Larger SUVs can present a dilemma of price versus features, sometimes trading features to save money. The Hyundai Palisade is one of the exceptions to this dilemma. It’s a three-row SUV that’s one of the best SUVs for families, and it costs under $35,000. It is also comfortable and was named one of the most stress-free SUVs by Consumer Reports, which is definitely a plus in a family vehicle. But this is not the only list the Palisade is on; it is also the runner-up for U.S News’ best three-row SUVs for families.

Why the Hyundai Palisade is a top-rated SUV

With a luxurious and roomy interior, outstanding technology and safety features, as well as high safety and reliability scores, the Palisade is worthy to be a finalist for one of the best three-row SUVs for families. It has two different seat configurations available, either seven or eight seats, and has three full sets of LATCH car-seat connectors. All three rows are comfortable and spacious, providing lots of headroom and legroom. There is also an in-car intercom available, which would be helpful with three rows full of noisy kids. 

It has a 3.8-liter V6 engine which puts out 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque and can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The fuel economy is not great at only an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. With above-average reliability scores, the Palisade is also backed by a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. It also comes with an infotainment system that is easy to use, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard and a 10.2-inch screen available. Both systems support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and there are five USB ports available. There is a large amount of cargo space, and you can get a hands-free power liftgate.

The Hyundai Palisade’s exceptional safety

An Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 2021 Top Safety Pick+, the highest award possible from the organization, the Hyundai Palisade is exceptional when it comes to safety. The IIHS also gives it top ratings in all the crash test and collision avoidance areas.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Palisade five stars for its overall safety rating. Several safety features come standard including, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, automatic high beams, and a rear-seat reminder. It even comes with driver drowsiness monitoring.

Second only to the Kia Telluride

The most reliable three-row SUV, the Kia Telluride, is an impressive vehicle. It manages to combine luxury, affordability, space, and safety, into the best three-row SUV for families according to U.S. News. It’s also a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, and the Telluride also received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.

Many of the same safety features that come with the Hyundai Palisade are included with the Telluride, and you also get a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. As far as family-friendly features, there is a ton of cargo space, it comes standard with eight seats, and also has an in-car intercom. 

So how does the Hyundai Palisade compete with this? Well, it actually comes pretty close in all categories. The interior is of high quality and has a very luxurious feel and look. You can upgrade to leather upholstery, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. It also features chrome detailing and a variety of available exterior colors. And it has a lot of the same technology features as the Telluride does.

If you are in the market for a large SUV for your family, you really can’t go wrong with the Palisade or the Telluride. Luxury, affordability, safety, and space. What more do you need? Besides that in-car intercom.