Free Guide to Hyundai Palisades Models and Features

Understanding the Hyundai Palisade Lineup and Model Years

The Hyundai Palisade is a three-row mid-size SUV that has been in production since 2019. Learning about the different model years can help you understand what features and capabilities may be available on various Palisades you encounter. Each year, Hyundai has made refinements to this vehicle, updating technology, safety features, and design elements.

The first generation Palisade launched in 2019 as a replacement for the Santa Fe in certain markets. From 2019 through 2021, these earlier models established the foundation of the Palisade's reputation for spacious interiors and affordable pricing within the mid-size SUV category. The 2019 model year introduced buyers to the basic structure: a vehicle measuring approximately 189 inches long with seating for up to seven passengers across three rows.

Starting in 2022, Hyundai introduced a redesigned Palisade for the second generation. This refresh brought a more modern exterior appearance, updated interior materials, and enhanced technology systems. The 2022 and later models feature a more angular front grille design and improved infotainment systems compared to earlier years. Understanding these generational differences matters because it helps explain why a 2019 Palisade looks and functions differently from a 2023 Palisade.

Hyundai typically offers the Palisade in multiple trim levels within each model year. Common trim designations include SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy. Lower trims provide the essential features buyers need, while higher trims add luxury touches like premium leather upholstery, panoramic sunroofs, and advanced driver assistance systems. The trim level significantly affects the price, features available, and overall driving experience.

Information about model years matters because it helps you understand specifications when you see a specific Palisade advertised. The model year determines what generation of technology, safety standards, and styling the vehicle includes. When reviewing Palisade information, checking the model year first gives context for all other features listed.

Practical Takeaway: When examining any Palisade, note the model year first. This single piece of information tells you whether you're looking at a first-generation (2019-2021) or second-generation (2022+) Palisade, which significantly impacts available features and technology.

Engine Options and Performance Specifications

The Hyundai Palisade has consistently offered a single engine choice across most model years: a 3.8-liter V6 gasoline engine. This engine produces 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque in all Palisades from 2019 forward. Understanding engine specifications helps buyers compare this SUV to competitors and understand its performance capabilities.

The V6 engine connects to an 8-speed automatic transmission in all Palisade models. This transmission type is common in mid-size SUVs and balances fuel efficiency with smooth acceleration. The V6 engine was selected by Hyundai engineers to provide adequate power for a vehicle that weighs approximately 3,800 to 4,000 pounds depending on whether all-wheel drive is selected.

Acceleration and performance metrics tell an important story about how the Palisade performs on the road. The Palisade can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in approximately 8.2 to 8.5 seconds, depending on driving conditions and whether front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive is selected. All-wheel drive vehicles are slightly heavier and may have marginally longer acceleration times. This acceleration is typical for vehicles in this category and class.

Fuel economy represents an important consideration for SUV buyers. The Hyundai Palisade with front-wheel drive is rated by the Environmental Protection Agency at approximately 19 miles per gallon in city driving, 26 miles per gallon on highways, and 22 miles per gallon combined. All-wheel drive models typically achieve approximately 18 city, 24 highway, and 20 combined. These figures have remained relatively consistent across model years, though slight variations may occur with different trim levels and equipment.

Towing capacity is another performance specification many buyers want to know. The Palisade can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. This capacity allows owners to pull small boat trailers, utility trailers, or other recreational equipment. The vehicle requires a properly installed towing package and the right hitches and connections to safely achieve this capacity.

Practical Takeaway: The Palisade's 3.8L V6 engine offers consistent performance and power for the mid-size SUV category. When comparing the Palisade to other three-row SUVs, reference these engine specifications to understand how this vehicle stacks up in acceleration, fuel economy, and towing ability.

Interior Space, Seating Arrangements, and Cargo Capacity

One of the Palisade's strongest selling points is its spacious interior and flexible seating configurations. The vehicle measures 189.4 inches long, 75.8 inches wide, and 67.3 inches tall. These dimensions create a roomy cabin that accommodates passengers comfortably across three rows. Understanding the interior layout helps buyers determine whether this SUV meets their family's needs.

The Palisade seats up to seven passengers in a standard configuration with three rows of seating. The first row includes two front seats with adjustable positioning. The second row typically seats three passengers and can include a center armrest with cup holders. The third row seats two passengers and is designed for children or shorter adults, as legroom in the back row is more limited than in the front two rows. Some Palisade trim levels offer a captain's chair configuration in the second row instead, which seats only two in that row but provides more comfort with additional cushioning and armrests.

Cargo space varies based on seating configuration. With all three rows in use, the Palisade offers 18.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Folding the third row flat reveals 46.3 cubic feet of space. With both the second and third rows folded, the vehicle provides 84.9 cubic feet of cargo volume. These figures allow owners to configure the interior based on whether they prioritize passenger seating or cargo carrying capacity on any given trip.

The second-row seats can slide forward and backward, allowing users to customize legroom for either second-row passengers or third-row passengers depending on their needs that day. This flexibility distinguishes the Palisade from some competitor three-row SUVs that don't offer adjustable second-row positioning. Owners can move the second row forward to create more space for third-row passengers, or move it back for more legroom in the second row.

Interior materials and design differ between trim levels. Base models feature cloth upholstery and plastic trim pieces on door panels and dashboard surfaces. Higher trim levels offer leather-appointed seats, leather-wrapped steering wheels, and wood-grain or metallic trim accents. All models include climate control systems, though higher trims may feature dual-zone or tri-zone climate control allowing different temperatures in different sections of the cabin.

Practical Takeaway: Measure your actual cargo items and consider your typical passenger count before deciding if the Palisade's space meets your needs. The flexible seating and sliding second row offer options, but third-row legroom is limited, making that row best suited for children or occasional use by adults.

Safety Features and Driver Assistance Technologies

Hyundai has equipped the Palisade with numerous safety features across all model years. Understanding these systems helps owners know what technologies are working to protect them and their passengers. The Palisade includes multiple airbags throughout the cabin, anti-lock braking systems, electronic stability control, and a backup camera as standard equipment on all models.

The Hyundai SmartSense suite represents the Palisade's collection of driver assistance technologies. This system typically includes forward collision warning, which alerts drivers if a potential collision is detected ahead. Automatic emergency braking can apply the brakes automatically if the driver doesn't respond to the collision warning. Lane-keeping assist helps alert drivers if the vehicle drifts out of its lane, and some versions can provide gentle steering correction to keep the vehicle centered in the lane.

Blind spot detection systems monitor the areas to the sides and rear of the vehicle