2025 Hyundai Palisade

2025 is the final model year of the first-generation (LX2) Palisade, a carry-over year. Every trim, including the volume SEL, uses the same 3.8L Lambda II GDI V6, so 291 hp is also the range maximum.

Peak torque of the naturally aspirated V6 is 262 lb-ft, arriving high in the rev range — adequate but short of turbo and hybrid rivals' low-end pull.

Car and Driver recorded 7.3 s for the 2021+ 3.8L AWD Palisade; the drivetrain is unchanged for 2025, so the figure carries over. Mid-pack for a three-row mid-size SUV.

The naturally aspirated 3.8L V6 is smooth, quiet and lag-free with linear throttle response, though it needs revs to deliver its peak torque and feels taxed with a full load.

The 8-speed torque-converter automatic shifts smoothly and unobtrusively with no CVT drone, but can be slow to kick down for a quick pass.

Rated at 5,000 lbs with trailer brakes — the segment-standard figure matching the Telluride, Pilot and Explorer.

HTRAC AWD is optional on every trim (about $2,000) and includes a center lock mode and Snow/Sand/Mud drive modes — broad availability with some sophistication, but FWD is standard and there is no low range.

A pavement-oriented unibody crossover with roughly 7.9 in of ground clearance; the 2025 XRT trim is an appearance package without all-terrain tires, skid plates or lockers (the XRT Pro arrived only with the 2026 redesign).

A single powertrain — the 3.8L V6 with an 8-speed automatic — across every trim, with no turbo, hybrid or plug-in alternative.

The volume configuration (SEL with HTRAC AWD) is EPA-rated at 21 MPG combined; FWD adds 1 MPG. Typical for a naturally aspirated V6 three-row SUV.

EPA city rating is 19 MPG regardless of drivetrain.

EPA highway rating for the AWD volume configuration is 24 MPG; FWD reaches 26 MPG.

Computed from the 18.8-gallon tank and the AWD EPA combined rating of 21 MPG — adequate but unremarkable range.

EPA estimates $3,100 per year in fuel for the AWD model at standard assumptions on regular gasoline.

Runs on regular unleaded across all trims — no premium-fuel requirement.

The 2025 Palisade (final year of the first generation, a carry-over of the 2023 refresh) holds a 5-star NHTSA overall rating.

It carries a Top Safety Pick (earned under the older 2024 criteria), with Good small-overlap driver/passenger and updated side results. But the updated moderate-overlap test is Poor because of rear-passenger restraint and chest protection, and that stays Poor even on builds after August 2024 that got the rear-seat modifications. That rear-occupant weakness sits well below rivals that earn TSP+ under current criteria.

AEB with pedestrian/cyclist and junction-turning detection, lane keeping and following assist, Smart Cruise Control with stop-and-go, Highway Driving Assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance, rear cross-traffic avoidance, rear AEB, Safe Exit Assist and rear-occupant alert are all standard from the base SE up.

IIHS rates the standard pedestrian front crash prevention Good. Hyundai's Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with junction turning is broadly well reviewed, but no current IIHS updated vehicle-to-vehicle rating is published to confirm higher-speed/night performance.

Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (active braking/steering), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist and Safe Exit Assist are standard on every trim. Upper trims add the Blind-Spot View Monitor camera feed in the cluster.

Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist are standard and reviewers find centering smooth and unobtrusive for the class. It is not quite best-in-class in tight curves.

Full-speed Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go plus Highway Driving Assist is standard. Limited/Calligraphy get HDA II with assisted lane changes and navigation-based slowdowns. It is a refined, well-integrated hands-on system.

No hands-free driving mode is offered. HDA II still requires hands on the wheel.

Every trim uses LED projector headlights with high-beam assist rated Good by IIHS, with no glare exceedances. They are not curve-adaptive.

The upright, boxy greenhouse and large side glass give good forward and side sightlines. Thick D-pillars and third-row headrests limit rearward view. A rearview camera is standard, but the Surround View Monitor and Blind-Spot View Monitor are only on upper trims, not the volume SEL.

IIHS rates LATCH ease of use Acceptable. The wide rear doors, a sliding second row and multiple tether points make multiple car seats workable, though some anchors are set deep in the cushions.

