The Hyundai Palisade 2020 is not the first three-row SUV in Korea, but is definitely the biggest and best. The Palisade replaces the Hyundai Santa Fe XL, which was built for only occasional use in a close, third row. The silky ride standard of the Palisade and its luxurious interior appointments are on the edge of luxury. With three wide rows of seats, safety loads and driver assistance equipment, wheel drive and distinctive style, this Korean manufacturer makes a bold statement.
Drive, Transmission and Towing
The Palisade is powered by a V-6 of 3.8 liters. The motor’s 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft torque are adequate for this application together with an eight-speed automatic transmission. With steering-wheel-mounted paddles, the Palisade transmission can be moved manually. The gearbox shifts smoothly, but the ratios are busy mixing up when climbing hills. The front wheel drive is standard and the all-wheel drive on all trim levels is available. All Palisades come with a robust transmission cooler, truck-pre-wire and swivel power, which can tow up to 5000 livres if fitted with the trailer hitch mounted by the dealer.
We have tested an all-wheel drive SEL and have produced adequate – if exceptional – test results on our test track. The Palisade went from zero to 60 miles per hour in 6.9 seconds and the Palisade needed 182 meters to stop from 70 miles per hour. It was marginally quicker than the Kia Telluride, but it was slower than the Chevy Traverse.
Interior, Information and Freight
There is noise on the lane, but a significant amount of wind noise penetrates the doors. Climate system and drive mode controls are designed and easy to use logically. There is space for up to 8 passengers in SE and SEL trims, 7 in the Limited, and plenty of space for their occupants in all three rows. The second row features a single-touch button for easy access to the third row.
An 8.0″ Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth touchscreen infotainment monitor is available in SE and SEL trims. A 10.3-inch, sensitive and responsive monitor, available on the SEL and with the Limited, offers navigation and satellite radio from SiriusXM. These devices can also be controlled with actual buttons and knobs. Up to seven USB ports can be opted and two Bluetooth devices can be attached simultaneously. The Palisade can be locked and disabled via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant if equipped with Hyundai ‘s Blue Connection application service.
Power operations are optional on the SEL and standard on Limited when the second and third-row seats are folded. The front seat cargo volume is 86 cubic feet, which fit 33 suitcases for our testing. The second row is upright and the third row is folded, with 46 cubic feet. Store the third row and shrink the volume to a small 18 cubes. There is plenty of space below the load floor to store muddy or wet products. The door cups are small, but the floating bridge center console is comfortably placed inside and below.