Written by Marco Carvajal
Photographs by Marco Carvajal
The Palisade is not just one more SUV in the Hyundai Lineup. The Palisade looks like if you import a luxury SUV like a Range Rover or BMW X7 into Hyundai’s family but it is very original and unique looking. I am test driving the SEL AWD Palisade trim a great SUV priced around $35K. Hyundai’s Palisade has been one of the best additions to their lineup. The Palisade brings Hyundai to a higher level of luxury and car power. This SUV has everything a demanding driver may wish, from a 291 Horsepower engine with different driving modes for snow and more, to a very luxurious and beautiful exterior and interior design that will make you wish to keep driving the Palisade.Hyundai’s new 3-row midsize SUV «Palisade» keeps getting a bigger market share. More Palisades than ever can be seen in the roads, as this luxury SUV becomes more popular and more drivers keep buying it.The Palisade is an upgrade and a replacement for the extra-large 3-row version of Hyundai’s classic Santa Fe. Hyundai decided to keep the Santa Fe only as a regular size SUV only. The Palisade is more luxurious and powerful than the Santa Fe, therefore it is not just a replacement.
The Palisade has an original identity. Even if the Palisade can be considered a replacement for the Santa Fe XL, both cars are completely different.The Palisade is original with its own design, its own interior architecture brings more luxury and premium style than the Santa Fe. Driving a Palisade you can feel power and precision on the road. The name Palisade compares this SUV with a line of high cliffs, and with the strength of a fortress. This name relates to the bold exterior and the sense of safety and security for all the family on board. Bolt and elegant exterior design of the palisade is enhanced with full volume over-fenders and body sides with muscular detailing. According to Hyundai, the Palisade is an expression of rugged utility with premium detailing, using a unique & distinctive «Crocodile Eye» light signature look. The Palisade’s design has been inspired to reflect the atmosphere of the modern serenity of yachting, with relaxing comfort and family adventure. 2020 Palisade Highlights
- Engine
- Lambda II 3.8L Atkinson Cycle GDI D-CVVT 24-Valve V6
- Horsepower
- 291 HP @ 6000 RPM
- Torque
- 262 lb.-ft. @ 5200 RPM
- FWD Standard
- AWD Optional
- 5,000 lbs towing capacity
- MPG
- 19 city / 26 highway / 22 average
- Transmission
- 8-speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC Manual Shift Mode
- Body Type
- 5-door
- 7 or 8 Seats dived on 3 rows.
- One-touch 2nd Row Seat Slide for 3rd Row Access Standard
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection Standard
- Rear Occupant Alert Standard
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Standard
- LED Accents and LED Daytime Running Lights Standard
The Hyundai Palisade proved its off-road skills on a set of terrain that included ditch crossings, log crossings, steep hill climbs, hard rocky descents, on several deep mud conditions in Asheville, NC.2020 Palisade Trims and Pricing Selecting the right Palisade to take home is an easy task. There are only 3 trims, all of them are well equipped but as you go for the top model Limited you will get much more features. The 3 different trims can be purchased FWD front wheel drive standard, or you can upgrade them to AWD All wheen drive.
Model | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | MSRP |
SE | 3.8L V6 GDI | 8-Speed Automatic SHIFTRONIC |
FWD |
$31,550 |
SEL | 3.8L V6 GD | 8-Speed Automatic SHIFTRONIC |
FWD |
$33,500 |
Limited | 3.8L V6 GD | 8-Speed Automatic SHIFTRONIC |
FWD |
$44,700 |
SE | 3.8L V6 GD | 8-Speed Automatic SHIFTRONIC |
AWD |
$33,250 |
SEL | 3.8L V6 GD | 8-Speed Automatic SHIFTRONIC |
AWD |
$35,200 |
Limited | 3.8L V6 GDI | 8-Speed Automatic SHIFTRONIC |
AWD |
$46,400 |
While the AWD system is always engaged, drivers have the option of selecting different driving modes, like Snow mode, Smart mode, lock AWD, ECO mode.
The Palisade has enough power to tow up to 5,000 pounds, and it can be ordered with a Class III hitch and an automatic rear suspension.The MacPherson rear multi-link suspension system is robust. The 8-speed automatic transmission resolves smoothly, offering a refined feeling. The rear shocks have been pushed more vertically for a longer ride and better ride quality, along with a body that is more rigid. The Palisade is a family SUV that produces great performance. Driving the Palisade you can feel how efficient is the car and how it offers a superior and well-receptive driving experience Palisade Compared to other SUVs Some of the main competitors are the Volkswagen Atlas, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Subaru Ascent, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder and the Dodge Durango.
The Palisade is a great buy with a very low initial price of around $31K. Less expensive than all key competitors and it offers a great warranty of 5 years or 60,000 miles.The Palisade is equipped with all the right tools to be successful and win over the competition. The Palisade has some similar elements to its relative the new Kia Telluride, but both SUVs look completely different, with their own design and functions.