2025 Hyundai Palisade Review: Big on Space, Comfort & Value

Mid-size SUVs are everywhere these days, each one promising to be the perfect mix of family-friendly, tech-packed, and if you’re lucky, actually fun to drive. Hyundai has been in the game for a while now, and the Palisade is their not-so-secret weapon in the world of three-row SUVs.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade carries forward everything people already love about this SUV including its spacious interior, premium materials, and a seriously impressive feature list and for 2025 adds subtle refinements to keep it fresh. It’s still a vehicle that punches well above its weight, offering near-luxury comfort at a price that won’t require selling a kidney.

Does it still hold its own against the competition? Or is it starting to show its age? Let’s find out, shall we?

What’s New for 2025?

Hyundai isn’t making dramatic changes to the Palisade this year, but they’ve tweaked a few things to keep it competitive:

• Refreshed Styling – Slight grille and lighting updates for a more modern look.
• Updated Infotainment System – Faster processor and better UI responsiveness.
• More Standard Features – Even the base trim is loaded with tech.
• Quieter Cabin – Improved sound insulation for a more refined ride.
• Enhanced Driver-Assistance Tech – A few small improvements to Hyundai’s already excellent safety suite.

The powertrain remains unchanged, which means the same solid V6 under the hood (no hybrid yet, unfortunately).

Smooth, Comfortable and Surprisingly Capable

Perhaps other than GLS63 buyers, people aren’t expecting their three-row SUV to have sports car performance. That said, the Palisade holds its own in the power department.

Engine & Performance Specs:

• Engine: 3.8L V6
• Horsepower: 291 hp
• Torque: 262 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: FWD (AWD optional)
• Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs

Acceleration is respectable, although not exhilarating. The 2025 Palisade won’t leave tire marks at a stoplight, but it has enough grunt to merge onto highways without breaking a sweat. The 8-speed automatic is smooth and well-mannered, avoiding the gear-hunting issues some SUVs struggle with.

Ride comfort is one of the Palisade’s biggest strengths. The suspension is tuned for plushness rather than sportiness, which means most bumps and potholes are absorbed with ease. It’s an ideal road trip vehicle, offering a quiet, relaxed driving experience that makes long distances feel effortless.

Spacious, Stylish, and Packed with Tech

Hyundai knows how to build a quality interior, and the Palisade is no exception. It feels way more upscale than you’d expect from its price tag, with soft-touch materials, well-designed controls, and premium finishes.

What’s Inside?

• 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster – Crisp, clear, and fully digital.
• 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen – Includes Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
• Available Nappa leather seats – Feels straight out of a luxury car.
• Power-folding third row – Makes life easier when loading cargo.
• Heated and ventilated seats (front & second row) – Standard on upper trims.
• Quiet, well-insulated cabin – Less road noise than previous models.

Hyundai maximizes every inch of space, making the Palisade feel like a rolling first-class lounge when spec’d in the Calligraphy trim. The third row is actually usable for adults, which is rare in this segment. Families with teens or extra passengers will appreciate that it doesn’t feel like a penalty box back there.

Cargo space is equally impressive. With all three rows up, there’s 18 cubic feet of storage or enough for a grocery run and a stroller. Fold everything down, and you get 86.4 cubic feet, which is more than enough for a weekend of Costco impulse shopping.

Trim Levels: Which One is Right for You?

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade comes in several trims, each with its own set of goodies. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. SE (The Base Model)

   • 12.3-inch touchscreen
   • Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
   • Cloth seats
   • Hyundai SmartSense safety suite

2. SEL

   • Synthetic leather seats
   • Heated front seats
   • Power-adjustable driver’s seat
   • Roof rails

3. XRT (New for Adventure Seekers)

   • Rugged styling
   • Blacked-out trim
   • 20-inch wheels
   • AWD standard

4. Limited

   • Nappa leather seats
   • Heated & ventilated second-row seats
   • Premium audio system
   • Digital rearview mirror

5. Calligraphy (Lux King)

   • Unique grille and wheels
   • Suede headliner
   • Quilted leather seats
   • Heads-up display

The Calligraphy trim is where the Palisade fully embraces its near-luxury ambitions, offering an experience that rivals SUVs costing $10k+ more.

What Else Should You Consider?

The three-row SUV segment is crowded, with plenty of strong options. Here’s how the Palisade stacks up against its closest rivals:

Toyota Grand Highlander

• Hybrid option available
• More cargo space
• Toyota reliability, but less luxurious interior  (Look at the Lexus TX is you need more lux, although expect to empty your wallet more)

Honda Pilot

• Similar ride comfort
• V6 engine with slightly better efficiency
• Lacks the same upscale interior feel

Kia Telluride (Palisade’s twin sibling)

• Same powertrain and tech
• Slightly different styling
• Generally seen as the more “rugged” option

Mazda CX-90

• A lot more fun to drive
• Turbo inline-six with hybrid options
• Less roomy third row

For those prioritizing a luxury feel at a mainstream price, the Palisade holds a clear advantage over most of these rivals.

What We Wish Was Different

Even great vehicles have room for improvement, so here are a few areas where the Palisade could be better:

• No Hybrid or EV Option – With competitors offering hybrid tech, it would be nice to see Hyundai step up.
• Infotainment Still Wired for CarPlay/Android Auto – Wireless functionality is still absent, which feels outdated.
• Fuel Economy Is Just OK – At 19 city / 26 highway MPG, it’s not terrible, but hybrids are leaving it in the dust.

These aren’t deal breakers for most 3-row SUV buyers, but they’re worth considering for those who prioritize fuel efficiency or the latest tech.

Still One of the Best Three-Row SUVs?

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade remains one of the best values in its class. It delivers a luxurious (Calligraphy), spacious, and tech-filled driving experience while keeping the price significantly lower than comparable luxury SUVs. Ride comfort is exceptional, and the interior punches well above its weight class.

Some buyers may be tempted by hybrid options from Toyota or Mazda, but for those who want a plush, gas-powered three-row SUV with tons of features for the money, the Palisade is still a top contender.

What do you think? Would you choose the Palisade over a Toyota Grand Highlander, Kia Telluride or some other mid-size 3-row SUV? Drop your thoughts below!