If you’re in the market for a family SUV that balances space, comfort, and a touch of luxury, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade deserves a top spot on your list. With its spacious three-row interior available luxury features, the Palisade has carved out a name for itself in a crowded class.
Right off the bat, the Palisade impresses with a roomy cabin—not just in the first two rows, but all the way back. Unlike many rivals that treat the third row as an afterthought, Hyundai actually designed the third row for adults, making it a genuinely usable space for most passengers. Accessing that third row is also refreshingly easy thanks to well-designed second-row seats that move with a single touch.
When you need more cargo space, our top trim Calligraphy model featured power folding third row seats and a button to flip down the second row as well.
Under the hood, a smooth 3.8-liter V6 engine delivers 291 horsepower, giving the Palisade ample power for highway merging, road trips, or towing up to 5,000 pounds. While it’s not built for canyon carving—its steering feels a bit numb and there’s noticeable body roll on twisty roads—the ride is serene and comfortable.
We took a road trip to the mountains in it and with every seat taken, the Palisade proved to be a comfortable cruiser. Long drives are made easier with heated seats in all three rows, and on higher trims like the Calligraphy, you’re treated to premium touches like Nappa leather upholstery and a microfiber headliner that rival luxury SUVs costing far more.
During our mountain adventure we took the Palisade out for some slight off-roading and it managed to crawl over small obstacles and ruts with ease. Even with the SUV fully loaded with passengers, everyone was still comfortable when the paved road ended.
Tech lovers will appreciate the standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and the optional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. However, one big miss is the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Instead, you’re forced to plug in your phone—or rely on the built-in navigation system, which feels sluggish and outdated compared to smartphone maps.
Another area where the 2025 Palisade shows its age is fuel economy. At 21–22 mpg combined, depending on whether you opt for front-wheel or all-wheel drive, it lags behind more efficient competitors. Hyundai is addressing this with the introduction of the 2026 Palisade hybrid, but for now, the 2025 Palisade’s fuel economy specs aren’t that impressive.
There’s also a bit more wind noise from the doors at highway speeds than you’d expect in a vehicle that otherwise feels so refined. But that’s just a small gripe, since the Palisade stands out with its spacious interior, long list of tech features and comfortable ride.
The pricing for the 2025 Hyundai Palisade starts at $38,675, while our top spec Palisade Calligraphy Night model is priced at $55,975.
For families who prioritize space, comfort, and a near-luxury experience without the premium price tag, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade continues to be a top choice.