2025 is the final carry-over year of the first-generation Palisade. The eight-seat layout with a second-row bench is standard on the SE and offered as an option on upper trims. The volume SEL comes with second-row captain's chairs, which seat seven.

There is generous front headroom for the class, measured without the sunroof that the upper trims carry.

Front legroom of 44.1 in is near the top of the mid-size three-row class.

The boxy roofline gives the second row more than 40 in of headroom, enough for tall adults.

Second-row legroom of 42.4 in is among the best in the mid-size class, and the sliding seats let owners trade some of it for third-row space.

The third row has 31.4 in of legroom and 37.8 in of headroom, which suits kids and is tolerable for adults on short trips. The captain's-chair aisle, one-touch sliding second-row seats, a reclining third row and third-row USB/cupholders make it easy to use, but it is not as roomy as the Grand Highlander or Traverse.

There is 45.8 cu ft behind the second row with the third row folded, and a usable 18 cu ft behind the third row. That is competitive with Telluride and Pilot but well short of the Grand Highlander and Traverse.

Maximum cargo space of 86.4 cu ft is solid for the class, though it trails the Traverse and Grand Highlander.

A floating center console with a large open pass-through tray beneath it, the shift-by-wire buttons that free up console space, an underfloor cargo bin and about 16 cupholders give it above-average everyday storage. There is no onboard power beyond a 12V/115V outlet.

Reviewers repeatedly praise the front seats' supportive, cushy comfort, and the second-row captain's chairs on the volume SEL recline and have armrests. Ventilated second-row seats and the relaxation front seats are only on top trims.

The suspension soaks up broken pavement well and stays composed, with a calm, isolated ride that reviewers rank near the top of the class. The 20-inch wheels on upper trims add some impact harshness.

The cabin is notably hushed at highway speed thanks to acoustic laminated front glass and good sealing, and road and wind noise sit below most mainstream rivals.

Tri-zone automatic climate with rear vents and heated front seats come early in the range (SEL). Ventilated fronts, heated second-row seats, a heated wheel and remote climate via Bluelink are widely available on the mid and upper trims, and Calligraphy adds ventilated second-row seats.

The 2025 Palisade SE FWD opens at $36,800 plus $1,415 destination. That is a few hundred dollars more than 2024 and close to the Telluride and Pilot entry points.

The SEL is the volume trim and most buyers add the $2,000 HTRAC AWD option, so a typical car costs about $43K delivered. The new-for-2025 SEL Premium ($45,565) and the XRT sit just above it.

Hyundai's 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance and the simple, proven 3.8L V6 keep projected costs low. KBB's broader annual estimate is higher, so this is a single-source figure.

KBB gave this model year its class Best Resale Value award and says resale is comfortably above the class average. The arrival of an all-new 2026 generation will put some pressure on residuals for this final first-generation year.

Hyundai's 5-year/60,000-mile new-vehicle limited warranty is two years longer than the Toyota and Honda norm.

The 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage reaches the top of the band.

Hyundai Complimentary Maintenance covers scheduled service for 3 years or 36,000 miles, which Kia does not offer on the Telluride. It comes with 5 years of unlimited-mileage roadside assistance and a complimentary Bluelink connected-services trial. There are no further perks that would justify a 90+ score.

$42,965 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (51% retained, or about $21,912) leaves about $21,053 in depreciation. Add the projected $2,822 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $23,875 in total.

The two main sources disagree a little. J.D. Power rates the 2025 Palisade 'Great' (84/100 for Quality & Reliability), while Consumer Reports rates it about average, with owners reporting peeling paint on the grille and loose trim. That puts it in the upper part of the average band.

Hyundai's recent standing is above average. It ranked 3rd overall in J.D. Power's 2025 Initial Quality Study, above the industry average in the 2025 Dependability Study, and 8th in Consumer Reports' new-car brand reliability. CR ranks it only 22nd for used-car reliability, which keeps it out of the top band.

This generation (2020–2025) has a heavy recall record. Two recalls each cover about 569k vehicles: third-row side curtain airbags that may deploy improperly (an FMVSS 226 non-compliance) and front/second-row seat belt buckles that may fail to latch. A 2025-only recall for the electric oil pump controller carries a fire risk and a park-outside advisory. Earlier years of the generation added a tow-hitch harness fire recall, wiper motor recalls, and brake recalls.

