HYUNDAI Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is a midsize, three-row SUV available exclusively as a spacious body style designed to accommodate families and groups comfortably. It is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 gasoline engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can choose between front-wheel drive as standard or an optional all-wheel drive layout. Fuel economy ranges roughly from 19 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city to 26 mpg on the highway, depending on drivetrain choice. Interior space is generous, providing up to 173.3 cubic feet of passenger volume and 18 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind all three rows, expandable to about 86 cubic feet with rear seats folded. Safety features include advanced systems such as forward collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear occupant alert.
Notable strengths of the Palisade are its excellent interior space and comfort, refined ride quality, and an abundance of technology and safety features even on lower trims. It boasts competitive towing capacity up to 5,000 pounds, making it versatile for light hauling. On the downside, the Palisade’s fuel economy is average for its class, and its front-wheel-drive base models may lack the traction preferred by some buyers. Resale values are decent but trail some rivals, and while its reliability is generally strong, some owners report minor electronic glitches and occasional infotainment bugs. Overall, it is a well-rounded SUV but not without a few caveats for cost-conscious or performance-driven buyers.
Key specs and highlights
The Hyundai Palisade’s 3.8-liter V6 engine delivers a smooth 291 horsepower with 262 lb-ft of torque, creating confident acceleration for daily driving and highway merging. This engine is paired with a modern eight-speed automatic transmission recognized for smooth shifts, though it can occasionally hunt for gears on steep inclines. Front-wheel drive is standard, while an HTRAC all-wheel-drive system is available, providing enhanced traction and handling in inclement weather or light off-road conditions. The Palisade rides on a four-wheel independent suspension with stabilizer bars front and rear, contributing to a balanced and comfortable ride.
Dimensionally, the Palisade measures nearly 197 inches in length with a wheelbase surpassing 114 inches, and it offers 68.9 inches of height, making it a substantial presence on the road. With an interior passenger volume of 173.3 cubic feet and flexible seating arrangements for up to eight, it excels at family duty. Cargo space is equally competitive, offering 18 cubic feet behind the third row and expanding to over 86 cubic feet when folding the rear seats. Noteworthy tech includes a large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, available Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and premium Harman Kardon audio. Safety technologies like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, and parking assistance are standard on higher trims.
Driving experience
The Palisade is tuned for a relaxed, comfortable ride rather than sporty handling. Its suspension smoothly absorbs bumps and road imperfections, making it ideal for long trips and rough pavement alike. Steering feels light but precise for a vehicle this size, contributing to decent maneuverability in urban driving despite its large footprint.
Acceleration is adequate given the SUV’s weight, with the 3.8-liter V6 providing enough power to move the Palisade confidently without hesitation. Acceleration may feel somewhat leisurely compared to turbocharged or V8-powered rivals, but it remains smooth and consistent. Braking performance is solid and predictable, instilling driver confidence in emergency stops.
Inside, the cabin stays impressively quiet at highway speeds, with sound insulation limiting wind and road noise. Seating is supportive with generous padding, especially in front and second-row seats, offering excellent comfort for both short and extended journeys. Visibility is good with large windows and smartly positioned mirrors, though the third row and rear corners require some attention when parking.
Trims and equipment
The Palisade offers seven trim levels, ranging from the base SE to the top-tier luxury Calligraphy and exclusive night editions. The SE trim is well-equipped with essential tech such as the 12.3-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, and advanced safety systems, making it a strong value entry point.
Mid-level trims like SEL and SEL Premium add upgrades such as heated and ventilated seats, power-adjustable seats, and more sophisticated driver-assist features. The XRT trim introduces off-road styling elements and slightly enhanced ground clearance for light trail use.
The Limited and Calligraphy trims elevate the experience further with premium leather upholstery, upgraded sound systems, panoramic roofs, and additional luxury touches like ambient lighting. Calligraphy represents the pinnacle of refinement, including exclusive interior materials and exterior accents. Key packages include towing enhancements and technology bundles that enhance convenience and safety.
