2025 Hyundai Palisade Review

Practicality

The Palisade's practicality is evident from the moment you approach it. With seating for up to eight passengers, this SUV is designed with families in mind. The second-row captain's chairs in my test vehicle slide and recline with ease, offering a first-class experience for rear passengers. Access to the third row is a breeze, thanks to a simple push-button system that moves the second-row seats out of the way.

Available power-folding seats make utilizing the interior of this three-row SUV even simpler.

Cargo space is abundant, especially with the third row folded down. The power liftgate, standard across all trims, makes loading groceries or luggage a hassle-free experience. Throughout the cabin, clever storage solutions abound, from the large center console to the numerous cup holders and cubby spaces.

Safety

Hyundai has prioritized safety in the modern era, and the 2025 Palisade is no exception. The comprehensive suite of standard safety features is collectively known as Hyundai SmartSense. SmartSense includes forward collision avoidance with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning. 

Higher trims add even more advanced features like Highway Driving Assist 2, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering for a semi-autonomous driving experience.

During our week with the Palisade, these safety systems proved to be more than just marketing buzzwords. Hyundai continues to offer driver-assist technology that punches well above what you may expect.

Step inside the Palisade, and you're greeted by a tech-forward interior that would look at home in a luxury vehicle. The standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is crisp and responsive, with intuitive menus that make navigating through various functions a breeze. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, allowing for seamless smartphone integration.

The available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is a particular highlight, offering customizable displays and clear, easy-to-read information. The head-up display on higher trims further reduces the need to take your eyes off the road.

One of our favorite tech features is the Blind View Monitor, which displays a camera feed of your blind spot in the instrument cluster when you activate the turn signal. It's a simple yet effective way to enhance safety and situational awareness. 

Another notable feature is the 360-degree camera. If you live in an urban environment or deal with city driving, it certainly comes in handy.

Comfort

Comfort is where the Palisade truly shines. The seats, especially in the higher trims, like the Calligraphy, are incredibly comfortable. Shift into sport mode, and the bolstering even adjusts to keep the driver in place during tight corning. The ride quality is exceptionally smooth, soaking up road imperfections with ease without feeling floaty or disconnected.

Noise insulation is impressive, creating a serene cabin environment even at highway speeds. The available tri-zone climate control ensures that all passengers can find their ideal temperature, while the heated and ventilated seats in the front and second row are a godsend on a winter’s day.

At highway speeds, there is some road noise that makes its way into the cabin. Not enough to warrant being a deal breaker, but enough to make mention of. At the end of the day, a three-row SUV starting under $40k will inevitably come with cost-saving measures.

Performance

Under the hood, the 2025 Palisade continues to impress with its smooth and capable powertrain. The 3.8-liter V6 engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivers a respectable 291 horsepower. While it's not the quickest SUV in its class, it provides more than enough power for confident merging and passing maneuvers.

The transmission shifts smoothly and intelligently, always seeming to find the right gear for the situation. For those needing extra traction, the available HTRAC all-wheel-drive system provides sure-footed performance in various weather conditions. The choice to go with a traditional eight-speed automatic appears to have paid off.

Final Thoughts

After spending a week with the 2025 Hyundai Palisade, it's clear why this SUV continues to be a top choice for families and those seeking a premium driving experience without the luxury price tag. Its combination of practicality, safety, technology, and comfort make it a well-rounded package that's hard to beat.

The spacious interior and flexible seating configurations cater to a variety of needs, whether you're carpooling to soccer practice or embarking on a Midwestern road trip. The comprehensive safety features provide peace of mind, while the advanced technology keeps you connected and entertained.

What truly sets the Palisade apart, however, is its attention to detail and overall refinement. From the quality of materials used throughout the cabin to the thoughtful design touches like the HUD, it's evident that Hyundai has put a lot of thought into creating a vehicle that exceeds expectations.

The feature list, cargo and passenger capacity, and comfort all make for a family SUV worthy of consideration. And with the redesigned 2026 Palisade on its way, that is likely to continue.