Are Palisades Good Cars? | Real World Reliability Check

Hyundai Palisade models score well for comfort, safety, and value, making them strong picks for families who want a three-row SUV.

The big question many buyers type into a search bar is simple: are palisades good cars? The answer leans positive, but it depends on what you care about most, which model year you pick, and how you plan to use the vehicle.

This guide walks through reliability records, safety scores, comfort, running costs, and known trouble spots so you can decide if a Palisade fits your family and budget.

What Shoppers Mean By Good For The Palisade

When someone asks about Palisade quality, they truly rarely mean one single thing. Most shoppers bundle several expectations into that question, especially when they look at a large family SUV.

For some drivers, a good Palisade means an SUV that starts every morning, needs only routine maintenance, and holds its value when it is time to trade. Others focus first on crash test scores, driver assistance tech, or comfort on long trips.

The Palisade lines up well in many of these areas. At the same time, early years of the model show a few patterns of complaints and some well publicized recalls that you should know about before you sign anything.

Hyundai Palisade Reliability And Longevity

Hyundai built a solid reputation for reliability over the last decade, and the Palisade benefits from that. J.D. Power gives recent Palisade model years an overall score in the low eighties out of one hundred, with quality and reliability scoring in the mid eighties, which places it above many midsize SUVs in owner reported trouble rates.

Owner surveys and forum threads show a mixed story. Many drivers report trouble free ownership into the 50,000 to 80,000 mile range with only routine maintenance. Others, especially some 2020 models, mention higher than expected oil use, air suspension issues on higher trims, and windshields that chip or crack more easily than expected.

Hyundai and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also list recalls for early Palisades related to trailer hitch wiring that can short and cause a fire risk if moisture reaches the module. Dealers install a wiring harness remedy and, in some cases, a new module to remove that hazard.

A separate recall announced in 2025 covers seat belt buckles on 2020 through 2025 Palisade models. A small share of belts may not latch correctly, especially in cold weather, which raises the risk of injury in a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace affected buckle assemblies at no charge.

Set beside these concerns, the powertrain itself has a decent track record. Hyundai’s 3.8 liter V6 and eight speed automatic transmission in the first generation Palisade share hardware with other Hyundai and Kia models that commonly run past 150,000 miles when serviced on time.

1. Check Model Year History by looking up complaints and recalls for the exact year and trim you want before you buy.
2. Review Service Records to confirm regular oil changes, fluid services, and recall repairs, especially on early build years.
3. Budget For Wear Items such as tires, brakes, and suspension parts, which carry more weight on a three row SUV.

Safety Ratings And Crash Protection

Large family SUVs live or die in buyers’ minds based on safety, and here the Palisade scores well. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives recent Palisade models high marks, including a Top Safety Pick award for the latest generation with strong crash test performance and effective front crash prevention tech.

Crash tests show good protection for both front and rear passengers, solid structure performance, and effective head restraints and seats. That matters for families who plan to use all three rows often, not just the front seats.

Hyundai also equips the Palisade with a long list of standard driver aids. Automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic warning come on most trims, with higher trims adding surround view cameras, parking sensors, and highway driving aids that can reduce fatigue on long trips.

The recent seat belt buckle recall shows that even a well equipped, high scoring SUV can have safety related defects. The recall does not erase the strong crash test record, but it does make it wise to run a Vehicle Identification Number check on the NHTSA site or with a dealer so any open recalls can be fixed quickly.

Comfort, Space, And Daily Use

Step inside a Palisade and the first impression is space. Adults fit in all three rows more comfortably than in many rivals, especially in the second row when equipped with captain’s chairs. The third row suits kids best, yet short trips with adults back there remain workable.

Materials feel above the price point in most trims, with soft touch surfaces where hands rest and simple, clear controls. Higher trims add quilted leather, ambient lighting, and larger screens, but even the base models avoid a bare rental car feel.

Ride quality favors comfort over sharp handling. The Palisade soaks up potholes and rough pavement with a controlled, quiet feel, which keeps passengers happier on long drives. Steering has enough weight for confidence without feeling heavy when parking.

Cargo space ranks well for the class. With all seats up, you can manage a grocery run. Fold the third row and the space opens enough for family vacations or flat packed furniture. With both rear rows down, the Palisade handles larger items that might otherwise call for a pickup.

• Check Seat Comfort by taking a long test drive and adjusting lumbar adjustment, bolsters, and headrests for each driver.
• Test Third Row Access with the kids or adults who will use it most, trying the one touch folding and sliding features.
• Measure Cargo Needs using a stroller, sports gear, or luggage you actually own to see how it fits behind the third row.

Ownership Costs, Fuel Use, And Warranty

Running costs shape long term satisfaction with any big SUV. On fuel use, a gas Palisade with front wheel drive carries EPA ratings around 22 miles per gallon combined, while all wheel drive versions sit near 21 miles per gallon. Real world reports tend to land in the high teens to low twenties depending on driving mix and load.

