Hyundai Palisade Review 2025: Features, Specs, Price & Trims

The mid-size SUV market has grown fiercely competitive over the past few years, with nearly every major automaker trying to blend luxury, performance, and family practicality into one vehicle. Among this crowded field, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade emerges as one of the most compelling options.

As Hyundai’s flagship SUV, the Palisade not only represents the company’s ambitions in the premium family car space but also demonstrates its continued commitment to innovation, safety, comfort, and technology integration. Designed to serve families, road-trippers, and urban drivers alike, the 2025 model introduces refined design elements, expanded tech features, and thoughtful updates that solidify its standing as a serious rival to established names like the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer.

What Unique Features Define the 2025 Hyundai Palisade?

The Palisade has always stood out for its spaciousness and practicality, but the 2025 version sharpens these strengths with luxury-inspired upgrades and smart use of space.

• Seating Capacity: The Palisade can accommodate up to eight passengers with its standard second-row bench seating. For those who prefer more comfort, captain’s chairs are available in the second row, creating a seven-passenger configuration with a more premium feel.
• Premium Interior Materials: On upper trims, buyers get access to Nappa leather seating surfaces, soft-touch door panels, and contrast stitching, giving the cabin an upscale atmosphere that rivals luxury SUVs costing thousands more.
• Comfort-Oriented Features: Heated and ventilated first- and second-row seats, a dual-panel sunroof, and a quiet cabin environment make long drives comfortable for both drivers and passengers.
• Cargo Flexibility: The Palisade offers up to 86.4 cubic feet of cargo space when the second and third rows are folded flat. Even with all seats in use, the cargo hold is practical enough for groceries, luggage, or sports gear.

These elements make the Palisade a versatile family hauler that feels equally at home on daily commutes, road trips, or even premium outings.

Technology and Infotainment: Enhancing Everyday Driving

Modern SUV buyers expect their vehicles to function as rolling command centers, and Hyundai doesn’t disappoint with the Palisade.

• Touchscreen & Display Setup: Every model features a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, paired with a digital instrument cluster. Together, they provide seamless control of navigation, media, and driver information.
• Connectivity: Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration keeps smartphones synced with the system. Higher trims also introduce a head-up display that projects speed, navigation, and safety alerts directly onto the windshield.
• Power & Charging Options: Multiple USB-C ports are distributed across all three rows, ensuring passengers always stay charged. The inclusion of a wireless charging pad is particularly convenient for tech-savvy families.
• In-Car Communication: Hyundai adds features like Driver Talk, an intercom system that projects the driver’s voice through the rear speakers, making it easier to communicate with passengers in the back rows without shouting.

These technology upgrades not only boost convenience but also improve safety by minimizing distractions and ensuring drivers can keep their eyes on the road.

Safety First: Advanced Driver Assistance

Safety has become one of Hyundai’s strongest selling points, and the 2025 Palisade is packed with the brand’s SmartSense safety suite. Standard and available features include:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection.
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance and monitoring systems.
• Lane-Keeping and Lane-Following Assist for smoother highway driving.
• Highway Driving Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control and lane-centering to reduce fatigue on long trips.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance, helping drivers back out of crowded parking lots safely.
• Surround View Monitor and Blind View Monitor, available on higher trims, giving near 360-degree visibility.

Safety Note: In September 2025, Hyundai recalled over 568,000 Palisade SUVs (2020–2025 models) due to a potential seatbelt buckle latch issue. This could prevent the seatbelt from securely locking in certain conditions. Owners are encouraged to check with dealers to ensure recall repairs are completed free of charge.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

While some midsize SUVs lean heavily on turbocharged four-cylinder engines, Hyundai sticks with a tried-and-true 3.8-liter V6 in the Palisade.

• Power Output: 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
• Transmission: Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth shifts and decent responsiveness.
• Drivetrain Options: Front-wheel drive comes standard, while Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system is available for those in snow-prone or off-road regions.
• Fuel Efficiency: EPA estimates sit at around 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway (FWD) and 19/24 mpg (AWD). While not class-leading, it remains competitive.
• Towing Capacity: Properly equipped, the Palisade can tow up to 5,000 pounds, enough for small boats, trailers, or recreational gear.

On the road, the Palisade emphasizes comfort. Its suspension tuning absorbs bumps well, and road noise is kept low, making it a strong long-distance family vehicle. Car reviewers highlight its refined handling, though note that under heavy loads or steep hills, the transmission can feel a bit busy.

Trims and Pricing: Options for Every Buyer

Hyundai offers the Palisade in a wide range of trims, each tailored to different budgets and preferences.

*Prices vary slightly depending on region and dealer availability.

Hyundai also includes one of the best warranties in the industry:

• 5 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty.
• 10 years / 100,000 miles powertrain warranty.
• 3 years / 36,000 miles complimentary scheduled maintenance.

This level of support adds significant long-term value compared to rivals.

How the Palisade Competes in Its Segment

• Against the Kia Telluride: The Palisade shares its platform but differentiates itself with more premium interior touches and distinctive styling.
• Compared to the Honda Pilot: The Palisade often offers more luxury features for less money, though the Pilot edges out in cargo space flexibility.
• Against the Toyota Highlander: The Palisade provides a more powerful base engine, while the Highlander offers hybrid options for better fuel economy.
• Versus the Ford Explorer: The Palisade leans toward refinement and value, while the Explorer pushes performance with its turbocharged engines.

Why Buyers Should Consider the 2025 Hyundai Palisade

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is more than just a practical SUV—it’s a well-rounded vehicle that balances style, technology, safety, and comfort.

• Families will appreciate its roomy interior and advanced safety systems.
• Tech lovers will enjoy its infotainment suite, head-up display, and driver-assistance features.
• Long-term owners gain peace of mind from Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty and complimentary maintenance.

While buyers should confirm recall repairs before purchasing, the Palisade remains one of the best-value premium midsize SUVs on the market in 2025, successfully competing with both mainstream and entry-level luxury rivals.