2023 Hyundai Palisade

SUVs and crossovers are among the most popular cars in the USA, and those with three rows that can host up to eight passengers are particularly desirable. Many fail to incorporate so many seats without significant sacrifices that ultimately hinder their appeal, but the Hyundai Palisade is an example of how it can be done right, though competitors like the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot are quite successful, too. A spacious interior is essential, but enough room for cargo is equally so. The Palisade also gets an excellent array of safety features and a comprehensive infotainment suite. It is powered by a large V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque and can be had with front- or all-wheel drive. Does the Palisade, in fact, tick all the boxes?

Despite its large size and numerous standard features, the new Palisade remains one of the more affordable family SUVs out there. The price of the base-level Hyundai Palisade starts at a reasonable $35,550. The SEL and XRT trim levels are moderate steps up in price to $38,550 and $40,850, respectively. From there on, expect to pay quite a lot more, as the Limited bumps up the price to $47,100, while the top-tier Calligraphy will cost you $49,500. These are MSRP prices and do not include the $1,335 destination charge. You'll also have to pay an extra $1,900 if you want all-wheel drive.

The 2023 Palisade is not a small vehicle, but it handles about as well as a somewhat larger one. However, the advantage of this is superior ride comfort. The independent, multilink rear suspension is largely to thank for this. It effortlessly soaks up bumps in the road, but it comes at the cost of slightly clumsy driving dynamics. If you try to be too adventurous, you'll quickly notice the body roll, but the light steering makes it easier to control, especially in areas where such a bulky car could cause some damage in inexperienced hands. There are plenty of advanced driver-assistance features to help ensure the safety of drivers and their families, too. And, while there is an AWD option for those who need to overcome roads coated in mud or snow, the Palisade is definitely not made for off-roading. The new XRT trim looks like it should be able to, but it has the same limited eight inches of ground clearance.

Considering that every review of the Hyundai Palisade over the past few years has been glowing, it stands to reason that the freshly updated model should be more successful and popular than ever. Year after year, the vehicle further masters the careful balancing act that makes for a good three-row SUV. The fact that Hyundai manages to deliver so much space and comfort at a particularly reasonable price is impressive, but the surprisingly upscale interior is even more so.

But, if you're willing to spend a little more, you can get a truly luxurious SUV with some of the best modern safety and comfort features available, along with one of the best warranty plans offered by any automaker in the industry. The Palisade may not appeal to everyone, especially with its bolder new styling, and it isn't as sporty as some of its rivals when it comes to handling. However, when it comes to well-balanced, safe, and comfortable family haulers, few can truly compare with the Hyundai Palisade.

If you can afford it, the Limited provides the best combination of safety, convenience, and comfort features. However, you can gain access to most of these by equipping the SEL with the Premium Package and save a few thousand dollars. At the very least, you should aim for nothing lower than the SEL, which adds some much-needed improvements like a power driver's seat, dual-zone climate control, and heating for the front seats.