2020 Hyundai Palisade Review

Name: 2020 Hyundai Palisade Review
Brand: Hyundai

Price Range: $16,777 - $37,998

2020 Hyundai Palisade Limited 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

+210

The Hyundai Palisade might be new to the three-row crossover SUV segment, but it's already one of our top picks. Packed with value, comfort and capability, the Palisade has everything shoppers are looking for. Only the lackluster handling and mediocre fuel economy could be considered demerits, but they are minor ones given this well-rounded SUV.Read full review

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Hyundai Palisade model years

Hyundai Palisade for Sale

2022
2021
2020

2020 Hyundai Palisade Review

byMark Takahashi^{Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.}

Pros

Plenty of space in all three rows for adults
Lots of standard and optional high-tech features
Robust standard V6 offers good towing power

Cons

Top trim has a hefty price tag
Some familiar buttons and knobs from less expensive vehicles
No optional engines offered

What's new

The Palisade is an all-new model from Hyundai
Standard three-row seating
Replaces the previous Hyundai Santa Fe XL

Overview

Of the many choices in the class, the all-new 2020 Hyundai Palisade has a ton of potential to be a top pick. Our current front-runner is the Kia Telluride, which shares a lot of its basic framework and engine with the Palisade. These two midsize SUVs are similar enough for us to say the decision will come down to preference, with the Palisade being more luxurious and the Telluride having more attitude.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 Hyundai Palisade SE 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$172/mo

$224/mo

Avg. Large SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Outside of personality, both the Palisade and the Telluride hit all the right spots when it comes to a family-friendly SUV. There is plenty of space for adults throughout, cargo space is generous even behind the third row, ride and seat comfort are praiseworthy, and the V6 engine does an excellent job of moving all of this around with ease. You can also rest easy with a long list of advanced safety features and the industry's most generous warranty coverage.

Whether you're looking at the well-equipped yet affordable base SE trim or the positively luxurious Limited model, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade should be on your short list of midsize three-row SUVs.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Great

8.2

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the Palisade drive? What the Palisade lacks in all-out performance it more than makes up for with a competent and well-rounded skill set. Accelerating from a standstill to 60 mph takes 7.6 seconds, which is an average time for a three-row SUV. High-speed passing can be done with confidence. In our emergency braking tests, the Palisade demonstrated strong and predictable braking. In more routine driving, the brake pedal is easy to control for smooth stops.

Handling and steering are less of a strong point, but the big Hyundai rarely feels sloppy or out of sorts as you drive around turns. Thanks in part to a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic, the Palisade is a stress-free companion for both city and highway driving.

Comfort

8.5/10

How comfortable is the Palisade? Three-row SUVs aren't always hauling around six or seven people, so there's something to be said for having a little peace when it's just you. The Palisade delivers with minimal amounts of road and wind noise and a quiet yet effective climate control system.

The front seats offer a nice mix of support for cornering and comfort for driving long distances. Just about everybody should like them. The optional second-row captain's chairs are just as good and feel better than some front seats in other vehicles. Even the third row is decent and has a nicely contoured seat cushion.

Interior

8.5/10

How’s the interior? The Hyundai Palisade blurs the lines between near-luxury and luxury thanks to a well-appointed and comfortable interior for all its passengers. Though a few of the controls on the center stack are a bit of a reach, everything is laid out well and simple to understand. The driving position offers a commanding view out the front and sides, and the somewhat limited rear visibility can be offset with the optional surround-view camera system.

Rear passengers will also like the Palisade. The rear doors open wide, and you can easily slide the optional second-row captain's chairs up and out of the way by pushing a button. Once done, there's a clear path to the third-row seat.

Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? The Palisade is equipped with several collision avoidance and mitigation systems as well as adaptive cruise control that operates down to a stop. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard, and numerous USB ports are spread across all three rows (although only one can be used for phone connectivity). The wide infotainment screen looks sharp, and it comes with navigation that offers several useful features.

Our Limited test vehicle also had the head-up display and rear-seat intercom features; both are useful. Sound quality from the upgraded 10-speaker sound system is decent but not outstanding. Another mild disappointment is the optional turn-signal camera display in the gauge cluster. It's gimmicky and can be distracting to use.

Storage

8.5/10

How’s the storage? Trunk space is generous, with 18 cubic feet behind the third row and 87 cubes with both rows folded down. Beyond that, the hatch opening is wide and accommodating. There's also a useful underfloor compartment. The Palisade can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which is an average amount for the class.

Small-item storage is almost too much of a good thing: a fairly giant center bin with a retractable cover, a second bin on the floor between the front passenger seats, and a traditional center console. Cupholders are retractable but allow for smaller bottles to rattle about. Even the bulkiest car seats fit easily, and the seat anchors are easy to find.

Fuel Economy

7/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates an all-wheel-drive Palisade will get 21 mpg in combined city/highway driving. We were able to match that with our test vehicle on our 115-mile evaluation route. Some rival SUVs offer better fuel economy. But you can run the V6 on regular gas, unlike some rival SUVs that require premium unleaded to return their rated power and fuel economy numbers.

