With a length of 196.7 inches, the Hyundai Palisade is a three-row SUV that can accommodate up to eight passengers. It has many standard amenities, enough space for passengers and baggage, and is intended for active family living. Although this isn’t a luxury car, the materials, particularly in the higher trims, make it seem more expensive without costing more. Along with a robust entertainment system that makes it simple to remain connected, plenty of safety measures are standard and optional.
The Palisade receives a comprehensive renovation for 2023 that includes updated outside design elements and improved interior materials. It has additional optional amenities to reduce driver tiredness on lengthy trips, including a heated third row and an Ergo Motion massaging driver’s seat. The latest technology is offered, including new sophisticated driver assistance functions and Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity—a first for Hyundai. Additionally, there is improved device charging, improved speech recognition, a 12.3-inch navigation screen with more excellent quality, and a digital rearview mirror—another Hyundai first. The tough XRT joins the selection of trims as well.
The similar Kia Telluride, which provides the same performance with an even more premium interior but at a lesser price, is one of several competitors in the class. The Nissan Pathfinder offers similar prices throughout its model portfolio but falls short in internal quality and exterior appeal. Other capable rivals include the Honda Pilot, a vehicle with comparable power and cost, and the Volkswagen Atlas, Toyota Highlander, and Subaru Ascent.
A 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, powers every Palisade. These many cars accelerate quickly and smoothly thanks to their responsive engine. The SEL costs $39,245, while the basic SE with front-wheel drive costs $36,245, including a $1,295 delivery charge. Costing $41,545 is the new XRT trim. The Limited costs $47,795 at the top level, while the Calligraphy costs $50,195. An all-wheel drive is available on all grades for $1,900 more.
Even if it isn’t the most affordable option in its class, the Palisade stands out for great value when considering the variety of features and high quality of the materials. Even the entry-level trim is a well-equipped and comfortable SUV that makes taking the family on vacation less difficult and unpleasant for everyone.
The extensive standard safety features include driver attention warning, lane-keeping and lane-following assistance, rear-seat occupant alert, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and braking, reverse distance warning, forward emergency braking that detects pedestrians and cyclists, as well as oncoming traffic when turning. With many basic safety features, the Palisade’s base trim is a fantastic bargain.
Performance:Hyundai Palisade
A 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque powers all Palisade grades. This is coupled to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and every model offers the option of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. This big vehicle can quickly and quietly reach highway speeds thanks to its strong engine. Under rapid acceleration, the gearbox changes smoothly for consistent power delivery, with no abrupt movements to startle occupants and hardly any engine noise entering the cabin.
There is still enough power available after you reach your desired speed for passing. The Nissan Pathfinder and Honda Pilot have somewhat less energy, with 280 and 284 horsepower, respectively, but the Kia Telluride shares the driveline with the Palisade and performs similarly. Each of the four has more power than Volkswagen’s Atlas, which has a base four-cylinder engine and a 276-hp V6 option.
The Palisade can traverse rougher terrain while not being intended for heavy-duty off-roading. The driving mode selection includes Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Smart modes to adjust ride and handling to the environment. All-wheel drive vehicles have a Snow mode and a new Tow mode, which have a maximum weight capacity of 5,000 pounds and can be locked into at low speeds to help drivers get out of muck and snow.
Fuel efficiency:Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade’s EPA-rated fuel economy with front-wheel drive is 19 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg overall. Only a tiny decrease in efficiency, to 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, is seen in all-wheel-drive trims.
This front-wheel drive vehicle gets 22 combined mpg, one mpg less than the 23 mpg combined ratings of the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, and Nissan Pathfinder. The Honda Pilot gets 22 mpg with its off-road TrailSport model getting 21 mpg, the Pathfinder gets 23 mpg with all-wheel drive (the Platinum trim gets 22 mpg), and the Telluride equals the Palisade’s 21 mpg rating.
Unfortunately, unlike other rivals, Hyundai doesn’t offer a hybrid Palisade. The rear-wheel-drive Ford Explorer Hybrid is expected to get 27 mpg combined, while the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is rated for an astounding 35 mpg combined.
Safety and driver support technology:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have not yet rated the 2023 Hyundai Palisade. However, the 2022 model year was and most likely will be comparable. The vehicle received the top ratings from both NHTSA and IIHS, five stars from the former and Top Safety Pick+ from the latter.
Rear park distance warning, rear seat occupant alert, lane keeping and lane following assist, driver attention warning, safe exit assist, highway driving assist, trailer sway control, emergency front braking with pedestrian and cycling detection, as well as oncoming traffic when turning at intersections, are all included as standard safety features. Additional amenities for higher trims include a remote parking option and an ultrasonic rear-occupant alarm (lower boundaries detect that the door was opened).
Comfort and Space:
A roomy SUV is the Palisade. It offers 42.4 inches of second-row legroom, which is almost full-size SUV space and is more than most rivals, including the Kia Telluride. While the Atlas and Pathfinder all give 37.6 inches, the Pilot only offers 38.4 inches. Those are considerable variances, mainly if adults rather than children are transported in the second row’s car seats. The Atlas has the most legroom in the third row (33.7 inches), although the Palisade and Telluride also have 31.4 inches. The Pathfinder again falls behind with 28.0 inches, while the Pilot has just a little more at 31.9 inches.
