The 2024 Hyundai Palisade Only Needs to Change 3 Things
It’s rare to find an SUV that has it all. However, the Hyundai Palisade comes pretty close as a well-rounded three-row option for families. There are only three 2024 Hyundai Palisade aspects that need improvement and I bet they’re coming in 2025 with the new generation.
Three things the 2024 Hyundai Palisade could improve
I spent a week with the 2024 Hyundai Palisade and took it all over North and South Carolina. I even took a road trip for Easter to learn everything I could about this near-luxury SUV.
While it’s spacious, comfortable, and engaging with a unique style, some aspects are starting to age, but rumors suggest that the 2025 will be remodeled.
If it adopts any of the changes from the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe then it’s time to get excited. But first here are three things that could be better.
1. It is time for Hyundai Palisade tech upgrades
The 2024 Hyundai Palisade is smart and advanced. The ambient lighting is easy to customize, you can record voice memos, the quiet mode and sounds of nature create a peaceful environment, the 12.3-inch touchscreen has excellent graphics, etc.
However, you can only connect your phone to Apple CarPlay/Android Auto with a USB-A phone cord. The new iPhones use a USB-C cord and Android phones have been pairing with USB-C ports for years.
Without an adaptor, I could only connect my phone via Bluetooth, which is fine. Using the built-in navigation system, and listening to your favorite music is easy. But if you want Apple CarPlay/Android Auto then find the right cord.
The 2024 Plaisade does have Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, but you need the right cord to set up a connection and the process of using the built-in phone mirroring system could be more intuitive.
But again, connecting to Hyundai software via Bluetooth is pretty straightforward forward and the wireless charging pad is excellent if you want to be cord-free
Also, you get some physical controls. The radio tuner and the volume get knobs. But you use buttons for climate control fan speed.
2. Where is the hybrid engine?
The 2024 Palisade has a standard 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque that’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7,6 seconds, which is average for the class.
It has plenty of power for merging into traffic, passing others, and providing an athletic nature, but it’s thirsty.
The 2024 Palisade gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and up to 26 mpg on the highway. Adding AWD reduces these figures to 21 and 24 mpg.
I hovered around 20.8 mpg during my entire week. But I could have used Eco Mode more than the tantalizing Sport Mode.
Rumors suggest that the Kia Telluride Hybrid is on the way. Because the Palisade is basically its twin, I think the Palisade Hybrid will quickly follow.
3. The Palisade could be a little more rugged
I lightly tested the 2024 Hyundai Palisade for off-roading and admired it for the AWD lock mode and Hill Descent Control. Overall, it’s off to a good start for rugged family adventures. It will get you to your campsite, but won’t be rock climbing with the Wrangler.
The XRT model adds 20-inch wheels, skid plates, and black roof rails, but it’s time to take things further. For example, can we get a suspension lift to improve the ground clearance from 7.9 inches?
Can we have more off-road driving modes or options for different conditions like mud/ruts and sand instead of just snow?
The HRAC AWD system does provide a more even power distribution and the Palisade has an impressively smooth ride over gravel and dirt roads. But it doesn’t seem to have the grit for climbing over steep obstacles.
Last but not least, could the Palisade gain cross rails for carrying heavier loads on top and rooftop tents?
