2023 Hyundai Palisade

　　

2023 Hyundai Palisade Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　You never get a second chance to make a first impression is an old saying, but it certainly still holds true for most people and products. It would seem that Hyundai had this in mind when it introduced the three-row Palisade SUV for the 2020 model year. We were immediately impressed by its functionality in carrying both passengers and cargo as well as its upscale and luxurious trimmings. Along with its corporate sibling, the Kia Telluride, the Palisade immediately challenged the status quo for three-row midsize SUVs and hasn't looked back.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Hyundai Palisade SE 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$169/mo  for Palisade SE

　　Palisade SE

　　SE 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $35,900 MSRPSE 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $37,800 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $38,900 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $40,800 MSRPXRT 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 09/22 (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $40,250 MSRPXRT 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $41,200 MSRPXRT 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 09/22 (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $42,150 MSRPXRT 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $43,100 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $47,450 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $49,350 MSRPCalligraphy 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $49,850 MSRPCalligraphy 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $51,750 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　For 2023, the Palisade isn't looking to make a second impression; it's just growing in a way that might make you take a second glance. Hyundai's biggest SUV gets revised front-end styling that connects more closely with the look of the brand's other models. Specifically, there's a new, more imposing front grille that takes what we've seen on the Santa Fe and Tucson in a slightly more refined direction. The LED daytime running lights also blend into the grille more seamlessly, and the headlight clusters themselves are better integrated into the front bumper.

　　The rear and side profiles haven't changed at all, so the only way to tell if you're looking at the 2023 Palisade when it's in profile will be some new multi-spoke wheels. But there is a new Palisade XRT trim level. It closely matches what we've seen from the Santa Fe and Tucson XRTs. That means a darker grille, darkened lower door trims, darkened 20-inch wheels, a black roof rack and black faux leather seats inside. All Palisades also benefit from a new instrument panel design and other minor upgrades, such as a more powerful wireless charging pad and a digital key system that now works with both Android and Apple phones.

　　The Palisade's segment is chock full of competitors, including a compelling offering in the Telluride from sister company Kia. Hyundai hopes the new looks and some of the interior changes will pique your interest more than rivals such as the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and Volkswagen Atlas. Check out our test team's Expert Rating to get the full rundown on its pros and cons.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.3

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Palisade drive? What the Palisade lacks in all-out performance it more than makes up for with a competent and well-rounded skill set. Accelerating from a standstill to 60 mph takes 7.6 seconds, which is an average time for a three-row SUV. High-speed passing can be done with confidence. In our emergency braking tests, the Palisade demonstrated strong and predictable braking. In more routine driving, the brake pedal is easy to control for smooth stops.

　　Handling and steering are less of a strong point, but the big Hyundai rarely feels sloppy or out of sorts as you drive around turns. Thanks in part to a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic, the Palisade is a stress-free companion in both city and highway driving.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Palisade? Three-row SUVs aren't always hauling around six or seven people, so there's something to be said for having a little peace when it's just you. The Palisade delivers — there's minimal road and wind noise and the climate control system is quiet yet effective.

　　The front seats offer a nice mix of support for cornering and comfort for driving long distances. Just about everybody should like them. The optional second-row captain's chairs are just as good and they feel better than some front seats in other vehicles. Even the third row is decent and has a nicely contoured seat cushion.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below