2023 Hyundai Palisade - Luxury 3 Row Family SUV Car

Overview

If you have a growing family but aren't ready to take the minivan route, fear not, there are plenty of three-row SUVs that are capable alternatives. The Hyundai Palisade is one of the best in this class and this year's changes and additions should make it even more attractive. Like the closely related Kia Telluride, the Palisade provides a wealth of interior space for up to eight passengers. It's also similarly easy to drive and gets you a lot of features for the money, while distinguishing itself with a more luxurious style and personality.

The Palisade's softer suspension tuning trades some handling confidence for comfort when compared to the Telluride, but not to the extent that it could be a deciding factor between the two. If you're one of the rare shoppers seeking more driver engagement, the Mazda CX-9 or Volkswagen Atlas may be more to your liking. Compared to other SUVs in the class, the Palisade isn't quite as fuel efficient as the Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander (especially the hybrid Highlander), but when the final scores are tallied, the Hyundai Palisade still comes out on top overall.

 

 

What's New for 2023

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade gets a styling refresh inside and out, along with a new XRT trim that adds a little attitude to the lineup. A Wi-Fi hotspot is new to the features list, as are a driver seat massage function and heated third-row seats.

 

Trims and Pricing

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade is available in five trim levels: SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy. Every trim level comes standard with front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive is a $1,900 option). The SEL is the most popular trim, and it's also our pick for the best value. 

 

Approximate MSRP might be changed based on location

 

Model	Engine Type	MSRP
Palisade SE	3.8L V6 Engine (AWD)	$36,885.00*
Palisade SEL	3.8L V6 Engine (AWD)	$39,885.00*
Palisade XRT	3.8L V6 Engine (AWD)	$41,885.00*
Palisade Limited	3.8L V6 Engine (AWD)	$49,695.00*
Palisade Calligraphy	3.8L V6 Engine (AWD)	$53,375.00*

 

SE

The entry-level SE starts at $36,245 (including a $1,295 shipping fee). Standard exterior features include fully automatic LED headlights, heated auto-dimming side mirrors, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Driver safety assists include lane-keeping assist, rear parking sensors, forward-collision warning, pedestrian/cyclist detection, a backup camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, safe exit assist, and a driver drowsiness alert system. Inside the SE's cabin, passengers will find cloth upholstery, a 60/40-split folding second-row bench seat, a fold-flat third-row seat, proximity keyless entry, second-row air conditioning controls, adaptive cruise control, a six-speaker audio system with satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a navigation system, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

SEL

The midlevel SEL starts at $39,245 and adds roof rails, a hands-free power liftgate, simulated leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated front seats, replaces the second row bench with captain's chairs (reducing passenger capacity to seven), three-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a wireless charging pad, and the ability to use your smartphone as a key. It's the version we drove before this year's refresh, and we think it represents the best overall value.

An optional Premium package is offered for this trim and includes 20-inch wheels, an auto-leveling air suspension, front parking sensors, a sunroof, ventilated front and second-row seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, a digital instrument panel, a household power outlet, rear window shades, USB ports for the third row, a surround-view camera system, a blind-spot camera, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and an intercom system.

XRT

The new XRT trim starts at $41,545 and adds some attitude with dark styling accents that include 20-inch wheels, a blacked-out grille, roof rails, and door handles. You also get rugged-looking bumpers, a sunroof, and black upholstery.

Limited

The Limited trim includes all of the SEL's features, as well as the Premium package for $47,795. You also get body-colored wheel arches, dual sunroofs, a head-up display, leather upholstery, additional thigh support for the driver seat, and power folding/reclining heated third-row seats. Though pricey, the Limited still offers good value compared to the Honda Pilot, which has similar equipment but tops out well over $50K.

Calligraphy

At the top of the range is the $50,195 Calligraphy model with its special design and premium luxury touches. Added features include exclusive styling flourishes, unique 20-inch wheels, puddle lamps, premium leather upholstery, additional massage functions for the driver seat, upgraded second-row headrests, quilted leather door panels, a microfiber suede headliner, interior ambient lighting, a digital rearview mirror, reverse automatic braking, and remote self-parking.

Engine and Performance

The Hyundai Palisade has a single engine offering: a 3.5-liter V6 that musters 291 horsepower. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, this SUV is smooth, quiet, and capable. The Palisade prioritizes comfort over sporty performance. While its ride quality is well controlled and its steering precise, it never feels nimble. Competitors Ford Explorer and Dodge Durango offer a more athletic feel and higher horsepower engines, but drivers will welcome the Palisade's ability to eat up highway miles in soothing silence. On occasion, the eight-speed transmission will hesitate as it searches for the right gear, but we never found it bothersome.

 

Fuel Economy

Gas mileage is one of the few areas where the Palisade fails to rise above midpack. Environmental Protection Agency estimates are 19 mpg during city driving, and 27 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive and 19/25 mpg city/highway with all-wheel drive. With front-wheel drive, the Honda Pilot earns 1/1 mpg city/highway with all-wheel drive. The Toyota Highlander equipped with a V6 engine and all-wheel drive beats the Hyundai by 1/2 mpg.