Hyundai now adds a hybrid Palisade in some markets with combined ratings in the low to mid thirties miles per gallon, which cuts fuel use for drivers who spend a lot of time in city traffic or cover long distances each week. Availability and exact figures vary by region and model year, so a quick check of local specs matters.

Insurance costs generally align with other three row crossovers, though exact numbers depend on driver history and location. Maintenance costs stay moderate thanks to common parts and long intervals for many fluids. Brake and tire wear will scale with weight and driving style, just as on any large SUV.

Hyundai’s long warranty remains a strong selling point. Most Palisade models sold in North America carry a five year or 60,000 mile basic warranty paired with a ten year or 100,000 mile powertrain warranty for the first owner, plus roadside assistance coverage. That safety net reduces the risk of large repair bills during the early years of ownership.

Ownership Area	Palisade Strength	What To Watch
Fuel Use	Competitive mpg for gas models, better with the hybrid	Frequent short trips can drag mpg down into the high teens
Maintenance	Long warranty and common parts keep costs manageable	Follow service schedule closely on early model years
Resale Value	Strong demand for three row SUVs helps used prices	Higher trims lose value faster if loaded with options

Are Palisades Good Cars For Long-Term Ownership?

When you set all of this together, the Palisade lines up as a strong family SUV for shoppers who value comfort, safety tech, and warranty coverage over sporty handling or towing strength. Most owners report a smooth experience with few surprises when maintenance is handled on time.

Early build years show more complaints around oil use, electrical quirks, and trailer hitch wiring than later years. Careful shopping can reduce the chance of running into these outliers. Certified pre owned Palisade models and later model years tend to stack the odds in your favor.

Rivals such as the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander each offer their own mix of strengths and trade offs. The Palisade often wins on interior comfort and value per feature, while some rivals edge it on fuel economy or towing. A back to back test drive tells far more than a spec sheet alone.

If you want an eight passenger SUV that feels upscale, carries a long warranty, and still comes in below many luxury badges, the Palisade deserves a long look. Just be sure to run recall checks, review service history, and test every seat and feature during your shopping process.

Key Takeaways: Are Palisades Good Cars?

➤ Palisade models score well for safety and crash protection.

➤ Interior comfort and space stand out among three row SUVs.

➤ Fuel use sits in the low twenties mpg, with thriftier hybrids.

➤ Early years carry more complaints, so shop trims and history.

➤ Long warranties lower repair risk for first owners and families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Hyundai Palisade Model Years Are Best To Buy Used?

Used shoppers often favor mid cycle years after the first round of fixes. For the Palisade, that usually means 2022 and newer gas models, plus any certified examples with extended coverage.

These years tend to show fewer complaints while still keeping prices below brand new inventory. A pre purchase inspection helps confirm the specific SUV you pick is in good shape.

How Does The Palisade Ride Compare With The Kia Telluride?

The Palisade and Telluride share a platform, but tuning differs. The Palisade leans a bit more toward soft, quiet ride quality, while the Telluride can feel a touch firmer and slightly more eager to turn.

Both handle family duty well, so the choice often comes down to styling preference, interior layout, and which dealer gives the better offer or service experience near you.

Is The Palisade Hybrid Worth Paying Extra For?

The hybrid Palisade trades some upfront cost for lower fuel use and extra range between fill ups. Drivers who rack up highway miles or face high fuel prices see the benefit fastest.

City drivers also gain from the electric assist in stop and go traffic. If you keep vehicles for many years, the fuel savings and smoother power delivery can justify the extra purchase price.

Can The Hyundai Palisade Tow A Camper Or Boat Safely?

A properly equipped gas Palisade can tow up to about 5,000 pounds, which covers many small campers and boats. Using the right hitch, brake controller, and weight distribution hardware matters.

Keep payload limits in mind, load carefully, and stick to regular service for transmission fluid and brakes. For heavier trailers, a body on frame SUV or pickup remains the safer choice.

What Should I Check On A Test Drive Before Buying A Palisade?

Use a long test drive that covers highway speeds, rough pavement, and tight parking. Listen for wind noise, rattles, and suspension thumps, and test every seat position, climate zone, and window switch.

Pair your phone with the infotainment, try the driver aids, and park on a slope to test hill hold and gear shifts. Anything that feels off on a test drive rarely improves over time.

Wrapping It Up – Are Palisades Good Cars?

So, are Palisades good cars? For many families the answer is yes, with some conditions. The mix of safety scores, cabin comfort, and long warranty build a strong case for the Hyundai Palisade as a family hauler.

To land on the right one, focus on the model year, trim level, and service history instead of chasing the lowest price. With those pieces lined up, a Palisade can deliver calm, capable service for years of school runs, commutes, and road trips.