The Hyundai Santa Fe, introduced in 2001, has been a trusted choice for families for over two decades. The Kia Telluride, on the other hand, made a bold entrance in 2019 and quickly became a favorite for its rugged styling and upscale feel. While both SUVs share a lineage, they cater to different drivers—whether you prioritize adventure-ready capability or refined family comfort here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis.
In this guide, we’ll break down key differences in pricing, performance, comfort, and reliability to help you decide which SUV best suits your lifestyle. Stay tuned for the latest insights, as we continually update our analysis to reflect the most current information available.
Winner: 2025 Kia Telluride
Reliability
A vehicle’s predicted reliability is a key factor when considering long-term ownership. Ratings from J.D. Power offer insight into how well a model is expected to perform over time, with scores ranging from 91-100 (Best), 81-90 (Great), 70-80 (Average), and below 69 (Fair).
The 2025 Kia Telluride earns a solid 86, reflecting a strong reputation for dependability. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Santa Fe comes in slightly lower at 79, signaling a decent but less impressive reliability score.
Both SUVs come with a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, ensuring peace of mind. However, the Telluride’s higher reliability rating gives it the edge for buyers prioritizing long-term durability.
Seat Comfort
Winner: 2025 Kia Telluride
For those who value spacious and comfortable seating, the Kia Telluride delivers. This three-row SUV accommodates up to eight passengers, with ample headroom and legroom in every row—something that’s especially appreciated on long drives. Premium features like heated and ventilated seats add to its upscale appeal.
The Hyundai Santa Fe also offers a three-row layout but with a maximum seating capacity of seven. While its seats are well-cushioned, the Telluride provides more space and superior comfort, particularly in the third row.
For families or anyone needing roomy, passenger-friendly accommodations, the Telluride is the clear choice.
Cargo Space
Winner: 2025 Kia Telluride
When it comes to hauling gear, luggage, or groceries, the Kia Telluride stands out with its generous cargo capacity:
21 cubic feet behind the third row
46 cubic feet behind the second row
A massive 87 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat
Convenience features like a hands-free power liftgate make loading easier, especially when your hands are full.
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a respectable 40.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 79.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While its boxy shape helps maximize space, it still falls short of the Telluride’s superior cargo-hauling capability.
For those who need versatility and ample storage, the 2025 Kia Telluride is the better pick.
Interior Quality
Winner: 2025 Kia Telluride
Step inside the 2025 Kia Telluride, and you’ll immediately notice its upscale feel—almost like a luxury SUV without the luxury price tag. Premium materials like quilted leather upholstery, real wood, and metal trim give the cabin a high-end atmosphere, even on mid-level trims. Soft-touch surfaces and a well-thought-out design add to its refined, comfortable interior.
The Hyundai Santa Fe, while modern and well-appointed, doesn’t quite match the Telluride’s premium feel. It offers soft-touch materials, contrast stitching, and wood-look accents on higher trims, but the overall ambiance leans more functional than upscale.
For buyers looking for a high-end cabin experience at a competitive price, the Telluride is the clear winner in interior quality.
Interior Features
Winner: 2025 Kia Telluride
The Telluride is loaded with features that enhance convenience, usability, and technology. A standard 12.3-inch touchscreen provides an intuitive interface, while physical controls for key functions ensure easy operation—even while driving.
The Hyundai Santa Fe also boasts a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, but its touch-sensitive controls can be less responsive than the Telluride’s traditional buttons. While futuristic in design, they may take some getting used to.
For those who prioritize a user-friendly, feature-packed SUV, the Telluride once again leads the way.
Off-Road Capability
Winner: 2025 Kia Telluride
When adventure calls, the 2025 Kia Telluride answers with confidence. The X-Pro trims are specifically designed for off-road excursions, featuring higher ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive, a self-leveling rear suspension, and LED fog lights. These upgrades ensure that the Telluride can handle rough terrain while maintaining a comfortable ride on pavement.
The Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, on the other hand, adds rugged styling but lacks the serious off-road enhancements needed for true trail capability. Without increased ground clearance or specialized suspension tuning, it’s best suited for light off-road duty rather than tackling more demanding landscapes.
For drivers who want an SUV ready for real adventure, the Telluride’s off-road-focused features make it the superior choice.
Towing Capacity
Winner: 2025 Kia Telluride
If you need a midsize SUV with strong towing capabilities, the Telluride delivers. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it ideal for small campers, boats, jet skis, or lightweight trailers.
The Hyundai Santa Fe comes close, with a maximum towing capacity of 4,500 pounds, but it falls just short of the Telluride’s more robust capability. While both SUVs can handle weekend getaways, the Telluride offers extra strength for heavier loads.
For those who frequently tow gear for outdoor adventures or road trips, the Telluride stands out as the more capable option.
Ride and Handling
Winner: 2025 Kia Telluride
The 2025 Kia Telluride strikes a near-perfect balance between ride comfort and responsive handling. Its precise steering makes maneuvering through city streets or winding back roads feel effortless, while the well-tuned suspension smooths out bumps and rough pavement, ensuring a comfortable ride for all passengers.
In contrast, the Hyundai Santa Fe prioritizes a softer ride, which can make it feel less agile. While it remains composed through corners, its light steering lacks the engaging feel that the Telluride provides.
For drivers looking for an SUV that combines comfort with confident handling, the Telluride remains the better choice.
Final Verdict: The Better SUV Is...
Winner: 2025 Kia Telluride
After comparing key factors, the Kia Telluride comes out on top, delivering more space, better road manners, and a more premium feel than the Santa Fe.
Experience the ultimate blend of comfort, capability, and adventure with the 2025 Kia Telluride! Whether you're packing up for a family road trip or towing your gear for a weekend getaway, the Telluride delivers spacious luxury, smooth handling, and rugged power in one unbeatable package. Step inside its premium cabin, explore its cutting-edge technology, and feel the confidence of its off-road-ready performance.
Don’t just take our word for it—schedule your test drive today and see why the Telluride is built for every journey!