The basic SE comes standard with seating for eight people, while the SEL offers seating for eight people as an option. The remainder of the range only offers second-row captain’s seats, which reduces the capacity to seven people. The basic trim comes with cloth upholstery, but as you progress up, “leatherette” and leather trimmings become the norm, with the top Calligraphy trim getting closer to luxury.
The Palisade feels distinctly opulent thanks to optional amenities like heated seats for all three rows and enticing materials throughout the range. Even adults can easily reach the third row thanks to a second row that glides forward with the push of a button.
Infotainment: Hyundai Palisade
The whole Palisade series has a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard equipment. The system is simple to use and has well-organized menus, which helps prevent driver distraction. Connecting two smartphones simultaneously is also common for navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. With three first-row and two second-row USB charging connections, keeping everyone powered is simple. Top trims come equipped with two third-row ports. The basic frame is the only one without a wireless charger.
A 12-speaker, 630-watt Harman Kardon audio system is standard on the Limited and Calligraphy trims and optional on the SEL. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and head-up display are options on premium trims. The system’s usefulness is enhanced by the wide standard touchscreen and superb responsiveness, preventing you from repeatedly stabbing the screen to make decisions.
Storage & Cargo Space:Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade is a roomy SUV with enough space to handle all the stuff that comes with family living. While smaller than the Telluride’s 21 cubic feet of cargo capacity, it has more than the Pathfinder’s 16.6 cubic feet and the Pilot’s 16.5 cubic feet. The Palisade has 45.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity when the third row is folded. The Pathfinder has 45 cubic feet, although the Pilot and Telluride have more, at 46.8 and 46 cubic feet, respectively. The Palisade has 86.4 cubic feet of capacity with all the seats folded down, which is somewhat more than the Pilot Toyota Highlander but still less than the Atlas’ 96.8 cubic feet.
More miniature goods may be stored discreetly in the Palisade’s big center console, and the cargo area’s underfloor storage provides further concealed storage space. All trims offer a hands-free liftgate with programmed height adjustments, which makes carrying goods simpler when your arms are complete, except the basic SE.
Design:Hyundai Palisade
Although the Palisade isn’t meant to be a premium SUV, you may be misled if the Hyundai badges were removed. Its prominent grille and appealing external design give it a commanding presence. Even on the basic trim, nothing in the cabin seems or feels cheap or cost-cutting. The materials look and feel decent. The whole line-up is premium without the premium price.
The highest trims include heated and ventilated seats, making it an excellent choice for longer rides. The seating is pleasant, particularly up front. Its large infotainment screen contributes to its upscale, contemporary appearance. The Palisade continues Hyundai’s reputation for producing aesthetically beautiful interiors with high-quality finishes and plenty of comfort in a car perfect for prominent families and their hectic lifestyles.
The Hyundai Palisade 2023: Is It Worth It?
The Palisade has much to offer: seating for seven or eight, a smooth, comfortable ride, and a wealth of standard equipment available throughout the spectrum rather than just on the top trims. There are many basic driver-assist safety systems, and the enormous touchscreen is user-friendly, particularly when navigating complex terrain. The five frames make finding one that meets your demands and budget simple.
The Calligraphy, priced at $50,195, has upscale accouterments, while the SEL, the trim level above the entry-level model, gives the most significant value. The SEL boasts several features not present on the primary SE, which cost $36,245, including roof rails, a hands-free liftgate, and power-adjustable front seats. However, the SEL’s price is more affordable than the top trims at $39,245. A second-row bench seat or captain’s chairs are options for the SEL, and its leatherette seating surfaces make it simpler to clean up inevitable child spills than the SE’s fabric seats. To upgrade to an all-wheel drive, add $1,900 to any level.
The engines on the Pathfinder and Pilot are less potent, and their interiors are less upscale. The Atlas offers additional space for baggage and the third row, but it performs poorly, especially with the optional V6. The Telluride from Hyundai’s sibling manufacturer, Kia, is an excellent option with the same engine as the Palisade and a comparable cabin. Although it costs between $34,725 and $44,625, its top trims don’t have as many luxury features as the Palisade.
How Much Will Insurance for a 2023 Hyundai Palisade Cost?
The Hyundai Palisade has a higher insurance cost than some competitors. A yearly premium of $2,083 is typical for a 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record for the Palisade. A Nissan Pathfinder would cost $2,161, a Honda Pilot would cost $1,963, and a Kia Telluride would cost $1,998.
Verdict
This year’s update to the Hyundai Palisade makes an already great three-row SUV even better. It boasts one of the class’ most upmarket interiors, with high-quality trimmings and stylish design cues that lean toward luxury. The base V6 engine provides excellent acceleration and a quiet ride, which is pleasant and well-behaved. Thanks to the five trims, finding one that suits your requirements and budget is simple. A 12.3-inch infotainment display and different active safety systems are included as standard equipment to keep the family safe.
