Buying a new SUV isn’t just about finding something with four wheels and a spacious trunk. If you’re like most people, you want a vehicle that blends comfort, style, and practicality—and maybe a little bit of tech to make those family trips or solo commutes a breeze. The Hyundai Palisade, with its sleek design and family-friendly features, might seem like a perfect fit for you. But before you sign on the dotted line, it’s worth understanding what this SUV really offers, and where it might fall short.

Size and Practicality

The Hyundai Palisade is a mid-size, three-row SUV that offers plenty of room for families. If you often travel with several passengers or require extra cargo space, the Palisade’s roomy interior can be a huge advantage. It seats up to eight people with the bench seat configuration or seven with captain’s chairs in the second row. The third row has a bit less space, though, which could be tight for adults on longer journeys.

Interior Quality

The Palisade’s interior materials and design are considered upscale for its price point, particularly in higher trims. Many owners praise the premium feel, with soft-touch materials, leather seating, and a modern dashboard layout. This can give you a near-luxury experience without the price tag typically associated with high-end SUVs.

Technology Features

Tech-savvy buyers will appreciate the suite of technology available in the Palisade. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) come standard or available, depending on the trim. This tech-forward SUV integrates Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a robust navigation system, but keep in mind that some users have noted the touchscreen can be a bit laggy, especially when switching between functions.

Fuel Economy

For a vehicle of its size, the Palisade’s fuel efficiency is about average. You can expect around 24-26 miles per gallon (MPG) on the highway, depending on whether you go for the all-wheel drive (AWD) or front-wheel drive (FWD) model. While it isn’t the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class, the trade-off is often worth it for families that need more space.

Safety Ratings

One of the most important things to consider, especially for family buyers, is safety. The Hyundai Palisade scores very well in this area. It has received top ratings from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), making it one of the safest SUVs in its class.

Warranty Coverage

Hyundai is known for offering one of the best warranty packages in the industry. With a 10-year (100,000 miles) powertrain warranty and a 5-year (60,000 miles) bumper-to-bumper warranty, you’ll have peace of mind when it comes to potential repairs. This extensive coverage can be a major selling point if long-term reliability is a top concern.

Engine Performance

The Palisade comes with a single-engine option: a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 291 horsepower. It offers smooth, adequate power for daily driving and highway cruising. However, it’s not going to give you the punch of a turbocharged engine, nor does it offer hybrid options, which might be disappointing if you’re looking for something with a bit more excitement or better fuel efficiency.

Towing Capacity

If towing is something you frequently need, the Palisade is capable but not exceptional. It can tow up to 5,000 lbs, on par with most other SUVs in this segment. It’s sufficient for small boats, trailers, or light campers, but you’ll want to consider something else if heavy towing is a regular part of your routine.

Handling and Ride Comfort

The Palisade is tuned for comfort over sporty handling, which is ideal for long family trips or daily commutes. The suspension soaks up most road imperfections, giving it a smooth and refined ride. That said, it doesn’t handle corners as sharply as some competitors like the Mazda CX-9, so if you’re after a more dynamic driving experience, the Palisade might feel a bit too soft.

Resale Value

Hyundai vehicles, including the Palisade, tend to hold their value well in the used car market, especially since Hyundai has significantly improved its brand perception over the years. While it may not match the resale value of certain luxury or high-demand models like the Toyota Highlander, you can expect the Palisade to retain a solid portion of its value over time.

Cargo Space

The Palisade provides excellent cargo space, particularly when the third row is folded down. With the third row up, you still get a decent amount of room for everyday groceries or a couple of suitcases. If you travel with a lot of gear, the Palisade’s flexible cargo options can be a great feature.

Third-Row Comfort

While the Palisade offers three rows of seating, the third row is better suited for kids or short trips with adults. It’s not as roomy as the first or second row, so if you frequently travel with adults or tall teenagers, you might want to consider whether this configuration works for your needs.

All-Wheel Drive Availability

The Palisade offers AWD as an option across all trim levels, which can be essential if you live in an area with heavy snowfall or plan to take the vehicle off-road. The AWD system in the Palisade is more for traction in bad weather than serious off-roading, though. Keep this in mind if your adventures require more rugged capabilities.

Price Competitiveness

When compared to competitors like the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, or Toyota Highlander, the Hyundai Palisade generally offers more features for a similar or slightly lower price. The higher trims, like the Calligraphy, offer luxury-level touches that can compete with even more expensive models. However, the base price is competitive with mainstream SUVs, making it a strong value proposition in this segment.

Infotainment Usability

The Palisade’s infotainment system is feature-rich, but some users may find it takes time to get used to. The large display is crisp, and the system integrates well with smartphones, but some owners have noted that the system’s responsiveness could be better. Make sure you spend some time with the system during a test drive to see if it meets your needs.