Value

8.5/10

Is the Palisade a good value? The Palisade, and its corporate sibling, the Kia Telluride, might be the best value in the class. Everything is top-notch, from the driving experience to the interior quality to the standard and optional features. Even the base model seems to give you a bit extra, and in the top trims you get a near-luxury experience. Overall, we are very impressed with the quality and feel of the Palisade. You also get Hyundai's excellent 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance.

Wildcard

8/10

The Palisade really blurs the lines between a luxury and non-luxury vehicle. Value and quality are everywhere. This Hyundai has a breadth of talents and is sure to find itself near the top of this competitive class for a few years to come.

Which Palisade does Edmunds recommend?

We recommend the midrange SEL trim for its reasonable pricing along with the creature comforts you get on top of the base SE model. It's also eligible for a lot of option packages that come standard on the more luxurious Limited trim.

2020 Hyundai Palisade models

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade is available in three trims: SE, SEL and Limited. All models are powered by a 3.8-liter V6 (291 horsepower, 262 lb-ft of torque) that is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is an option. Passenger capacity tops out at eight with the second-row bench or seven with the captain's chairs.

Standard SE features include heated mirrors, rear parking sensors, remote keyless entry, push-button ignition, full-range adaptive cruise control, second-row air-conditioning controls, power-folding second-row bench seats, 60/40-split folding third-row seats, an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and three USB ports up front (two USB ports for the second row).

Advanced safety features include automatic high beams, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a drowsy driver monitor, lane keeping assist and a rear passenger reminder.

Stepping up to the SEL trim adds roof rails, keyless entry, remote ignition, heated front seats, second-row captain's chairs (the bench available as a no-cost option), a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.

You can get a Convenience package for the SEL. It comes with front parking sensors, a power liftgate, a self-leveling rear suspension, second-row window shades, a wireless charging pad, third-row USB ports, and a household-style power outlet.

The Premium package requires the Convenience package and adds LED headlights, leather upholstery, a power front passenger seat, driver-seat memory functions, heated second-row seats, power-folding third-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. Finally, the Drive Guidance package includes enhanced driver-assist features, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, satellite radio, an intercom system, and Hyundai's Blue Link Connected Car system.

The range-topping Limited trim comes with all of the above as well as a dual sunroof, automatic wipers, additional driver-seat adjustments, premium leather upholstery, ventilated front and second-row seats, a head-up display, a digital gauge cluster, a surround-view camera system, a blind-spot camera, interior ambient lighting, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium surround-sound system.

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4.5/5Excellent

#3 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Hyundai Palisade from 2008-2022.}

$474/yr

vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.11x/yr

vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

8.5%

vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 Hyundai Palisade.

5 (63%)

4 (10%)

3 (10%)

2 (8%)

1 (9%)

4.1

126 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Don't Spend $20K More for a Mercedes or BMW!

Ron, 11/17/2019

2020 Hyundai Palisade Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A)

We have owned nothing but German luxury cars for about the last 15 years. And, as our BMW X5 was hitting 100K miles, I decided it was time to get a new vehicle. Once again, I began the process of reading reviews and researching Consumer Reports to select whether I wanted to buy another BMW, go with the more conservative Mercedes, or perhaps give the highly rated Volvo XC 90 a try. All … were in the $70K+ price range. Then, I somehow heard about the new Hyundai Palisade. I read the impressive reviews, and then checked how Hyundai looked on Consumer Reports and JD Powers. The car seemed intriguing, but I wondered how I'd feel owning a brand that most people don't associate with luxury... more out of ignorance than anything else. I finally convinced my wife that she'd be "OK" driving something other than a German luxury brand costing $20K-$25K more for equivalent features. After searching for weeks to find a dealer with the 4WD Palisade Limited, I bought it out-of-state. We've owned it for 2 months now, and ironically, my wife LOVES it!!! It is honestly everything that we had hoped it would be, and more. The interior is beautifully appointed, and the ergonomics of the dash, buttons and gauges is superb. Everything is logically designed and fairly intuitive to use, including the infotainment system and the structure of the settings menu. The Napa leather seats are very supportive and extremely comfortable. Driving it is highly pleasurable. It is luxuriously smooth, very quiet, and the V6 has more than adequate power for most driving situations. The transmission is silky and very well matched to the engine. Steering could be a bit tighter in the Comfort mode, but it's not an issue that I would let dissuade me from owning a Palisade. It doesn't feel like it can corner like an X5, but I've found it very stable in turns with very little body roll. It is incredibly spacious inside, with luxurious comfort for the four occupants in the front bucket seats and middle row captain seats. We don't need the rear row most of the time, but appreciate the huge area to pack our stuff up on trips, as well as let our dog have room to spread out on his bed. I think he'd rate the ride 5 Barks, too! In summary, I'd encourage anyone seeking a luxurious, high quality mid-size SUV to drive the Palisade and arrive at their own conclusions. If I had to bet, I'm confident most would agree that it is an impressive value.

Excellent vehicle with too many safety features...

