2025 Hyundai Palisade
Our VerdictThe 2025 Hyundai Palisade is a spacious, near-luxury three-row SUV that delivers comfort and tech without the luxury-brand price tag. Its upscale cabin and long list of standard features make family driving a pleasure. A smooth V6 engine provides confident power. The one drawback: fuel economy remains merely average with no hybrid option yet.
Families, Road Trippers
Off-Roaders, Fuel-Conscious Drivers
The Case For
- Upscale interior with high-quality materials
- Smooth, quiet ride and 291-hp V6 provide strong, confident acceleration
- Abundant standard features and advanced safety tech
- Adult-friendly second row and a usable third row
Considerations
- Only average fuel economy (19 MPG city, mid-20s highway)
- Third-row seat is a bit tight for adults on long trips
- Upper trims get pricey
- Center console is cluttered with buttons
Who It's For
The Palisade is Hyundai’s flagship family SUV, ideal for drivers who need three-row seating and crave a premium experience without luxury-brand costs. It’s designed for busy families, carpool duty, and road-trip comfort. What makes the Palisade stand out is how upscale it feels for the price: its cabin materials and features could easily wear a luxury badge. Even lower trims come well-equipped, and the top trims add touches like a massaging driver’s seat and remote smart parking that you won’t find in most rivals.
Choose Your Specification
SE
~$36.8KEntry-Level Essentials
The SE is the Palisade’s value-centric base model, but it’s far from bare-bones. In fact, it comes impressively well-equipped for a “base” trim. You get the same potent 291-hp V6 engine and 8-speed automatic as the rest of the lineup, plus standard 3rd-row seating for 8 passengers.
SEL
~$39.5KMost Popular Trim
The SEL builds on the SE’s solid foundation and adds the convenience and comfort features most buyers want. This trim includes 8-way power heated front seats (with lumbar support) and upgrades to H-Tex leatherette upholstery for a plusher feel.
XRT
~$42.7KAdventure-Focused Style
The XRT trim introduces a rugged, outdoorsy attitude to the Palisade, primarily through styling enhancements. It takes an SEL and outfits it for the adventure aesthetic: you’ll find a dark grille, unique XRT-only 20-inch wheels, and beefier black cladding on the bumpers and side moldings.
SEL Premium
~$44.1KPremium Features at Mid-Range Price
New for 2025, the SEL Premium trim is designed to give you many of the Limited’s upscale amenities without the higher price tag. The SEL Premium rides on larger 20-inch wheels and includes a heated steering wheel for a true luxury touch. This trim is ideal for families who want almost everything the top models offer.
Limited
~$48.2KLuxury Lite
The Limited is where the Palisade starts to feel like a true luxury SUV. It includes all SEL Premium features and then piles on more high-end goodies. Highlights include a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system for audiophiles and a 10-inch Head-Up Display that projects speed and nav info onto the windshield.
Calligraphy
~$50.6KTop-of-Line Luxury
The Calligraphy is the Palisade at its most indulgent. This flagship trim includes every feature in the Limited and then adds a layer of high-end style and tech that could rival true luxury SUVs. The seats are upgraded to premium Nappa leather with elegant quilted stitching on the seats and door panels.
Calligraphy Night
~$54.1KBlacked-Out Flagship
The Calligraphy Night Edition takes the top Calligraphy trim and gives it a sophisticated, blacked-out makeover. Aimed at those who love a stealthy look, it features dark chrome in place of bright chrome on the grille and door trim, blacked-out Hyundai and Palisade badging, and exclusive 20-inch black alloy wheels.
- The SEL Premium hits a sweet spot around the mid-$40K range
- You get virtually all the crucial tech and comfort upgrades for a family: captain’s chairs, heated and cooled seats in two rows, a sunroof, and driver memory settings
- You’re not overspending on the frills that push the price over $50K, and you avoid the slightly lower MPG of the heavier AWD-only Calligraphy Night
Trim by Trim
Select your car trims and compare them instantly
| Specification | SE | SEL | XRT | SEL Premium | Limited | Calligraphy | Calligraphy Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 3.8L V6 (gas) | 3.8L V6 (gas) | 3.8L V6 (gas) | 3.8L V6 (gas) | 3.8L V6 (gas) | 3.8L V6 (gas) | 3.8L V6 (gas) |
| Horsepower (Driving Feel) | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 19/26 (FWD); 19/24 (AWD) | 19/26 (FWD); 19/24 (AWD) | 19/26 (FWD); 19/24 (AWD) | 19/26 (FWD); 19/24 (AWD) | 19/26 (FWD); 19/24 (AWD) | 19/26 (FWD); 19/24 (AWD) | N/A (FWD); 19/24 (AWD only) |
| Seating Capacity | 8 people | 7 or 8 people | 7 people | 7 or 8 people | 7 people | 7 people | 7 people |
| Cargo Capacity | 18.0 cu ft (86.4 cu ft with 2nd & 3rd rows folded) | 18.0 cu ft (max 86.4 cu ft) | 18.0 cu ft (max 86.4 cu ft) | 18.0 cu ft (max 86.4 cu ft) | 18.0 cu ft (max 86.4 cu ft) | 18.0 cu ft (max 86.4 cu ft) | 18.0 cu ft (max 86.4 cu ft) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| MSRP | ~$36,800 | ~$39,550 | ~$42,650 | ~$44,150 | ~$48,200 | ~$50,600 | ~$54,100 |
| Car Type | Midsize 3-row SUV | Midsize 3-row SUV | Midsize 3-row SUV | Midsize 3-row SUV | Midsize 3-row SUV | Midsize 3-row SUV | Midsize 3-row SUV |
The Cost of Ownership
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade’s annual ownership costs (estimated):
Assumptions: Based on average U.S. driver (12,000 miles/year, fuel price ~$3.75/gal, good driving record).
