2020 Hyundai Palisade

When Hyundai asked owners of its current three-row crossover, the Santa Fe XL, what attributes could be improved, two of the most common answers were more space and a nicer interior more befitting its elevated price. Sure enough, that vehicle's replacement, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade, provides exactly that. Actually, Hyundai went above and beyond in those areas. The Palisade makes a splash by being one of the most spacious and luxurious cabins in the increasingly populated three-row SUV segment, and we think it's a must-drive. Not just because of that cabin, mind you, but also because it's very well-rounded with generous feature content, a fair price, a lengthy warranty and a generally agreeable driving experience free of overt flaws. What's new for 2020? The Palisade is all-new for 2020. It technically replaces the old three-row Hyundai Santa Fe, but it's larger and better suited to compete with other large, three-row family crossovers. It is mechanically related to the 2020 Kia Telluride. %Slideshow-1053641% What's the interior and in-car technology like? The Palisade cabin can provide a bit of a "wow" moment if you've just come from test driving a Honda Pilot or Subaru Ascent – both nice and well-constructed, but not stylish. The Palisade, by contrast, has a uniquely elegant cabin highlighted by a wide, Mercedes-like touchscreen panel, distinctive trim types and a center console that rises to meet the dash, leaving extra storage underneath. It's both attractive and functional. Quality is also shockingly good, grossly outclassing the three-row Santa Fe it replaces, and challenging luxury models in its Limited trim level. The top trim levels of most rival SUVs can't make the same claim. Every Palisade comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, which is the upgrade unit in other Hyundais. It's easy to use, and thanks to the Palisade's design, easy to see. A new 10.25-inch widescreen unit is available on upper trim levels, much as it is in the Hyundai Sonata. You can devote the entire thing to one function, split it 70/30 between two (such as the navigation map and audio system information), or leave it on the home screen that shows three functions. It's similar to what you increasingly see in various luxury brands, and it's just as well-executed, if even a bit better, in the Palisade. Note that the mechanically related Kia Telluride offers a very similar system.  The Palisade also comes standard with a multitude of standard infotainment features including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio and five USB ports. An extra pair of USB ports is added to upper trim levels, which can also be outfitted with wireless smartphone charging, integrated navigation and an impressive Harman/Kardon surround sound audio system. Also shared with the Telluride is a rear seat mute function that easily disables the rear speakers (for sleeping kids, or those who don't want to listen to your lame old music) as well as the Driver Talk in-car intercom system that transmits the driver's voice to those sitting in the back. How big …
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