Relatively young in its life span, having been introduced in 2020, the Hyundai Palisade is a vehicle that has quickly gained a strong reputation in the highly competitive midsize SUV competition.

Alongside its corporate relative the Kia Telluride (a very similar vehicle in many ways), this three-row SUV offering is a family-friendly gem and one of the best new options to come along in recent years, and it continues to shine in 2024.

I recently spent some time behind the wheel of a a 2024 Palisade Calligraphy — which delivers an upscale design, comfort, and strong tech —  and I’m back with a full report on how it’s holding up against a growing number of SUV competitors in this segment (such as the new Mazda CX-90 and Toyota Grand Highlander).

There’s been much said about the Kia Telluride since it debuted in the 2020 model year.

And most of what’s been said has been positive.

This three-row, midsize SUV (which is slightly larger than Kia’s Sorento SUV) has been all the rage, quickly becoming one of the brand’s top sellers by delivering a strong overall package of looks, power, tech and versatility for families.

Delivering a look and feel that are more upscale than you would likely expect from Kia, it’s clear that the Telluride is not a flash in the pan, and will continue to be a contender in the segment for many years to come.

I recently tested the 2024 Telluride (specifically the SX-Prestige X-Pro model), and I’m back with a full rundown on how it’s holding up a half-decade into its existence — as it battles other big-name SUVs such as the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade and Ford Explorer.

Mazda has slowly been revamping the design language of its SUV lineup for the past several years, and those changes have now reached the top of the ladder and its largest offering.

Their previous three-row SUV was the CX-9, but now it’s been replaced for the 2024 model year by a brand new entry called the CX-90 — a three-row SUV that seats 6 to 8 passengers depending on configuration, and comes standard with all-wheel drive.

Competing with category heavyweights such as the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Grand Highlander, it’s got a tough array of opponents.

But for drivers who love to drive and want a ride that’s both family-friendly plus sporty and fun to drive, Mazda has long been a leader in this segment, and the CX-90 holds up tremendously well even in this tough atmosphere.

Mazda also has the benefit of offering some of the more luxurious vehicles you’ll find from a non-luxury brand.

I tested the 2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus model, and I’m back with a full report on how this new offering measures up in the SUV landscape.

When the Hyundai Palisade burst onto the scene a few years ago, the brand new flagship SUV became an instant smash.

With upscale and comfortable seating for up to 8 passengers, the Palisade is one of the vehicles leading the resurgence of Hyundai in the tough SUV battleground. Ironically, one of its top competitors is a corporate cousin, the Kia Telluride, along with the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander.

But everything must change to stay relevant, so a refresh to the Palisade’s design inside and out has arrived for 2023. There’s also a new stylish and rugged trim level (XRT) added for 2023, improved tech setup, and safety upgrades.

I recently tested a 2023 Hyundai Palisade, and I’m back with a full report on how it measures up against today’s best SUVs.

As the number of SUVs continues to expand in a seemingly exponential manner, it’s sometimes difficult to classify where certain vehicles compete.

One vehicle battling in a unique area that fends off competitors on multiple sides is the 2023 Buick Enclave, one of the most intriguing three-row midsize SUV offerings from the U.S. Big Three automakers.

An upscale offering from GM, the Enclave is high-brow enough to battle with names such as Volvo and Acura, but it’s simultaneously fending off competitors from brands like Hyundai, Kia, Mazda and Ford, which are traditionally not viewed as luxury offerings.

It’s an introduction to the world of the more upscale SUV, without fully diving into the luxury lifestyle to keep pricing more realistic.

The 2023 Enclave sees little changes from the 2022 model, which underwent some major design and tech transformations that are carried over.

Buick’s goal with the Enclave is to deliver a strong overall vehicle — impressing through its design, tech, safety features and drive quality — that will pull potential buyers from either the lower-end or higher-end options into the seat of the Enclave.

With extensive cargo room, a smooth driving experience, and truly impressive technology offerings, it does that to a great extent.

Read on for a full breakdown on how the 2023 Enclave compares to its many competitors in this very popular vehicle segment.

Entering the large SUV market with a bang in 2020, Hyundai debuted the impressive Palisade model, which has been flying from dealer lots ever since its debut. The upscale 3-row model is the largest and one of the most expensive vehicles sold by the automaker, but sales numbers remain high as it impressed straight out of the gate in looks, performance and technology.

In its second year for the 2021 model year, most of the Palisade remains unchanged. The main difference is the addition of the more upscale Calligraphy trim level, and the options packages are slightly adjusted.

I recently tested a 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy model, and I’m back with a full report.

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Most SUVs aren’t traditionally known for unique or attractive exterior designs, but the exterior of the Palisade is one that will grab your attention.

Highlights include an especially eye-catching front grille, and a sharp wheel design. My Calligraphy trim level test vehicle also featured an exclusive 20-inch wheel.

In the U.S., the vehicle trend in recent years has been “bigger is better”. Sedans are disappearing every year, and large SUVs appear to be growing on trees.

Even companies that had traditionally were not focused on the larger SUV category are now dipping their toes in the water. Once such company is Hyundai, which debuted its 2020 Hyundai Palisade three-row SUV during 2019.

LOOKS

The Palisade is the largest SUV ever offered by Hyundai, jumping to the top of their lineup above the Santa Fe, Kona and Tucson. And it’s an impressive debut, to say the least.

A corporate cousin to the Kia Telluride (another impressive debut for the 2020 model year in this segment), the Palisade offers an attractive design, both on the exterior and the roomy interior setup.