Learn more in our article on Hyundai's complimentary maintenance program. Ready to see the 2026 Hyundai Sonata for yourself? Visit Chris Crain Hyundai in Conway to test-drive one today, or browse our current new-vehicle specials to see what is available right now.

2026 Hyundai Venue vs. 2026 Nissan Kicks comparison blog

2026 Hyundai Venue vs. Nissan Kicks: Which Small SUV Wins in Conway, AR?

Shopping for a small SUV can feel like a big decision, even when the vehicle itself is small. If you are cross-shopping the 2026 Hyundai Venue against the redesigned 2026 Nissan Kicks, you already know both are priced for budget-friendly buyers who still want modern tech and safety features. But once you look past the sticker price, the two vehicles tell very different stories. Here at Chris Crain Hyundai in Conway, AR, we help drivers compare vehicles every day. Below, we break down price, performance, technology, safety, and warranty coverage so you can see exactly why so many local drivers choose the Venue. Starting Price: Venue Wins on Value Price is usually the first thing shoppers ask about, and it is where the Venue pulls ahead right away. The 2026 Hyundai Venue starts at $20,550 for the SE trim, with the well-equipped SEL trim priced at $22,825. That is a simple, two-trim lineup that keeps shopping easy. The 2026 Nissan Kicks starts higher, at $22,730 for the base S trim with front-wheel drive. Nissan also offers six different configurations across three trims (S, SV, and SR), with all-wheel drive adding about $1,650 to any trim. A fully loaded SR AWD Kicks tops out at $28,460. In plain terms, you can drive home in a brand-new Venue for over $2,000 less than the cheapest Kicks. That is real money that can go toward a down payment, an extended warranty, or simply staying in your budget. You can run your own numbers using our online payment calculator to see what a Venue payment might look like for your situation. Under the Hood: Kicks Has More Power, But At a Cost If horsepower numbers are what matter most to you, the Kicks technically wins this round. The redesigned 2026 Kicks now uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, a big jump from the smaller engine it used to have. 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2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs. 2026 Ford Maverick

2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs. 2026 Ford Maverick: Which Truck Is Right for Conway, AR?

