Quick Take: 2020 Hyundai Palisade
The 2020 Palisade was recently released by Hyundai to enter the large family crossover market, competing with vehicles such as the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia Denali, and Infiniti QX60. Our team managed to spend some time with a midrange SEL version of the Palisade that had all-wheel-drive and the 3-person bench seat to accommodate a maximum of 8 passengers. In addition, our Palisade had the $2,200 Convenience Package, which brought 20-inch alloy wheels, a hands-free smart liftgate, and most importantly, self-leveling rear suspension that made the Palisade ride just as well as luxury SUVs almost double the price.
Furthermore, our test vehicle had the $2,400 Premium Package, adding leather seats, a premium dashboard and armrests, heated second-row seat, and a power-folding third row, making the Palisade’s interior a very pleasant place. Driving comfort was exceptional with very comfortable front seats and compliant suspension. The third-row seat is a bit tight for adults, being best-suited for children, while the second-row has sufficient legroom. Performance on winding roads was good, but it is clear that Hyundai engineers prioritized comfort over sporty handling. The sole engine offering is a V-6 making 291 horsepower, more than enough to get the Palisade going.
With an MSRP of $43,155, our Palisade test vehicle is a sure alternative to the other large upscale family crossovers. Those looking for exceptional ride quality without opting for a full luxury brand will easily discover it in the Palisade within 10 minutes behind the wheel. In addition, most people who see the Palisade will believe it’s something costing much more, which is certainly special in our book. Ultimately, the Palisade is a vehicle that both you and your family can enjoy.
