Did the 2024 Hyundai Palisade Win Our 3-Row SUV Comparison Test Again?

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade has repeated its victory in a competitive seven-vehicle, three-row SUV comparison test, clinching the top spot by excelling in luxury, value, and technology. While the margin of victory was narrower than four years ago, the Palisade's sumptuous interior, extensive standard features, and reasonable pricing proved decisive against a field of strong new challengers.

What Makes the Palisade's Interior So Special?

The Palisade’s cabin quality was a major differentiator, winning top marks for both front-seat comfort and overall interior quality. In our test, which featured a high-end Calligraphy Night Edition trim, the SUV impressed with its upscale fabric upholstery and trim, drawing favorable comparisons to luxury brands. Unlike many competitors that still use thinner plastic panels, the Palisade offers a decidedly premium environment. Key features contributing to its win include:

• A massive 12.3-inch touchscreen running one of the industry's best multimedia systems.
• Reconfigurable digital gauges for easy information viewing.
• An abundance of excellent-feeling physical buttons for key functions. The Palisade also scored highly for quietness, making it an eminently comfortable family hauler for all three rows of passengers.

How Does the Palisade Deliver on Value?

Despite being the most expensive vehicle in the test at $55,600, the Palisade secured an outright win in the value category. This assessment balances features against the as-tested price. The Calligraphy Night Edition's staggering list of equipment justified its cost, offering more than the closely priced Volkswagen Atlas ($55,405) and Kia Telluride ($54,540). Standout features include:

• Power-folding second- and third-row seats.
• Heated seats in all three rows, with variable heat settings.
• Ventilated front and second-row seats and a driver's seat massage function.
• A comprehensive suite of safety equipment, including blind-spot cameras, parking sensors with rear automatic braking, and a 360-degree camera system, which earned it a shared win in the safety features category.

Where Did the 2024 Palisade Fall Short?

No vehicle is perfect, and the Palisade revealed some weaknesses. The most notable is its powertrain. The sole engine option is a 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V-6, which felt less smooth and responsive compared to the turbocharged or hybrid powertrains offered by competitors. Other drawbacks include:

• A third row that is decent but not best-in-class; the Atlas offered more comfort and passenger space.
• A lower score for child-safety seat fitment.
• The continued lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, requiring a USB cable for connectivity.

So, Is the 2024 Hyundai Palisade Still the Best 3-Row SUV to Buy?

Based on our assessment experience, the 2024 Hyundai Palisade remains the top recommendation for shoppers seeking a three-row family SUV. Its core strengths—a luxurious interior, exceptional feature content, and strong value—have held strong against a new generation of competitors. While the competition is closer than ever, the Palisade's well-rounded package is enough to retain its crown for now. Prospective buyers should prioritize the interior experience and long list of features, but may want to consider alternatives if a more modern powertrain or maximum third-row space is a critical need.