Among midsize three-row crossovers, the 2022 Hyundai Palisade offers practical space, a shopper-friendly price and a quiet highway ride. This analysis treats it with a sedan-like focus on comfort, usability and predictable behavior, while noting its family-oriented design trade-offs.
The Palisade seats up to eight, with wide doors and easy-entry for kids and adults alike. Cargo space is competitive, and the interior feels sturdy yet refined for the price. A 3.8-liter V6 makes 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic; front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available. Ride comfort is a strong suit, delivering a relaxed feel on highways and stable behavior on uneven pavement.
What You Need to Know
Key specs include seating flexibility, multiple trim levels and safety tech across the lineup. The Palisade trades some sporty character for everyday practicality, offering versatile second-row seating and a user-friendly infotainment system. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive adds capability in foul weather or rough roads. Real-world fuel economy mirrors its size and V6, typically a mixed bag rather than a standout.
Interior materials feel sturdy and comfortable, with thoughtful storage and a large touchscreen on higher trims. The third row is usable for adults on short trips, but headroom and legroom shrink for taller passengers. Hyundai's safety suite—lane-keeping, adaptive cruise and automatic emergency braking—helps with daily commutes and road trips. The Calligraphy trim adds premium details and a quieter ride, though price climbs quickly.
Design, Layout or Engineering
The Palisade rides on a conventional SUV platform with independent rear suspension and well-tuned damping. The result is a composed, quiet ride on paved roads, though bold cornering reveals some body roll. Inside, controls are intuitive and the spacious cabin remains comfortable on long trips. Storage cubbies, a flat-folding rear area and multiple seating configurations maximize practicality.
Why these details matter? Space, comfort and predictable behavior shape daily ownership. The V6's torque helps highway merging, but fuel economy is not outstanding for this class. All-wheel drive improves traction yet adds weight and reduces efficiency. Hyundai's strong warranty and dealer network also influence ownership, providing reassurance for families who value practicality over sportiness.
Price and ownership considerations: the Palisade sits in the midrange for three-row crossovers, with well-equipped trims offering strong value. Closest match is the Kia Telluride, sharing much of the same packaging and features; another relevant alternative is the Honda Pilot, which offers a different balance of space and ride. Pros include ample interior room, safety tech and a solid warranty; cons include modest acceleration and average fuel economy.