Reliability and maintenance
The Hyundai Palisade is considered reliably built, sharing many components with other Hyundai and Kia SUVs that have demonstrated consistent durability. Routine maintenance is straightforward with typical intervals for oil changes, brake service, and tire rotations recommended every 7,500 miles or so depending on conditions.
Some owners report minor issues with the infotainment system freezing or occasional glitches with electronic features, but these problems are generally resolved with software updates at dealerships. The powertrain components have shown solid longevity, and Hyundai’s comprehensive warranty coverage provides peace of mind for buyers.
Owning costs such as repairs and scheduled maintenance tend to be below average for the midsize SUV segment. Tire replacement and brake service frequencies align with competitors, but aggressive driving or off-road use on certain trims might increase wear slightly.
Fuel economy and running costs
Fuel economy for the Palisade is near the class average, with real-world figures typically around 19 mpg city and 24 to 26 mpg highway depending on whether it’s equipped with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The combined rating usually settles near 21 to 22 mpg.
Given its V6 and curb weight above 4,500 pounds, these figures reflect a typical trade-off between power and efficiency in a vehicle this size. Insurance premiums are moderate, partly due to the SUV’s strong safety record and Hyundai’s good reliability reputation. Depreciation is average for the segment: the Palisade holds its value reasonably well but doesn’t outperform some Japanese rivals in this respect.
Safety and driver assistance
The Palisade includes a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies as standard or available equipment. Features such as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control help prevent accidents and ease driver workload.
Additional aids such as rear cross-traffic alert, parking distance warnings, and a surround-view camera system appear on higher trims or as part of packages. The vehicle has received strong safety ratings in crash tests, reflecting well-engineered occupant protection and structural integrity.
Rear occupant alert systems provide added security by reminding drivers to check back seats after parking, promoting awareness of children or pets. Hyundai’s attention to active safety makes the Palisade a leader in its class.
Model history and changes
Introduced in 2020, the Hyundai Palisade replaced the Santa Fe XL as the flagship three-row SUV for Hyundai. The model has been refreshed regularly with feature enhancements rather than significant mechanical revisions.
The 2023 and 2024 model years saw incremental improvements in interior tech and standard safety gear, while the 2025 version retains the familiar 3.8-liter V6 and 8-speed automatic but enhances available luxury options and pricing adjustments. No new engine choices have been introduced, keeping the powertrain lineup consistent.
Early model years saw strong reviews for cabin quality and infotainment, while more recent years have emphasized improved driver assistance and premium materials. Buyers generally prioritize 2022 model year onward Palisades for refined features without substantial price premiums.
Competitors and alternatives
The Hyundai Palisade competes primarily with midsize three-row SUVs such as the Kia Telluride, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Pilot. Compared to the Kia Telluride, its close corporate cousin, the Palisade offers similarly spacious interiors but leans more toward a plush, refined experience.
Against the Toyota Highlander, it tends to provide more interior volume but marginally less fuel efficiency. The Honda Pilot offers a smoother V6 engine but a less upscale interior feel. Buyers seeking a balance of luxury-like amenities and family-friendly utility often find the Palisade compelling in this competitive space.
Buying advice and verdict
The Hyundai Palisade fits buyers needing a spacious, comfortable three-row SUV with a focus on upscale features and strong safety technologies. It suits families and those who value smooth rides and plentiful interior room above sporty dynamics.
Ideal buyers should consider higher trims if they desire premium interior materials and advanced driver aids. Checking for software updates and ensuring warranty coverage can help mitigate potential infotainment glitches.
Its key strengths are strong passenger comfort, comprehensive safety features, and competitive towing capacity. Drawbacks include average fuel economy and moderate resale values. Overall, the Palisade is a well-rounded and intelligently designed SUV offering excellent value for money in the midsize luxury-oriented segment.