The Palisade joined the Hyundai lineup in 2020 with much praise as a three-row midsize crossover. The Palisade and platform partner, the Kia Telluride, have won over consumers and the industry with spacious interiors, impressive technology, trend-setting designs, and overall value. The Palisade carries over into the 2022 model year unchanged with four different trim levels known as the SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy. All models come with a 3.8L V6 engine that delivers 291 horsepower and is available with front or all-wheel drive. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
It seats seven or eight passengers depending on the seating configuration. Standard features include LED lights, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, wireless smartphone connection, rear view monitor with parking guidance, and more. Prices start at $33,350 for a FWD SE and climb into the $48,740 range for a Calligraphy AWD model. Competition includes the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Nissan Pathfinder, Mazda CX-9, Subaru Ascent, Toyota Highlander, and Volkswagen Atlas. I spent a week in an AWD Calligraphy model and here's what stands out...
Premium Features (+)
The Palisade offers a lot of value for the price with a list of available premium features that fit more in line with luxury-level crossovers. Starting outside, an LED lighting system includes premium lighting in front and back with a standout daytime running light signature. Available 20" wheels complement the exterior design with a two-tone machined-finish. Inside top-level materials are available including quilted leather, microfiber-suede headliner, perforated-leather steering wheel and more. Technology is current with a digital instrument cluster, mobile device integration, color touchscreen, premium audio and more. Beyond all of these modern amenities is a long list of available driver assist features thus making the Palisade a well-rounded vehicle in the segment that's built well and priced well.
Exterior Styling (+)
Where the Kia Telluride has a more rugged vibe, the Palisade offers a more luxurious look. Up front is a prominent cascading grille surrounded in a soft silver trim. On either side are the LED lights that stretch from the top of the fender to the bottom of the bumper creating a unique look. The front fascia look has received some criticism for being overly bold and I would anticipate will be the first area that Hyundai targets when the Palisade is due for a refresh
The profile carries over with a rounded, but overall boxy shape. Hyundai utilizes trim accent pieces around sections of the windows to add to the overall detailing. Around back PALISADE is spelled out across the hatch in a modern font above the license plate. Two vertical LED taillights stretch into the bumper while silver accent pieces reflect the light at night to give it modern glow. The use of these accent pieces all around the car highlight the overall design and attention to detail that is put into this vehicle.
Wheels (+)
Each trim level comes with its own unique set of 18 or 20-inche wheels. All options look great as wheel design continues to be a strong area for Hyundai. SE and SEL models get two different variations of 18-inch wheels. SEL wheels are a machine-faced finish combined with gloss black accents. Stepping up to the top trims, 20-inch wheels are standard with two different looks for the Limited and Calligraphy. Both have a sporty design to them, but the Calligraphy wheels also blend in some depth to its design that gives them a sense of constant motion.
Interior space (+)
Perhaps the most important aspect to consider in this segment is interior space and Hyundai (and Kia) have set the new benchmark. Up front, both passengers have plenty of head and legroom. An open center console creates space underneath for storage, thus keeping the cabin area clutter free. The center console resembles mission control with push buttons for all the climate controls, electronic gear selection, drive modes, and the heated/ventilated seat controls.
The second row comes with either a bench seat (8-passenger) or captain's chairs (7-passenger). For models with captain's chairs, access to the third row is easy in between the seats or by folding the seats at the touch of a button which slides it forward. The third row is by far the most spacious in the mid-size class with the Atlas being its closest competitor. However, the Atlas only seats two in the third row while the Palisade seats three across comfortably in the back row. For an added open concept feel, the Palisade offers both an opening sunroof up front and second fixed-glass skylight over the back seats.
Seat Comfort (+)
Cloth upholstery is standard on the SE and SEL while a leather trimmed option is also available on the SEL. Limited and Calligraphy models come standard with premium Nappa leather that is soft to the touch and the quilted stitching creates an elegant look. These seats are comfortable and supportive for extended drives. All seats are adjustable and heated seats are standard on SEL trims and up. Other available features include ventilated seats, integrated memory system, heated/ventilated second row seats, leg cushion extension, and lumbar support. Also available are power-folding third-row seats at the touch of a button.
Cargo Space (+)
Behind the third row is 18 cu.ft. of cargo space. The third-row seats will fold flat to offer 45.8 cu.ft. behind the second row and with both rows flat, there is a total of 86.4 cu.ft. behind the front two seats. Overall capacity is better than most in the segment. Higher trim models offer power folding seats in the second and third row at the touch of a button. As a bonus, there is underfloor storage behind the third row and a hands-free power liftgate.
Technology (+)
Behind the steering wheel is a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel that features a multi-information display at the center of two digital dials. The blind spot monitor system will activate cameras when the turn-signals are activated which projects images into the digital cluster for optimal viewing. Other driver assist features can also be controlled here such as the smart cruise control and lane follow assist.
Slide over to the center of the dash where either the standard 8" or optional 10.25" touchscreen sits atop the dash. Hyundai's system offers wireless smartphone connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A row of buttons is below the screen with quick access menu buttons and physical dials for audio and tuning. A 630-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system with 12-speakers and surround sound is also available. Overall, the system is intuitive except for a few items such as the ambient lighting settings that require you to tab through a few different screens. Other unique features include Driver Talk which will amplify the front passengers' voice into the speakers for rear seat passengers and Rear Seat Quiet Mode which will subdue the speakers in the back at the touch of a button should you have sleeping children and want to create a quieter environment.
Powertrain (+)
The Palisade offers a comfortable driving experience with minimal road noise and reasonable power. All models are equipped with the same 3.8L V6 that delivers 291 horsepower and 262 lb.ft. of torque. It's paired with an 8-speed automatic that is refined and smoothly navigates through the gears. It offers reasonable acceleration from a stop and enough extra power to get cruising on the highway. There are six different drive modes that can be selected through a dial on the center console that include smart, sport, comfort, eco, snow, and AWD lock.
Handling is composed at all speeds making it an easy crossover to drive. Steering is responsive and direct. Even with its larger size, body lean is minimal in quick turns. Stability is good as it absorbs road imperfections with ease. The AWD system is automatic and will kick in when needed to keep the Palisade grounded, but it does not have a low range for more adventurous off-roading.
Fuel-Economy (+/-)
When it arrived with a full 18.8-gallon tank, it offered around 410 miles of range. EPA estimates are 19/24/21 MPG city/highway/combined and after a week of suburban driving in cold weather I averaged 20 MPG. These ratings are average too low for the class.
Safety Features (+)
One of the reasons that makes the Palisade such a value is its long list of standard safety features. All models come equipped with Hyundai Smartsense safety features which includes blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, parking distance warning, rear occupant alert, forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, driver attention warning, and more. All these systems work well and should offer buyers peace of mind that they are already included in the price of the vehicle.
Final Statement (+)
I had the chance to drive three mid-size crossovers back-to-back (Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Palisade and the Nissan Pathfinder) and if I were to choose a winner, the Palisade would take gold. None of the other vehicles (except for the Telluride) check all the important boxes like this one does. It has a modern style with luxurious looks, features an impressive amount of space inside with a usable third row, and offers all the key driver assist features standard. It's the real deal with fair prices and good safety ratings. It's one of the newest members of the class and is making quite an impression.
First Impression Summary:
Test Vehicle: 2022 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy AWD
Exterior Color: Sierra Burgundy Interior Color: Light Beige Nappa Leather Options: None
MSRP as tested: $49,830 (With Delivery/Destination)
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