What is the Palisade?
The Hyundai Palisade is a midsize three-row SUV that last year replaced the Santa Fe XL as Hyundai's most spacious crossover. As with other Hyundais, the Palisade offers a lot for the money. It has far more room than its predecessor, with an accommodating third row and a large cargo area. The materials quality is also top-notch, which you wouldn't expect from one of the more affordable options in the segment. Adding to the value statement is the Palisade's trim lineup. Even the least expensive model is chock-full of useful features, while the top Limited version adds luxurious touches such as ventilated second-row seats.
The Palisade's faults, such as they are, are only in a few areas where it matches — rather than exceeds — class standards. The 3.8-liter V6 delivers good but unexceptional fuel economy and acceleration numbers. Though handling is a distant consideration for most in-market shoppers, the Hyundai Palisade doesn't feel as buttoned-down as a Honda Pilot or a Mazda CX-9. Value-oriented shoppers might also eye the mechanically similar Kia Telluride, which costs slightly less and has more distinctive styling.