The 2025 Palisade uses the 3.8L Lambda II V6 with an 8-speed automatic, a long-running engine family. It does not share the Theta II four-cylinder failures that hurt Hyundai's reputation. However, a 2024 Palisade recall replaced engines with breakable valve springs, and the idle-stop electric oil pump controller was recalled for fire risk in both 2023–24 and 2025, so the record has some marks against it.

Reviewers consistently praise the Palisade's cabin as near-luxury for a mainstream three-row SUV, especially the Limited and Calligraphy trims, which use quilted Nappa leather and suede headliners. The volume SEL trim uses more hard plastic, so it stops short of class-leading.

Assembly is generally solid, and J.D. Power's quality rating is strong. Consumer Reports owners, however, report peeling grille paint and loose trim pieces, which are scattered fit-and-finish complaints.

Hyundai has about 830 US dealers, a dense nationwide network, but smaller than Toyota's, Ford's, or Chevrolet's. The brand's service-satisfaction scores are mid-pack.

Parts are widely stocked because the Palisade shares its platform and powertrain with the Kia Telluride, and the 3.8L V6 is common across both brands. Repair costs are typical for a midsize three-row SUV. Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty limits major repair exposure for the first owner.

Since the 2023 refresh, every Palisade, including the volume SEL, gets a 12.3-inch navigation touchscreen. 2025 carries it over unchanged.

Hyundai's 12.3-in system is quick and logically laid out, with physical climate and audio controls and shortcut buttons retained. It is a generation behind the newer ccNC software, and the wide screen is a reach for some drivers.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, but on the gen-1 12.3-in navigation head unit they connect by cable only. Wireless projection did not arrive until the 2026 redesign. This matches its gen-1 Telluride twin (48).

Native navigation is standard on every trim, and Bluelink map updates arrive over the air. The voice recognition is functional but not conversational, so most owners will still plug in a phone.

The base six-speaker system is adequate. The 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium system with QuantumLogic surround is well regarded but is limited to the Limited and Calligraphy trims.

A crisp 12.3-in fully digital cluster with the Blind-Spot View Monitor is offered, but lower trims make do with gauges and a smaller center display, so the full digital cluster is an upper-trim feature.

Over-the-air updates through Bluelink cover navigation maps and infotainment software. Whole-vehicle OTA updates that add features are not offered on the gen-1 architecture.

The Bluelink app handles remote start with climate, lock and unlock, vehicle finder and alerts, and covers the core functions well. Hyundai provides a complimentary period, after which the remote features require a paid Bluelink subscription.

USB ports reach all three rows, including USB-C added in the refresh and ports in the second-row seatbacks. The SEL and up add wireless charging, and a 115V outlet is available.

Proximity entry, push-button start, Bluelink remote start, a hands-free smart liftgate and Hyundai Digital Key (phone-as-key) all come on the volume SEL.

A rearview camera and rear parking sensors are standard, but the Surround View Monitor and Blind-Spot View Monitor are reserved for the Limited and Calligraphy. Remote Smart Parking Assist on the top trims adds some parking automation.

A head-up display is offered, but only on the Limited, Calligraphy and Calligraphy Night Edition, not on the volume trims.

Wide rear doors, a captain's-chair aisle, one-touch sliding second-row seats and generous second-row space make daily kid logistics easy. IIHS rates LATCH only Acceptable, and the third row suits kids rather than adults.

There is a 5-star NHTSA rating, a full ADAS suite including Highway Driving Assist, Safe Exit Assist and rear-occupant alert on every trim, and an IIHS Top Safety Pick. However, the updated IIHS moderate-overlap test rates rear-passenger protection Poor, which matters directly to families.

A quiet, plush ride, tri-zone climate, USB ports in every row and a roomy second row make it a strong road-trip vehicle. Luggage space with all seats in use (18 cu ft) is only adequate, and the third row is cramped for adults.

The smooth V6 and 8-speed automatic, light controls, a comfortable ride and standard stop-and-go adaptive cruise make it relaxing in traffic. Its size and heft are always noticeable.

EPA mileage of about 21–22 mpg combined from a gas-only V6 with no hybrid option makes it more expensive per mile than hybrid rivals such as the Grand Highlander Hybrid. It is average among non-hybrid three-row SUVs.

