2025 Hyundai Palisade Review: Spacious, Upscale & Surprisingly Agile
The Ultimate Family Hauler?
If you're comparing three-row SUVs, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade deserves your attention. After testing this Calligraphy Night Edition extensively, I can confirm Hyundai nailed the formula: premium aesthetics without premium pricing. While competitors like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander dominate conversations, the Palisade delivers superior cabin comfort and unexpected driving agility. Let's break down why it's a top contender for families prioritizing space, safety, and sophistication.
Standout Design & Premium Touches
Hyundai's bold grille redesign makes the Palisade look distinctly upscale – so much so that you might mistake it for luxury brands. Our Night Edition elevates this with blacked-out trim, wheels, and roof rails, creating a cohesive aesthetic. Inside, the suede-like upholstery and genuine leather surfaces feel exceptional for this price bracket. The artificial suede headliner and metallic accents further blur lines between mainstream and premium brands. Practicality shines through thoughtful storage:
- Retractable cupholders and console cover maintain clean lines
- Deep door pockets and center bin accommodate bulkier items
- Front wireless charging tray with non-slip surface
Class-Leading Cabin & Family Features
Where the Palisade truly dominates is rear-seat execution. Second-row passengers enjoy dedicated climate controls, heated/ventilated seats, sunshades, and a household outlet. USB-C ports on seatbacks keep devices charged. Even the third-row impresses with adult-friendly space, heated seats, and more USB ports – a rarity in this segment. Cargo space is competitive:
| Model | Behind 3rd Row | Behind 2nd Row |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Palisade | 18 cu ft | 46 cu ft |
| Honda Pilot | 18.6 cu ft | 48.5 cu ft |
| Toyota Grand Highlander | 20.6 cu ft | 57.8 cu ft |
Pro Tip: The Palisade's lower load floor makes strollers easier to load than the Grand Highlander's taller lift-over height.
Surprisingly Agile Driving Dynamics
Don't let its size fool you – the Palisade handles with unexpected composure. The 291hp 3.8L V6 provides confident acceleration, though the 8-speed transmission can be overly eager to downshift in city driving. What impressed me most was the body control: minimal lean through corners despite its 4,500lb weight. Road noise is impressively muted, with only minor wind rustle from mirrors. Steering is feather-light at parking speeds but weights up appropriately on highways. The HTRAC AWD system (standard on Night Edition) includes Snow/Sand modes and an AWD Lock for challenging conditions.
Key Reality Check: Physics dictates fuel economy won't dazzle. Expect 19-20mpg city (AWD) and 24-26mpg highway – hybrid seekers should consider the Toyota Grand Highlander.
Safety Deep Dive & Tech Considerations
The Palisade earned a 5-star NHTSA overall score but only 4 stars in rollover testing. Its IIHS Top Safety Pick (not "Plus") rating requires context:
- Testing used its mechanical twin, the Kia Telluride
- Lower scores stemmed from LATCH ease-of-use, not crash protection
- All trims include Hyundai Smart Sense with pedestrian/cyclist detection
Upper trims add the brilliant Blind-Spot View Monitor – activating cameras when signaling. Tech shows its age with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and dated interface graphics. However, the free Blue Link Plus (remote start, collision alerts) adds value.
Pricing & Smart Buying Strategy
Starting at $38,216 (SE FWD), the Palisade undercuts most rivals. Our loaded Calligraphy Night Edition approached $55k. Critical advice:
- Prioritize XRT trim or higher for auto-dimming mirrors (now restricted)
- Limited trim unlocks the 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio
- Premium trim (new for 2025) bundles most popular features
Verdict & Actionable Next Steps
The 2025 Palisade delivers best-in-class cabin refinement and clever storage solutions that simplify family life. While its tech needs updating and fuel economy lags, the driving experience surpasses expectations. If you value premium materials and rear-seat comfort over hybrid efficiency, it's a compelling choice.
Your 3-Step Action Plan:
- Measure your garage – At 196.1" long, ensure it fits comfortably
- Test car seat installation – Practice with your seats to assess LATCH accessibility
- Compare AWD pricing – The $2,000 premium impacts value against competitors
"Which Palisade feature would most simplify your family's routine? Share your top priority below!"
For deeper comparisons, explore our Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander reviews on CarDr's YouTube channel.
