VS
At a Glance
Power
287hp @ 6400
187hp @ 6100
Torque
260lb-ft @ 5000
178lb-ft @ 4000
Fuel
21 mpg est.
29 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
1653lbs
Engine
3.5 L/212ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Hyundai Palisade and the KIA Sportage is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Palisade delivers 287hp @ 6400 while the KIA Sportage produces 187hp @ 6100. On fuel, the Palisade returns 21 mpg est. while the Sportage uses 29 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $49,870 for the Palisade and $36,290 for the Sportage. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Hyundai PalisadeXRT Pro AWD 2026 - From $49,870
KIA SportageSX-Prestige FWD 2026 - From $36,290
Performance
Power Output (hp)
287hp @ 6400
187hp @ 6100
Torque (lb-ft)
260lb-ft @ 5000
178lb-ft @ 4000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.5 L/212ci
2.5 L/152ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
21 mpg est.
29 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
18mpg
25 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
24mpg
33 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
19gal
14.3gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
199.4in
183.5in
Width (in)
78in
73.4in
Height (in)
69.5in
66.3in
Wheelbase (in)
116.9in
108.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4872lbs
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
1653lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Palisade
Fuel Economy
Sportage
Value
Sportage
Practicality
Palisade
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Palisade
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (21 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
KIA Sportage
Better fuel economy (29 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($36,290)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Palisade or Sportage?
The Palisade gets 21 mpg est. and the Sportage gets 29 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Sportage is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Palisade or Sportage?
The Palisade produces 287hp @ 6400 and 260lb-ft @ 5000 of torque while the Sportage delivers 187hp @ 6100 and 178lb-ft @ 4000 of torque. The Palisade is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Palisade and Sportage?
The Palisade starts from $49,870 and the Sportage from $36,290. The Sportage is cheaper by $13,580 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Palisade or Sportage?
The Palisade has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Sportage can tow 1653lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Palisade or the Sportage?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.