Discovering The Palisade: A Comprehensive Look At A

The Hyundai Palisade is a three-row SUV competing with the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Mazda CX-90. Base MSRP starts around $37,000; top trims exceed $50,000. Standard features include 3-row seating for up to eight, advanced safety tech, and a 3.8L V6 producing 291 hp. The 2026 model offers refreshed styling, updated infotainment, and Hyundai's strong warranty. It has earned praise for interior space, value, and family-friendly features.

Trim Levels and Key Features

SE, SEL, and Limited trims offer escalating luxury. Highway Drive Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are standard. Optional features include Nappa leather, captain's chairs in the second row, a 12.3-inch digital cluster, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The Calligraphy trim (where offered) adds premium touches. Third-row space is competitive; adults can fit for short trips. Cargo space behind the third row is adequate for groceries; folding rows expands capacity.

Performance and Fuel Economy

The 3.8L V6 provides adequate power for merging and towing (up to 5,000 lbs with proper equipment). Fuel economy is mid-pack for the segment—around 19 city/26 highway mpg. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is available. The eight-speed automatic is smooth. Ride quality favors comfort over sportiness.

Ownership and Value

Hyundai's warranty—5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper, 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain—is among the best in the industry. Resale values have improved; compare to Pilot and Highlander before buying. Maintenance costs are reasonable. Consider certified pre-owned for savings on recent model years.

Who It's For

The Palisade suits families who need three rows, value interior space and features, and want strong warranty coverage. It's less sporty than the Mazda CX-90 but more refined than some rivals. Test drive against the Pilot and Highlander to decide.

Safety and Technology

The Palisade earns top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA. Standard safety features include forward collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Highway Drive Assist combines lane centering with adaptive cruise for semi-autonomous highway driving. Blind-spot view monitor displays camera feed in the instrument cluster when signaling. The infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; wireless connectivity is available on higher trims.

Towing and Cargo

Maximum towing is 5,000 lbs with the factory tow package (hitch, wiring, cooling). Payload capacity is around 1,400 lbs. Cargo behind the third row is about 18 cubic feet—enough for groceries or a stroller. Fold the third row for 45+ cubic feet; fold both rear rows for 86+ cubic feet. Roof rails support cargo boxes for additional storage.

Reliability and Ownership Costs

Hyundai has improved reliability in recent years; the Palisade has generally solid ratings. Maintenance follows the standard schedule—oil changes, tire rotation, brake inspection. Parts and labor costs are competitive. Insurance costs vary by location and driver; get quotes before buying. Depreciation is moderate; three-year-old models retain roughly 55–60% of value. Total cost of ownership calculators (Edmunds, KBB) help compare the Palisade to rivals over five years.

Test Drive Checklist

When test driving the Palisade, check third-row access—some three-row SUVs make it difficult for adults. Test the infotainment system; ensure Apple CarPlay or Android Auto works with your phone. Evaluate cargo space with the seats in different configurations. Drive on the highway to assess wind noise and ride quality. Try the safety features—adaptive cruise, lane keeping. Compare to the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander on the same day if possible; back-to-back drives highlight differences.

The Palisade delivers strong value in the three-row SUV segment. Its combination of space, features, and warranty makes it a compelling choice for families. Do your homework, test drive thoroughly, and negotiate from a position of knowledge.

Competitor Comparison

The Honda Pilot offers similar space and reliability with a different character. The Toyota Highlander has a hybrid option for better fuel economy. The Mazda CX-90 prioritizes driving dynamics over maximum space. The Kia Telluride shares a platform with the Palisade and offers comparable value. Compare trim-for-trim: base prices can be similar, but standard equipment varies. Consider resale value, which affects total cost of ownership.

Negotiating Your Purchase

Research invoice pricing and incentives before visiting dealers. Know your trade-in value from sources like KBB or Edmunds. Get quotes from multiple dealers and let them compete. End-of-month and model-year-end can offer better deals. Consider financing through your bank or credit union in addition to dealer offers. Don't focus solely on monthly payment—negotiate the out-the-door price first.

Ownership Experience

Palisade owners generally report high satisfaction with space, features, and value. Common praise includes the user-friendly infotainment, comfortable seats, and strong warranty. Some note fuel economy could be better and that the third row is tight for adults on long trips. Join owner forums to get real-world perspectives before buying. The Palisade continues to rank among the top three-row SUVs for families.

Safety Ratings and Recalls

Check NHTSA and IIHS ratings before buying. The Palisade has earned top safety picks. Review recall history—all vehicles have occasional recalls; what matters is how the manufacturer addresses them. Sign up for recall notifications from NHTSA. Safety should be a top priority when choosing a family vehicle. The Palisade delivers a compelling package for families seeking space, features, and value.