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The 2020 Hyundai Palisade is not just another three-row SUV; it's a benchmark-setting vehicle that delivers a premium experience at a mainstream price, earning it a top spot in its class. Our assessment experience, including a direct comparison against key rivals, confirms that the Palisade’s combination of a refined ride, a surprisingly luxurious interior, and user-friendly technology makes it an exceptional choice for families. Its victory in a competitive three-row SUV challenge underscores its all-around capabilities.
The Palisade prioritizes comfort over sportiness, and it excels in this mission. Under the hood, every model features a 3.8-liter V-6 engine that produces 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as a $1,700 option. The powertrain is smooth and adequately powerful for daily driving, though it's not designed for enthusiastic performance. The transmission shifts seamlessly, contributing to a quiet and composed ride.
Where the Palisade truly stands out is in its ride quality. The suspension effectively absorbs bumps and road imperfections, providing a level of refinement that rivals more expensive luxury vehicles. The cabin remains exceptionally quiet, even at highway speeds. In terms of fuel economy, the AWD model is rated by the EPA at 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway/21 mpg combined. In real-world testing with a mix of driving conditions, an AWD Palisade achieved an impressive 23.9 mpg, demonstrating its efficiency.
Stepping inside the Palisade, especially in the top Limited trim, is a shocking experience. The materials, such as the diamond-quilted stitching on the seats, feel genuinely upscale, drawing comparisons to interiors from brands like Mercedes-Benz. The first two rows offer outstanding comfort, with supportive seats and ample legroom. Limited models feature captain’s chairs for the second row (standard on SEL, optional on SE), providing easy access to the third row and a more premium feel.
The main compromise is in the third row. While adequate for occasional use by adults or regular use by children, it offers less headroom and legroom than some larger competitors like the Volkswagen Atlas. However, it is well-equipped with features like power-folding functionality in the Limited trim and two USB charging ports. Cargo space is competitive, with 18.0 cubic feet behind the third row, 45.8 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 86.4 cubic feet with all seats folded. A handy underfloor storage bin behind the third row is perfect for securing valuables.
Hyundai equipped the Palisade with technology that is both advanced and intuitive. The Limited trim features a large 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensure smartphone integration is seamless. The system's brilliance lies in its simplicity, with physical knobs for volume and tuning complementing the touchscreen, making it easy to use while driving.
One of the most innovative features is the blind spot monitor. Instead of a simple warning light, it uses cameras on the side mirrors to display a live video feed of your blind spot in the digital instrument panel when you activate the turn signal. This is more intuitive than systems found in many other vehicles.
The Palisade also boasts an excellent Highway Drive Assist (HDA) system. This system, standard on Limited and optional on SEL, combines adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist that actively centers the vehicle in its lane. It works smoothly from highway speeds down to a complete stop, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys without being a hands-free system.
Absolutely. The most compelling aspect of the Palisade is its value proposition. The top-tier Limited trim starts at $45,795, and even with AWD, the price remains well below many competitors. For that money, you get a vehicle that feels significantly more expensive. In our comparison, rivals like the Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse were priced nearly $7,000 higher yet could not match the Palisade's overall refinement and feature content.
Based on our assessment experience, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade is a game-changer. Its key strengths are an exceptionally quiet and comfortable ride, a cabin with near-luxury materials, and technology that enhances safety and convenience without complexity. While the third row is best for smaller adults or children, the Palisade's overall package offers an unbeatable blend of quality, features, and value, making it a highly predictable recommendation for anyone shopping for a three-row family SUV.