JC Potter, 11/29/2019

2020 Hyundai Palisade Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A)

Like a couple people on here, the Palisade is LOADED with safety features that sometimes just plain get in the way of normal driving. The adaptive cruise control slows the car to the speed ahead of you and when you get into the passing lane to overtake, the vehicle slows even further before speeding up to your set cruise speed in a kick down jerky move. Irritating. I've never been a … fan of "stop-start" at lights where the engine shuts off and then restarts when you place our foot back on the gas. Another, not smooth operations. The car tends to lunge when the starter re-engages and starts the car. Luckily, there is a button to shut this feature off, BUT you have to do it every time you get in the vehicle. It's not set it and forget it. Speaking of set it and forget it...the Palisade has an "AUTO" head light indicator on the stalk for auto dimming headlights. Unfortunately you have to push the stalk forward to the "bright" setting in order to activate the feature... AGAIN every time you turn the car on. What's the point of the "Auto" setting on the stalk if you have to physically activate it every time?? Another miss on Hyundai's designers is the fact that this almost $50 grand vehicle does not come with power folding mirrors! You can't even get them on the Palisade Limited as an option, but for some reason you can get them on a $15K Elantra...that's just dumb and ridiculous. Features that I absolutely love are the heads-up display which includes EVERYTHING going on with the vehicle ..from Blind Spot Monitoring, Cruise, Navigation, Speed, Speed Zone Signage, radio...it's all there, directly in front of you. You're also able to pick colors and and position of your heads- up display. Love it! Another Limited feature I love is the turn signals. Your tach becomes a camera view when you turn left and your MPH gauge becomes a camera view when you turn right. Very handy in traffic and even during freeway driving. This feature is only available on the Limited and I give it a 10! Seating is comfortable all around and there's enough cup holders and USB charging ports for 8 plus people. The HVAC is very good and keeps temperatures in the cabin consistent throughout. The LED headlights are a absolute dream and shine brighter than my BMW adaptive HIDS which I thought at the time could never be beat...these beat it by AAALOT. The engine is only adequate for the size and heft of this vehicle and I'm hoping future models will incorporate a turbo version of this engine. It needs it. Especially if you're going to tow anything close to it's rated 5000# towing capacity. That all being said, you're not going to find a more luxurious SUV at this price point anywhere. I shopped the new 2020 Explorer ($62K!!), Toyota Highlander ($48K) and Chevy Traverse ($52K). Also looked at the sister of the Palisade, Telluride, but I preferred the Palisade interior and exterior design a little bit more. One last parting concern about this vehicle is a TSB that just came out for the prop shaft in the AWD models. Unfortunately, my Palisade has the dreaded "shake" between 63MPH and 75MPH which has effected the early production models built April 2019 - July 2019. I'll do an update to this review after my experience trying to get this issue resolved. It looks like Hyundai has decided to try road balancing tires first and checking alignments which do not fix the problem. I believe they all suffer from unbalanced or bent prop shafts in the AWD system and the only solution is replacement. We'll see what happens!

From 2015 Lexus RX 2020 to Palisade Limited

David Maedgen, 08/29/2019

2020 Hyundai Palisade Limited 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A)

Purcahased a 2wd Limited with beige interior and grey exterior. Was considering Honda Pilot elite, Toyota Highlander platinum, 2017 certified Lexus RX and 2018 certified Infiniti QX60. All my considerations could be bought for mid 40k. Have had my palisade 4 weeks and put 2000 miles and don’t have any regrets. First the cons- black carpet shows every speck of sand and dirt(miss the …

Best decision we ever made

Push W., 07/30/2019

2020 Hyundai Palisade SEL 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A)

My wife and I researched SUVs like a PhD student doing a thesis. We were ready to buy in January but decided to wait on the Palisade. Boy was that the right decision. We've had it for one week now and we love it. The interior feels high-end and is thoughtfully designed. It really feels like you are in the cockpit of a luxury car without the hefty price tag. The exterior has a unique …

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2020 Hyundai Palisade videos

Hyundai Palisade vs. Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer -- 2020 Midsize SUV Comparison Test

We think the Kia Telluride is the best midsize SUV on sale today, but the Ford Explorer and the Hyundai Palisade would like to say otherwise. We brought the three of them together and put them through our expert and exhaustive rating process and then sat down to talk it out. Will the…

2020 Palisade Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$31,975
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$172/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	18.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Palisade models:

Forward Collision Avoidance: Alerts the driver about an imminent collision and can automatically apply the brakes if necessary.
Safe Exit Assist: Temporarily prevents you from opening your door if sensors detect a car approaching from the rear.
Surround View Monitor: Shows a top-down view of your SUV when you park, making it easier to avoid curbs and line up in the parking space.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover15.9%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Marginal
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested

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2020 Hyundai Palisade Review

Price & Payment

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2020 Hyundai Palisade Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Hyundai Palisade SE 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Palisade does Edmunds recommend?

2020 Hyundai Palisade models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

Don't Spend $20K More for a Mercedes or BMW!

Excellent vehicle with too many safety features...

From 2015 Lexus RX 2020 to Palisade Limited

Best decision we ever made

2020 Hyundai Palisade videos

Hyundai Palisade vs. Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer -- 2020 Midsize SUV Comparison Test

2020 Palisade Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 Hyundai Palisade SE 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}