Close to being SUV twins, the relatively youthful Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride have quickly become two of the most prominent midsize SUVs.
The Palisade arrived mid-year 2019 with many rave reviews. And roughly two years later, the Telluride was unveiled with high praise as well. Nothing since then has changed – these are two SUVs that are good in practically all aspects.
Note that Kia and Hyundai Motor Group operate independently, but Hyundai is the parent company of Kia Motors. This review will focus on the 2024 Hyundai Palisade.
After struggling for years to manufacture an efficient SUV that was embraced, Hyundai accomplished that goal with the three-row Palisade. It has no glaring weaknesses. It’s visually appealing, a family-friendly hauler (up to eight passengers) that provides good performance. And like all Hyundai vehicles, the Palisade comes at a reasonable starting price (roughly $36,700) with plenty of standard features and a fantastic warranty.
Even though the Palisade is large, it’s still considered a midsize SUV. It delivers lots of value, comfort and capability. Sales are a good example of its popularity, ranging between 82-86,000 its first three full years and possible reaching 100,000 in sales for 2024.
Available in six trim models (SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, Calligraphy, and the new Calligraphy night edition), the Palisade is more elegant than the rugged Telluride, thanks to its look with a chrome grille and sleek body lines. The Palisade also provides a slightly softer ride than the Telluride.
Although some folks may bristle at the idea of only one engine option, Hyundai can respond that the Palisade’s lone choice is a very good one, a 3.8-liter, V6 that generates 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
We found the Palisade engine didn’t disappoint in any driving situation. It’s plenty quick, going 0-60 mph in roughly 7.6 seconds, and is fuel efficient (19-26 mpg). Move the dial to Sport mode (other options are Eco, Comfort, Smart) and the Palisade goes a little faster. It can also climb steep grades without a struggle, possesses good passing power on the freeway, and is muscular enough to haul up to 5,000 pounds.
AT A GLANCE – 2024 HYUNDAI PALISADE
- Performance: 3.8-liter, V6, 291 horsepower
- Mileage estimate: 19-26 mpg
- Price estimate: $36,700 to $53,900
- Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles; drivetrain: 10 years/100,000 miles; roadside assistance: 5 years/unlimited; corrosion: 12 years/unlimited
While the Palisade displays commendable performance, we were even more impressed with its driving acumen. It doesn’t feel balky like some large SUVs. In fact, it drives like a smaller one that can maneuver through challenging city traffic and has no issues in tight parking lots.
Standard driver safety features include forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, driver-drowsiness alert, rear-occupant alert, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist, high beam assist, and remote smart parking assist.
The Palisade interior provides spacious seating with the exception of the third row, which is best suited for children. The second-row seats not only offer comfort, they can fold up and spring forward with the push of a button that allows third-row occupants easier access. The cargo area is a generous 18 cubic feet behind the third row and expands to 87 cubes with both rows folded down.
While not overly loaded with high-tech capability, the Palisade has one very cool feature – an intercom that allows the driver to easily speak with rear passengers. There’s a microphone up front and the sound comes out of the rear speakers. The Palisade has a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and three USB ports up front and two more in the second row.
The 2024 Hyundai Palisade features many fine qualities and is definitely a first-class midsize SUV. Its major competition is probably its twin – the Kia Telluride.
Weidel on Wheels is featured regularly on www.tahoeskiworld.com. Auto writer Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter at @jeffweidel.
