The 2025 Hyundai Palisade continues to impress as a standout three-row SUV in an increasingly competitive market. With its blend of luxury features and practical design, this spacious family hauler deserves a closer look.
Hyundai Palisade 2025: What's New and Improved
The latest Palisade model maintains its commanding presence while refining what made previous generations successful. Powered by a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine delivering 291 horsepower, the 2025 Palisade balances power with surprising efficiency for a vehicle of its size.
Hyundai has thoughtfully enhanced several aspects of this year's model. The front fascia sports subtle refinements that give it a more sophisticated appearance without abandoning the bold styling that Palisade owners have come to appreciate. The available HTRAC all-wheel-drive system provides confident handling in various driving conditions, making it practical for families who occasionally venture beyond paved roads.
"The Palisade continues to represent exceptional value in the three-row SUV segment," notes Car and Driver in their recent assessment of the vehicle. "While maintaining competitive pricing, Hyundai has managed to deliver premium features typically found in vehicles costing thousands more."
Premium Hyundai SUV Features That Stand Out
What truly sets the Palisade apart from competitors is its impressive array of standard and available features. Even the base SE trim comes well-equipped, but stepping up to the SEL Premium adds considerable value with:
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Leather seating surfaces
- Heated front and second-row seats
- Dual sunroof configuration
- Advanced driver assistance systems
The Calligraphy trim, particularly the Night Edition available at dealerships like Stivers Hyundai in Columbia, SC, elevates the Palisade to genuine luxury territory. With quilted Nappa leather, a head-up display, and premium audio system, this top-tier trim challenges luxury-branded SUVs costing significantly more.
Palisade Interior: Comfort and Technology Combined
Step inside the 2025 Palisade, and you'll immediately notice the thoughtful design and premium materials. The spacious SUV 2025 model year continues to excel in passenger comfort across all three rows—a rarity even among large SUVs.
The interior layout deserves special praise for its blend of functionality and elegance. The center console features a floating design that creates additional storage space beneath, while the available 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system sits prominently atop the dashboard. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and the user interface is refreshingly intuitive.
Second-row passengers haven't been forgotten, with available captain's chairs that slide and recline. Even third-row occupants enjoy reasonable space and amenities like USB ports and cup holders. With all seats in use, cargo capacity remains usable at 18 cubic feet, expanding to a cavernous 86.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.
Family SUV Considerations: Is the Palisade Right for You?
When shopping for a family SUV, several factors typically top the priority list: safety, space, comfort, and value. The 2025 Palisade addresses each convincingly.
Safety features are comprehensive, with standard forward collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, and driver attention warning. The available Highway Driving Assist system reduces fatigue on long journeys by maintaining set speeds and distances while helping keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
For families with young children, the Palisade offers easily accessible LATCH anchors for car seats and an available intercom system that allows front-seat occupants to communicate with third-row passengers without raising their voices—a surprisingly useful feature on road trips.
"After spending a week with my family in the Palisade, I was impressed by how thoughtfully designed it is for real-world family use," writes one reviewer at Family Car Guide. "The small touches—like multiple USB ports, conversation mirror, and one-touch second-row seats—make daily life easier."
How Does the New Palisade Model Compare to Competitors?
The three-row SUV segment has become increasingly competitive, with strong offerings from nearly every manufacturer. How does the 2025 Palisade stack up?
Compared to the Ford Explorer, the Palisade offers more standard features and a more premium-feeling interior. Against the Toyota Highlander, the Hyundai provides more passenger space, particularly in the third row. The Kia Telluride, the Palisade's corporate cousin, offers similar value but with slightly different styling and feature packaging.
The Palisade's warranty coverage remains a significant advantage: a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty far exceed most competitors' offerings.
What Are Owners Saying About Palisade Comfort?
Actual owner experiences provide valuable insights beyond professional reviews. Current Palisade owners consistently highlight several comfort aspects:
The first-row seats earn praise for their supportive design and ventilation capabilities. Second-row comfort, particularly in captain's chair configuration, rivals many luxury vehicles. Even the third row—often an afterthought in competitors—receives positive comments for being genuinely usable for adults on shorter trips.
Climate control effectiveness is another frequently mentioned strength, with the tri-zone system allowing different temperature settings for driver, front passenger, and rear occupants. The available heated steering wheel and heated/ventilated seats in the first and second rows enhance comfort in extreme weather.
One Phoenix-area owner noted: "Having previously owned a luxury SUV, I was skeptical about the Palisade's claims of premium comfort. After six months and one cross-country trip, I'm convinced it delivers 90% of the luxury experience at 70% of the price."
Palisade SUV Highlights: Technology and Convenience
The 2025 Palisade incorporates numerous technological features that enhance both convenience and safety:
- The available surround-view monitor provides a bird's-eye view when parking
- Blind-spot view monitor displays a camera feed in the instrument cluster when changing lanes
- Remote Smart Parking Assist allows the vehicle to be moved forward or backward while standing outside
- Wireless charging pad keeps devices powered without cable clutter
- Quiet Mode setting restricts audio to the front seats only—perfect when rear passengers are sleeping
The infotainment system deserves special mention for its responsiveness and logical menu structure. Unlike some competitors with overly complicated interfaces, the Palisade's system proves intuitive even for less tech-savvy users.
Is the Hyundai Palisade Worth the Price?
Starting at around $36,000 for the base SE model and reaching approximately $52,000 for a fully-loaded Calligraphy, the Palisade represents solid value in its segment. When comparing similarly equipped competitors, the Hyundai typically comes in at a lower price point while offering comparable or superior features.
Financing options through Hyundai Financial make ownership accessible, with competitive interest rates and occasional special offers. According to Greenville Hyundai, many customers find the SEL trim with selected packages offers the best balance of features and affordability.
For those considering leasing, the Palisade's strong predicted residual values translate to attractive monthly payments. As with any vehicle purchase, comparing total cost of ownership—including fuel, insurance, and maintenance—provides a more complete picture than focusing solely on purchase price.
Conclusion: A Compelling Choice in the Premium SUV Segment
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade successfully bridges the gap between mainstream and luxury SUVs. With its combination of thoughtful design, generous space, and upscale features, it deserves consideration from anyone shopping in this segment.
While not perfect—fuel economy remains average for the class, and some competitors offer hybrid options—the Palisade's strengths far outweigh its limitations. For families seeking a spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped three-row SUV without the luxury-brand price premium, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade makes a compelling case.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Vehicle prices, features, and availability may vary by region. Always consult with a financial advisor and test drive any vehicle before making a purchase decision.