The roughly 196-inch body and 38.7-ft turning circle are typical for a three-row SUV, and the good sightlines help. The volume SEL has only a rear camera and rear sensors, as the surround-view camera is limited to upper trims.

A 5,000-lb tow rating and 86 cu ft of flat-folding cargo space handle light-to-moderate duty. The high-revving, naturally aspirated V6 has modest torque under load.

The proven Lambda V6 and conventional 8-speed should hold up with care, but this is a family-oriented unibody crossover with no fleet or hard-use reputation, and its upscale cabin isn't built for abuse.

There are cargo tie-downs, roof side rails, a factory hitch option and a 115V outlet, but little else is work-focused and there is no upfit ecosystem.

A quiet cabin, comfortable seats and a refined ride make it an excellent highway companion, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA II on upper trims) reduces fatigue. Range from the 18.8-gallon tank at about 21 mpg is only around 400 miles.

Optional HTRAC AWD with a lock mode and Snow/Sand/Mud modes, about 8 in of ground clearance and a 5,000-lb tow rating handle gravel roads and campers. The XRT is styling-only, with no off-road hardware.

Power-folding third-row seats (upper trims), flat-folding rows yielding 86.4 cu ft, standard roof rails, an underfloor bin and an available hitch make it flexible, but it lacks the maximum cargo space of the Traverse or Grand Highlander.

It is secure and predictable, with reasonable body control for a 4,300-lb three-row SUV, but tuned for comfort, so it leans and feels its weight when pushed. It is less sharp than the CX-90 or Grand Cherokee.

The steering is light and accurate enough for easy maneuvering but offers little feedback and an artificial on-center feel.

The brakes stop it in class-average distances (around 175 ft from 70 mph in instrumented tests) with a progressive, easily modulated pedal, but it is not a standout.

The naturally aspirated V6 has linear, lag-free tip-in and smooth 8-speed shifts. It needs revs for peak torque and can be slow to kick down.

The V6 stays quiet and vibration-free in normal driving and sounds smooth rather than coarse when worked hard, with no turbo-four drone.

A 38.7-ft turning diameter on the 114.2-in wheelbase is typical for the mid-size three-row class, slightly tighter than the 2026 redesign.

It has a commanding, upright seating position, good sightlines and a sensible layout with physical climate controls and push-button shift-by-wire. Some drivers find the shift buttons and the wide screen take getting used to.

It is pleasant and refined but plainly a comfort-first family hauler, and reviewers don't call it engaging.

Every trim gets the 291-hp 3.8L V6, eight seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen and Hyundai SmartSense driver assists as standard. For 2025 the XRT added front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera, and the new SEL Premium trim bundles moonroof, Highway Driving Assist 2 and blind-spot cameras at about $45.5K. Rivals charge more for that level of equipment.

The Calligraphy tops out near $55K yet offers luxury-brand cabin materials. Add the long warranty and complimentary maintenance, and the Palisade is among the strongest values in the three-row class, alongside its Telluride twin. The gas V6's middling fuel economy and acceleration keep the score out of the 90s.

There are seven well-spaced trims from about $38K to $55K, FWD or AWD on each, and 7- or 8-seat layouts. The range lacks a hybrid or a second engine, and the Pilot and Highlander offer that choice.

US sales set a record in calendar 2025, the model's sixth year, and kept growing at double digits. That puts it alongside the Telluride as one of the top-selling three-row family SUVs.

The Palisade is Hyundai's flagship SUV and lifted the brand's image with near-luxury interiors. The brand still lacks Toyota's and Honda's reputation for resale and reliability.

As the outgoing generation cleared for the 2026 redesign, Hyundai offered 0% APR for up to 60–72 months plus deferred payments. Buyers got real savings without fire-sale signs, since sales were still at a record.

2025 is the sixth and final model year of the first generation, which launched for 2020 and was facelifted for 2023. An all-new second generation with a hybrid option replaced it for 2026, so a 2025 buyer gets a car that was superseded within months.

The Palisade remained well reviewed through its final year, especially for its interior, comfort and value, and won KBB's class Best Resale Value award. Its Kia Telluride twin usually took comparison wins and the bigger awards, such as 10Best, so the Palisade was rarely the outright pick of the class.