Two Compact Trucks, One Big Decision for Conway Drivers Conway, AR truck shoppers comparing compact pickups usually land on two names: the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs. the 2026 Ford Maverick. Both are five-passenger, four-door pickups built for daily commutes and weekend hauling, but they start from different places under the hood — the Maverick's standard engine is a 2.5L hybrid. In contrast, the Santa Cruz starts with a traditional 2.5L gas engine and offers a more powerful turbo gas option higher in the lineup. At Chris Crain Hyundai, we took the time to compare both as configured from the factory, covering design, ride, cab and bed space, technology, safety, performance, towing, and ownership value before landing on a recommendation for Conway drivers. For full trim details, see the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz research page. Vehicle Comparison 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Horsepower 191 hp standard (2.5L GDI-MPI); 281 hp available (2.5L Turbocharged, XRT/Limited) AWD Availability Available Fuel Economy / Range FWD 25 combined (22 city/30 hwy); AWD 24 combined (21 city/29 hwy); Turbo 20 combined (18 city/25 hwy) mpg (city/hwy) Seating Capacity 5 Top Features Standard bed tie-downs (up to 6) with sealed underfloor storage Available 115V power inverter and lockable tonneau cover Available HTRAC AWD with turbo engine (tows up to 5,000 lbs) Find Your New Santa Cruz! 2026 Ford Maverick Horsepower 184 hp combined standard (2.5L Hybrid); 250 hp @ 5,500 rpm available (2.0L EcoBoost) AWD Availability Available Fuel Economy / Range EPA-estimated 42 MPG city (Hybrid; combined/highway figures not published on source page) MPGe Seating Capacity 5 Top Features FLEXBED Storage System In-bed 12V power outlet (available Pro Power Onboard) Available AWD with EcoBoost engine (tows up to 4,000 lbs with 4K Tow Package) Check Out Our Used Cars Design and Styling: Sport Adventure Vehicle vs. Purpose-Built Utility The Santa Cruz leans into its "Sport Adventure Vehicle" identity, and the XRT trim pushes that further with exposed front tow hooks, 18-inch all-terrain wheels, a new Terrain Mode Select with Snow, Mud, and Sand modes, exclusive cladding, and XRT tailgate badging. The Maverick spreads its personality across trims: the performance-minded Lobo pairs 250 horsepower with Lobo Mode and torque vectoring for stability. In contrast, the Tremor trim adds Advanced 4-Wheel Drive for off-road use. Santa Cruz XRT: tow hooks, all-terrain tires, Terrain Mode Select (Snow/Mud/Sand) Maverick Lobo: 250-hp EcoBoost, Lobo Mode, torque vectoring; Tremor adds Advanced 4WD Ride and Performance: Two Ways to Power a Compact Truck Santa Cruz's standard 2.5L engine makes 191 hp, while the available 2.5L turbocharged engine (XRT and Limited trims) bumps that to 281 hp and adds standard HTRAC AWD. The Maverick's standard 2.5L hybrid produces 184 hp combined through a CVT, with an available 2.0L EcoBoost making 250 hp through an 8-speed automatic — AWD is available on both engines and standard on the Lariat trim. Santa Cruz: 191 hp standard, 281 hp available (turbo, HTRAC AWD standard on that engine) Maverick: 184 hp combined standard (hybrid), 250 hp available (EcoBoost), AWD available Cab and Bed Space: Room to Ride, Room to Haul Since this comparison is about trucks people actually use, bed practicality matters as much as cab comfort. The Santa Cruz offers 101.8 cubic feet of passenger volume plus a bed with up to six standard tie-down points, molded-in cross-plank support slots, and a sealed underfloor storage bin that drains. Available extras include a 115V power inverter and a lockable tonneau cover. The Maverick's bed measures 4'5" (54.4 inches) long with 33.3 cubic feet of cargo volume, built around Ford's FLEXBED Storage System and an in-bed 12V power outlet. Santa Cruz: 101.8 cu ft passenger volume, 6 bed tie-downs, sealed underfloor storage, available 115V outlet Maverick: 33.3 cu ft bed volume, 4'5" bed length, FLEXBED storage system, in-bed 12V power. Technology: Screens and Connectivity The Santa Cruz comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen (available with navigation), an available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that combines into a panoramic curved display, plus Bluelink+ connectivity and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Maverick counters with a larger standard 13.2-inch center display running SYNC 4. Curious how Hyundai's AWD system stacks up? Check our HTRAC AWD explained guide. Santa Cruz: 12.3-inch touchscreen standard, available digital cluster, and panoramic display Maverick: 13.2-inch touchscreen with SYNC 4 standard Safety: Confirmed Ratings vs. Available Driver Assist The 2026 Santa Cruz is a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick and carries a 5-Star NHTSA Overall Safety Rating, backed by the Hyundai SmartSense suite. The Maverick offers available Ford Co-Pilot360 Driver-Assist Technologies. For more on Hyundai's safety suite, see our Hyundai SmartSense safety technology guide. Santa Cruz: 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick, 5-Star NHTSA rating, Hyundai SmartSense Maverick: available Ford Co-Pilot360 Driver-Assist Technologies Performance, AWD, and Fuel Economy For Conway drivers, cross-shopping power and efficiency, the two trucks take different approaches. The Santa Cruz's standard 191-hp engine returns up to 25 combined MPG in FWD trims (22 city/30 highway) or 24 combined with available HTRAC AWD (21 city/29 highway); the available 281-hp turbo engine, paired with standard HTRAC AWD, returns 20 combined MPG (18 city/25 highway) and can tow up to 5,000 lbs. The Maverick's standard 184-hp hybrid is EPA-estimated at 42 MPG city, with AWD available (standard on Lariat); the available 250-hp EcoBoost engine tows up to 4,000 lbs with the available 4K Tow Package and offers up to 1,500 lbs of payload. Santa Cruz: 191–281 hp, HTRAC AWD available, tows up to 5,000 lbs with the turbo engine Maverick: 184–250 hp, AWD available, tows up to 4,000 lbs with the 4K Tow Pack Package. Our Take: Why We'd Point Conway Drivers to the Santa Cruz Both trucks are genuinely capable compact pickups, and the Maverick's lower price and standard hybrid efficiency make it an easy truck to like for city driving around Conway. But for buyers who use the bed for real work or weekend gear, we lean Santa Cruz: it offers a higher available horsepower ceiling, a 5,000-lb tow rating that beats the Maverick's 4,000-lb max, a confirmed 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick, standard bed tie-downs with sealed underfloor storage, and a powertrain warranty that doubles Ford's coverage. Maverick shoppers prioritizing a lower price and class-leading city fuel economy still have a strong option — but the Santa Cruz's combination of capability and coverage makes it our pick for most Conway drivers. Stop by Chris Crain Hyundai today to see why we are your go-to Hyundai Dealer! FAQs: 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs. 2026 Ford Maverick Which truck has more towing capacity, the Santa Cruz or the Maverick? The Santa Cruz's available turbo engine tows up to 5,000 lbs, 1,000 lbs more than the Maverick's 4,000-lb max with the available 4K Tow Package. Is all-wheel drive available on both the Santa Cruz and Maverick? Yes. Hyundai's HTRAC AWD is available across the Santa Cruz lineup (standard with the turbo engine), and Ford's AWD is available on the Maverick and standard on the Lariat trim. Which truck has the longer warranty, Santa Cruz or Maverick? The Santa Cruz, backed by Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty versus the Maverick's 5-year/60,000-mile coverage.