LOOKS  

The 2024 Palisade features a large, bold front grille and lighting design that is quite striking and gets your attention. It’s one of the more in-your-face designs in this SUV category, and definitely not a shrinking violet, and my test vehicle had an attractive Steel Graphite paint color.

The Palisade features LED headlights and tail lights, auto-dimming and heated side mirrors, a dual-pane sunroof, and roof rails.

The Calligraphy trim I tested features 20-inch alloy wheels, while the base model Palisade comes with 18-inch wheels.

Moving inside, especially on the upper trims, you’ll find an upscale presentation, to the point where the Palisade is blurring the line with true luxury vehicles.

High-end quilted leather upholstery, a suede headliner, ambient interior lighting, massaging seat for the driver, and rear window shades are notable interior features.

The Palisade will seat seven or eight people, depending on the configuration you choose. Choosing the cozy option of Captain’s Chairs in the middle row will get you seven total seats. A bench seat in the middle row will allow for eight passengers.

The third row seat is best left for children or smaller adults, but the first two rows are roomy for people of all sizes.

There is also tons of storage space for small items throughout the Palisade, including a huge shelf below the center console (shifting is done through buttons, opening up space up front).

Cargo space is another strong feature on the Palisade, and it’s easy to access that space. You can lower both the second and third row seats with the touch of a button in the rear. And the second row seats slide forward with a press of a button to allow easy access to the third row for passengers.

The Palisade also features a heated steering wheel, dual automatic temperature control, and a digital rearview mirror with HomeLink.

The generous cargo space measures at 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down, 46 cubic feet with the third row down, and 18 cubic feet with both rear rows up. There’s also a small underfloor compartment for additional storage.

The versatile nature of the Palisade makes it a great option for families embarking on long road trips who want to be in comfort throughout the journey.

HOW’S THE RIDE?

There is one powertrain for all Palisade trims — a 3.8-liter, V6 engine that is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Paddle shifters are included, and output is 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive comes standard on lower trims (with all-wheel drive offered as an option) and AWD is standard on the highest trims.

The Palisade offers a solid 0-to-60 time, in the mid-to-high 6-second range.
Despite being a larger vehicle, it handles well for its size, even on curvy roadways. It delivers quick braking, and a smooth and quiet overall drive that most families will love. The Palisade benefits from a self-leveling rear suspension.

Drive modes on the Palisade include Smart, Sport, Comfort, Eco and Snow, easily adjustable via a center console dial.

While it’s not the most powerful or sporty three-row SUV option (Mazda’s CX-90 is one sportier option), the Palisade is also no slouch. It will get you moving when you need it and doesn't feel sluggish.

The Palisade also does a good job of keeping out road noise from inside the vehicle, and feels smooth even on rough roads. 

Towing ability caps out at 5,000 pounds, which is at the same level of most of its competitors.

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY 

Delivering a tech-savvy vehicle is essential in today’s automotive world, and Hyundai has succeeded in doing so with the Palisade.

At the center of the Palisade’s tech setup is a large, 12.3-inch rectangular infotainment screen that can house navigation maps alongside other elements such as radio.

The Palisade’s voice command functions work well, responding to verbal inputs effectively, and its touchscreen controls are also easy to master. Below the large touchscreen is a separate, small screen for climate controls that is straightforward and uncomplicated.

Other key tech features include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Harman Kardon premium audio system, a wireless phone charger, Digital Key capability, a three-month trial of satellite radio, available Wi-Fi hotspot, and USB ports throughout the three rows of the Palisade.

One unique feature on higher trims is an intercom system allowing the driver to communicate more clearly to back row passengers.

Moving on to safety features, the Palisade is loaded with systems that keep it competitive with rival SUVs in this area.

One example is the surround view monitor that offers a complete view around the vehicle, which proved critical in tight parking situations. Also, the Blind Spot View Monitor that pops up in the dash is a nice touch, and the head-up display keeps the driver focused on the road ahead.

The Palisade’s adaptive cruise control, combine with its Highway Driving Assist feature, allow for basic self-driving capability — though the driver must of course remain engaged and ready to jump in as needed.

Other safety features on the Palisade include: A full array of airbags throughout the vehicle, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, and Parking Distance Warning.

MPG

The official fuel mileage numbers on the Palisade I tested, which featured AWD, are 19 city/24 highway/21 combined. The FWD version improves the numbers slightly to 19/26/22.

These numbers proved accurate during my testing of the Palisade. I averaged about 22 mpg driving a good mix of highway and city miles.

These are strong numbers which hold their own in the segment, though some midsize SUVs are slightly better overall. The difference, though, isn’t enough to be a deciding factor for most buyers.

PRICE

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy I tested was near the top of the price range, coming at $53,650; its base price starts about $38K, so there’s a wide range to fit various budgets.

The base price competes well in the segment, coming in on the lower end of the spectrum, considering the high quality of the Palisade. But those who wish to splurge a bit get some nice goodies and luxury-level upgrades on the high-end trims.

Trims offered on the 2024 Palisade include SE, SEL, XRT, Limited and Calligraphy.

For a modest increase from the base model, choosing the SEL model remains affordable and adds solid upgrades on the interior quality and comfort features, as well as technology.

Another consideration is warranties, and Hyundai delivers class-leading coverage including 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain, and an overall warranty of five years/60,000 miles. Three years of complimentary maintenance and five years of roadside assistance are also included.

BOTTOM LINE

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade is a near-luxury, versatile, tech-savvy, three-row midsize SUV that will meet the needs of families large and small. It runs neck-and-neck with its corporate cousin the Kia Telluride for best in class in the segment, though other vehicles come into the conversation if you want more power.

Three-row SUV shoppers would be wise to include the Palisade in their list of vehicles to test-drive.

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