MSRP: $37,200
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Overview
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade 3-row midsize SUV seats up to eight people, and this is the last model year of the current, first generation of the car. It’s powered by a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission, and driving either the front wheels or all four. The lineup comprises seven trims, from just over $37K to $54,500.
It’s practical and capable too, with up to 86 cu-ft of cargo space and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. The Palisade is for people who want a spacious 3-row midsize SUV without luxury-brand pricing.
What’s New for 2025?
For the 2025 Palisade, the SEL with the Premium package is turned into a distinct trim, called the SEL Premium. The XRT gains front parking sensors and a surround-view camera, and the SE and SEL trims lose their auto-dimming side mirrors.
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade’s price starts at $37,200.
Exterior
The Palisade has a bold and boxy design to maximize interior space within a midsize footprint. The distinctive front has a wide cascading grille between split automatic LED headlights, with sculpted fender arches adding some definition. The XRT is handed some attitude with blacked-out exterior trim and accents, black wheels, and roof rails. All trims but the SE get LED taillights and a hands-free power liftgate. The Calligraphy and Calligraphy Night Edition trims have side mirror-mounted approach/puddle lights.
The base trims run on 18-inch wheels and the rest on different styles of 20s – painted black on the XRT and Calligraphy Night Edition. With an overall length of 196.7 inches on a 114.2-inch wheelbase, the Palisade falls into the midsize category.
Interior
The SEL Premium and up have a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and all trims get a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, SiriusXM, navigation, and voice recognition. From SEL and up, all get a wireless charging pad, and from SEL Premium/XRT and up, a surround-view camera. Only the Limited, Calligraphy, and Calligraphy Night Edition get a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and head-up display.
Seating is for seven or eight, depending on the trim, with cloth upholstery in the SE, leatherette higher up, and leather from the Limited trim. Second-row legroom is an abundant 42.2 inches, and even the third row is decent at 31.4 inches, even if it’s more for children. Cargo capacity reaches 86.4 cu-ft with all seats folded.
Heated 8-way power front seats are standard on all but the SE. Ventilated front seats and a leatherette-trimmed dashboard appear at the SEL Premium level, and massaging front seats are only fitted to the top two trims. All trims get 3-zone climate control.
Price Range
| Trim | FWD Price | AWD Price |
| SE | $37,200 | $39,200 |
| SEL | $39,950 | $41,950 |
| XRT | $43,050 | $45,050 |
| SEL Premium | $44,550 | $46,550 |
| Limited | $48,600 | $50,600 |
| Calligraphy | $51,000 | $53,000 |
| Calligraphy Night | N/A | $54,500 |
Key Specs
Powertrain
| Engine | HP | Torque | Drive | 0-60 | Transmission |
| 3.8L V6 | 291 hp | 262 lb-ft | FWD / AWD | ~6.4-7.6 sec | 8-speed auto |
Fuel Economy (MPG)
| Config | City | Highway | Combined | Range |
| FWD | 19 | 26 | 22 | 414 mi |
| AWD | 19 | 24 | 21 | 395 mi |
Cargo behind row 1 / 2 / 3: 86.4 / 45.8 / 18.0 cu-ft
Seating: 7 or 8
Fuel: Regular gasoline
Towing: 5,000 lbs
Warranty
| Coverage | Term |
| Basic Vehicle | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 10 years / 100,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 3 year / 36,000 miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 years / unlimited miles |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty reduces ownership risk
- Third-row seats are comfortable for smaller adults, with available heating
- 86-cu-ft maximum cargo beats most midsize three-row competitors
- SEL at $39,950 delivers strong value with extensive standard equipment
- 5,000-lb towing capacity handles trailers and boats without an upgrade
Cons:
- 291-hp V6 feels adequate rather than strong for a vehicle this size
- No hybrid or plug-in hybrid option is available in the current generation
- 0-60 is slower than turbocharged competitors like the Kia Telluride HEV
- Calligraphy Night Edition at $54,500 approaches luxury-brand pricing
Verdict
The Hyundai Palisade may not lead the class in any way, but it sets a value benchmark among midsize 3-row SUVs with the space, features, and refinement it offers for its very competitive asking price, giving much more expensive contenders a run for their money. It’s even commendably luxurious for a mainstream brand in the top trims, where you get quilted Nappa leather, ventilated seats, and Harman Kardon audio. The mid-range SEL makes the most sense at below $40K, offering stellar value and a decent feature set.
Negatives include an NA V6 that doesn’t offer quite the low-down torque or economy of some turbo-four rivals, the absence of any kind of hybrid powertrain, and the fact that this is the last model year of this generation. The good news is that the next Palisade will address many of these problems, and will come as a hybrid. It will also be more expensive, so you can bag yourself a great deal on the current car if you negotiate.
Competitors:
Honda Pilot
Kia Telluride
Mazda CX-90
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Toyota Grand Highlander
About the author
Cobus F. Potgieter
Reviews and Features Editor