From Every Angle
Exterior
4Bold and Upscale Styling
The Palisade’s exterior is handsome and modern, if not revolutionary. It won’t turn every head, but elements like the thin LED running lights and big 20-inch wheels on upper trims do give it a premium, head-turning charm.
Interior
5Spacious, High-Tech Cabin with Luxury Touches
Inside the Palisade is where Hyundai truly shines. The cabin is exceptionally spacious – adults have plenty of legroom in the first two rows, and even the third row can accommodate grown-ups for shorter trips (it offers about 31 inches of legroom, on par with competitors).
Safety
5Loaded with Tech, Top Safety Ratings
Hyundai made sure every 2025 Palisade is bristling with advanced safety tech. Standard across the lineup is the Hyundai SmartSense suite, which includes forward collision-avoidance assist (automatically brakes for cars, pedestrians, and cyclists), lane-keeping assist, lane following (centering), blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise with stop-and-go.
Fuel Economy
3So-So Efficiency, No Hybrid Option
uel efficiency is one area where the Palisade is merely average. Equipped with a hearty 3.8L V6, it’s rated at 19 MPG in city driving and 26 MPG on the highway (FWD). Opting for AWD drops the highway figure slightly to ~24 MPG.
Tech & Infotainment
5Big Screens and Seamless Connectivity
Technology is a major strong suit for the Palisade. Every 2025 model comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s bright, responsive, and easy to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and wireless on all trims, so you can connect your smartphone quickly (navigation is built-in as well, starting from SE).
Performance & Handling
4Strong V6, Smooth Ride
The Palisade is built more for comfort and confidence than sporty thrills; and for a family SUV, that’s a good thing. Its 3.8L V6 engine delivers 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The steering is light. The Palisade’s suspension excels at soaking up bumps. Overall, it’s a relaxed performer.
New This Year
- New SEL Premium trim added for 2025
- The adventure-styled XRT now comes standard with front parking sensors and the surround-view monitor
- Auto-dimming side mirrors are no longer standard on the SE trim
- Hyundai has introduced a couple of new exterior paint choices for 2025 (such as Typhoon Silver and others)
Cars Similar to 2025 Hyundai Palisade
Let’s see how the 2025 Palisade stacks up against two close competitors in the three-row SUV segment: the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander:
2025 Hyundai Palisade (FWD/AWD)
2025 Kia Telluride (FWD/AWD)
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander| Aspect | 2025 Hyundai Palisade (FWD/AWD) | 2025 Kia Telluride (FWD/AWD) | 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | 291‑hp 3.8L V6 (smooth, refined power; confident passing) | 291‑hp 3.8L V6 (shared with Palisade; equally strong acceleration) | 265‑hp 2.4L Turbo-4 base engine (less hp but good torque) |
| Tech & Interior | High-tech, upscale cabin with dual 12.3” digital screens on higher trims | Similarly upscale interior with a more rugged design flair | A spacious, family-friendly interior with Toyota’s latest 12.3” touchscreen |
| Practicality | Seats up to 7 or 8. Good overall space. | Also 7-8 seats. One slight edge: Telluride has ~21 cu ft behind the third row. | Roomiest of the three in third-row and cargo. Grand Highlander was designed for extra space: ~20.6 cu ft behind the third row. |
| Comfort & Space | Cushy, quiet ride tuned for comfort | Likewise, the Telluride delivers a plush ride | Comfortable and easy-going, with a focus on family convenience |
| Who’s It For | Those who want a little bit of everything in a family SUV | Families seeking a bold, outdoorsy style and excellent reliability | Buyers who need maximum space and efficiency |
| Best Choice For | Families wanting luxury amenities without luxury-brand pricing Tech-savvy drivers Buyers seeking a comfortable, long-trip SUV | Those who love the rugged look and capability Those who trust Kia’s quality but want something a bit different than Palisade Drivers looking for a well-rounded three-row SUV | Efficiency-minded families Owners who frequently use the third row and cargo space Buyers who prioritize long-term reliability and resale |
Asked & Answered
Does the 2025 Hyundai Palisade offer a hybrid or electric version?
There is no hybrid or EV version of the Palisade this model year.
How does the Palisade’s HTRAC AWD perform in snow and off-road conditions?
The Palisade’s available HTRAC all-wheel drive system works very well in snow, rain, and loose surfaces. It actively distributes power between front and rear wheels to maintain traction.
What is the Palisade’s towing capacity?
The 2025 Palisade is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.