The 2025–2026 Hyundai Palisade is a three‑row crossover SUV designed for families, daily commuters, and long‑distance highway travel. In this review, we’ll explore its exterior design, cabin space, engine & performance, fuel economy, technology, safety features, pricing, rivals comparison, and practical everyday use. This article helps you understand whether the Palisade is the right family car or fuel‑efficient commuter vehicle for your needs.
Introduction
The Hyundai Palisade sits near the top of the mid‑size SUV segment and is often seen as a strong contender for buyers looking for a spacious, reliable vehicle with modern tech and advanced safety features. It’s offered with a gas engine and a hybrid system in the latest generation, making it suitable for those focused on fuel efficiency, comfort, and long‑term ownership. The Palisade blends power and practicality without excessive complexity, making it a sensible choice in its class.
Exterior Design & Styling
The Palisade has a bold, modern design that stands out in the crossover SUV segment. Its front grille and lighting setup give it a distinctive look compared with older Hyundai models. The lines are clean and purposeful, giving it both a robust and refined presence. Higher trims often add larger wheels and more tasteful chrome or dark accents. Overall, the exterior strikes a balance between premium appeal and everyday practicality.
Some owners online feel the design can look less premium in person than in photos, highlighting that styling taste varies among buyers.
Interior & Cabin Space
Inside, the Palisade prioritizes passenger comfort and a spacious cabin. With three rows of seating, it comfortably accommodates up to eight people in base trims and seven with captain’s chairs in higher trims. Second‑row access to the third row is relatively easy, and there’s useful cargo space when seats are folded.
Materials generally feel solid, and the layout keeps controls within easy reach. While some owners criticize particular dashboard elements on lower trims, the higher trims offer more premium touches such as leather seating and ambient lighting.
Engine & Performance
The standard 2025 Palisade comes with a 3.8‑liter V6 engine producing around 291 hp and paired with an 8‑speed automatic transmission. This setup is smooth and reliable, offering decent highway performance and enough torque for everyday city driving.
For drivers seeking better fuel‑efficient performance, the 2026 Palisade Hybrid combines a turbocharged 2.5‑liter engine with electric motors for more power (around 329 hp) and notable fuel savings. This hybrid system enhances low‑end responsiveness and makes highway merging more confident compared with the gas‑only version.
Fuel Economy & Mileage
Fuel economy for a large three‑row SUV is always a trade‑off between power and efficiency. The gas engine version is rated around 19 mpg city and mid‑20s highway, typical for this class but not class‑leading. All‑wheel‑drive models see a slight drop in combined efficiency due to the extra weight.
The hybrid Palisade improves this significantly, with EPA estimates up to 34 mpg combined on front‑wheel‑drive hybrids and around 29–30 mpg on AWD models. These figures make the hybrid one of the more fuel‑efficient midsize SUVs you can buy if your driving includes long highway trips.
Technology & Features
Hyundai outfits the Palisade with a generous list of technology features aimed at both comfort and convenience. A large infotainment screen with smartphone integration (including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) is standard, with larger digital displays on higher trims. Wireless charging, navigation, and premium audio options are available on upper trims.
Driver comfort is enhanced with features such as heated and ventilated seats, multi‑zone climate control, and optional panoramic sunroofs. These features make the Palisade a strong contender as a daily use, tech‑rich SUV.
Safety & Driver Assistance
Safety is crucial for family buyers, and the Palisade offers a robust suite of driver assistance features. Standard systems typically include adaptive cruise control, blind‑spot monitoring, forward collision mitigation, lane‑keeping assist, and more. Independent safety ratings have been strong, including high marks from U.S. agencies.
There was a recall affecting seatbelt latches on several model years due to a potential issue with secure fastening; Hyundai is addressing this through free replacements. Owners should check with their dealer if their vehicle is affected.
Driving Experience & Ride Quality
The Palisade’s suspension is tuned more for comfort than sporty handling. It absorbs bumps well and offers a calm ride on highways and city roads alike. Steering is easy and predictable, which benefits everyday commuters and family drives. Some drivers feel the steering or throttle response can feel too soft at times, especially compared with more performance‑oriented SUVs.
The hybrid option adds additional low‑end torque and smooth power delivery, making it pleasant for both urban traffic and longer road trips. Overall, ride quality is competitive with other SUVs in this segment.
Pricing & Trim Levels
Pricing varies widely depending on trim and options. Base trims offer a practical set of standard features at competitive prices, while higher trims like SEL Premium, Limited, Calligraphy, and Calligraphy Night Edition add luxury and tech upgrades. Typical pricing starts in the mid‑$30,000 range and can exceed $50,000 for fully equipped models.
Trim options allow buyers to choose based on their budget and feature priorities, whether that’s basic reliability or a more premium SUV experience. Add‑ons like all‑wheel drive and premium packages also affect final price.
Competition & Rivals
The Palisade faces several strong rivals in the three‑row SUV segment. Notable competitors include the Kia Telluride, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse, and Mazda CX‑90. Each offers its own strengths—some emphasize towing, others focus on sportiness or hybrid efficiency.
Compared with rivals, the Palisade offers a comfortable cabin, competitive technology, and available hybrid efficiency, though some rivals may offer slightly better fuel economy or lower base pricing. It remains a solid overall choice among its peers.
Who Should Buy This
The Palisade is ideal for families and commuters who want a well‑rounded SUV that balances comfort, space, safety, and everyday usability. It suits drivers who value a spacious cabin, advanced features, and solid highway performance over sport‑focused handling. The hybrid variant is especially strong for those seeking a fuel‑efficient car without sacrificing SUV practicality.
If you often carry passengers, drive long distances, or prioritize creature comforts and tech features, the Palisade makes a compelling case. However, if you want sportier driving dynamics or the best torque and towing numbers, some rivals may be worth comparing before deciding.
Final Verdict
The Hyundai Palisade stands out as a practical, family‑friendly crossover SUV with a roomy interior, modern technology, and strong safety credentials. It blends everyday commuter convenience with features that make long road trips comfortable and enjoyable. While its fuel economy on the gas engine is average for its class, the hybrid version significantly improves efficiency.
Pricing and trim options give buyers flexibility to choose a configuration that fits both their budget and needs. With high safety scores and family‑oriented features, the Palisade is a solid pick for those looking for long‑term ownership, daily use practicality, and a versatile SUV that can handle both city streets and highway cruising.
