When it comes to large-sized SUVs, there are a few on the market that is gaining attention among buyers, like the Ford Expedition, and the Toyota Sequoia. One of them is Hyundai’s Palisade, which is the automaker’s three-row sport utility vehicle offering. 

In fact, the Consumer Guide website awarded it as one of their best buys for the new model year. Here’s a brief overview of the Palisade and what makes it a good buy for any family. 

What is the Hyundai Palisade?

The Hyundai Palisade is the company’s largest SUV, replacing the Santa Fe XL for that distinction. It comes in a few different trim levels. You can choose the SE, SEL, Limited, and the newest offering for 2021, the Calligraphy. 

The lower level trims offer front-wheel drive, but you can choose the all-wheel drivetrain if you want. However, the Calligraphy trim comes only with AWD. 

The Palisade comes with a fair amount of safety features. The list includes forward collision warning and mitigation with pedestrian detection system, lane-keeping assist, driver’s attention alert, rear occupant alert, automatic high beams, and rear obstacle detection. 

There is also a nice list of available features as well. These would include blind-view monitors that provide views of the vehicle’s sides when the turn signal is used and a multi-function head-up display. 

You’ll get a 10.25-inch display screen, power-folding third-row seats, and 16 cup holders. You’ll also find a total of seven USB outlets, a roof diffuser for the third-row air conditioning, and the Driver Talk intercom system that can mute the speakers in the second and third rows, in case you want to hear the radio while everyone else is sleeping. 

Why did the Hyundai Palisade get a Best Buy award?

The Hyundai Palisade is a three-row SUV that can seat up to eight passengers. While other SUVs this size can handle the same amount, the Palisade offers more space and comfortability for all those who ride in it, including those in the very back seat. 

Another great feature with the Palisade is the grab handles located near the second row, which help you access the rear seat area. Also, because of the spaciousness in the cabin, the Palisade has plenty of cargo area to store a ton of items while you travel. One of them being a 100-qt cooler, which is pretty big. 

For added storage, there’s an underfloor receptacle that you can store some of your items. Covering it is a retractable lid that you can remove and store in the receptacle to open up more room for storing your shopping bags or other items.

What are the specs, and how much does it cost?

The Hyundai Palisade comes with a 3.8-liter V6 motor that produces 291 hp, which is more than enough to power this large-sized SUV. Despite the size, however, it still drives and handles smoothly when traveling down the road. But it’s the only engine option to be had with this SUV.

Fuel economy for such a big vehicle isn’t all that bad either. When driving in the city, you can get about 19 mpg, but when you go on the highway, the Palisade can get about 26 mpg with the front-wheel drivetrain. The AWD is not too far behind. It can also get 19 mpg in the city, but it can still get around 24 mpg when taking the highway. 

The Hyundai Palisade has many keen features, but one of the biggest drawbacks has to be the price. This SUV is one of the most expensive on the market. It ranges from $32,500 to $47,750, depending on what features you happen to choose. 

All in all, the Palisade deserves the Best Buy award despite the cost. Hyundai’s large SUV comes with more features for the price, making it more of a value than other vehicles its size. It’s also one of the most reliable in the midsize SUV class.