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Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is a three-row mid-size crossover sold in the U.S. since the 2020 model year. Federal data puts 2020 (5 recalls, 528 complaints) and 2021 (6 recalls, 429) as the years to be careful with, 2025 as the cleanest (3 recalls, 240 complaints), and the 2026 model is rated 19 to 34 mpg combined with a hybrid available.
What the Hyundai Palisade is and who buys it
Wikipedia (opens in a new tab) describes the Palisade as a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating, made by Hyundai since late 2018, that replaced the Maxcruz (also sold as the Santa Fe XL), and lists the Kia Telluride as its related model. It is a family vehicle: The Car Connection (opens in a new tab) says that for buyers who want panoramic screens, heated seats in every row and bang-for-buck value, the Palisade is hard to ignore, and puts the Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride among its closest rivals.
Model years on this site
U.S. model years run from 2020 to 2026. The 2020 Palisade is the first-year car, and the 2026 Palisade is the newest, with a 2.5L four-cylinder, a hybrid and a 3.5L V6 among its engines, and Kelley Blue Book base prices starting at $41,035 for the SE and reaching $46,900 for the SEL Premium among its early trims.
Best and worst Palisade model years
Federal counts show a heavy first two years. The 2020 has 5 recalls and 528 complaints, the most of any year, with air bags, visibility, trailer hitch and seat belts among the recall components, and the 2021 has 6 recalls, the most recalls, and 429 complaints. The 2023 has 5 recalls and 396 complaints, the 2024 has 5 and 382, and the 2022 has 5 and 302. The 2025 has 3 recalls and 240 complaints, the lowest complaint count, and the 2026 has 3 recalls so far, covering the electrical system, seats and seat belts.
Guides say the same about the early years. Engine Patrol (opens in a new tab) says the worst model years of the Palisade are 2021 and 2020, and CarsCounsel (opens in a new tab) says buyers should approach the 2020 model carefully due to first-year production glitches and wind noise complaints. CarWhere (opens in a new tab) names 2020, 2021 and 2022 as the years to avoid and the 2025 and 2024 as the cleanest.
Strengths and weaknesses
The strengths are cabin and value: The Car Connection cites a plush cabin and robust tech suite at a reasonable price, and Benson Hyundai's rival comparison says the Palisade often feels more sophisticated than the Telluride for families who value refinement, though that is a dealer's view. The weaknesses show in the recall record, which lists trailer hitch and seat belt campaigns across several years, and in fuel economy: the 2026 range is 19 to 34 mpg combined, and the EPA puts yearly fuel cost between $1,850 and $3,300 depending on the powertrain.
Questions buyers ask
Which Hyundai Palisade years should I avoid?
Engine Patrol (opens in a new tab) says the worst model years are 2021 and 2020. In federal data the 2020 has the most complaints (528) and the 2021 the most recalls (6).
What is the Hyundai Palisade related to?
Wikipedia lists the Kia Telluride as its related model, and says the Palisade replaced the Maxcruz, also sold as the Santa Fe XL.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is built around 3.8L V6, rated at 291 horsepower across its three-row SUV body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2025 U.S. lineup has 7 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe most the 2025 Hyundai Palisade is published to tow is 5,000 lb.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 244 owner complaints for the 2025 Palisade.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2025 Hyundai Palisade
The 2025 Palisade pairs a 291-horsepower V6 with front- or all-wheel drive and seven- or eight-passenger interiors depending on trim and seating layout.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
3 indexed Hyundai Palisade model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 Hyundai Palisade | 2027 record → | |
| 2026 Hyundai Palisade | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Hyundai Palisade | 1 | 2025 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Hyundai Palisade.
The Hyundai Palisade is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating manufactured and marketed by Hyundai Motor Company since late 2018. It replaced the Maxcruz (also known as Santa Fe XL outside of South Korea) as the flagship SUV under the Hyundai brand. A second-generation Palisade was introduced for the 2026 model's first hybrid powertrain.
- Powertrain
- The Palisade was awarded "Top Safety Pick" and "Top Safety Pick+" (from 2021 to 2023 model years) by IIHS.
Source: Hyundai Palisade (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Hyundai Palisade at a glance
- Production
- 2018–present
- Model years
- 2020–present
- Class
- Mid-size crossover SUV (E)
- Body style
- 5-door SUV
- Layout
- Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout, Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout, Front-engine, all-wheel-drive
- Chassis
- Unibody
- Predecessor
- Hyundai Maxcruz/Santa Fe XL
- Related models
- Kia Telluride
Hyundai Palisade generations
The Hyundai Palisade has been redesigned in 2024, gaps of 6 years, an average of 6.0 years between generations. The current generation (second generation, LX3) began in 2024.
| Generation | Code | Began | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | LX2 | 2018–2024 | The first-generation Palisade debuted at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show on 28 November 2018, following Hyundai's Grandmaster concept unveiled in June 2018. |
| Second generation | LX3 | 2024–present | The second generation Palisade was unveiled on 6 December 2024. |
NHTSA rated the 2025 Hyundai Palisade overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 5 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.
Recent recalls (6 campaigns across the latest model years)
- March 2026, Seat Belts: Rear/Other:Buckle Assembly. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2026 Hyundai Palisade and 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid vehicles equipped with "Limited" and "Calligraphy" trim packages. The internal wiring within the third-row driver-side seat belt buckle may become damaged and result in a permanent display… Consequence: A faulty seat belt status indicator may fail to alert occupants to an unfastened seat belt, increasing the risk of injury.
- March 2026, Seats:Mid/Rear Assembly:Power Adjust. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2026 Palisade and 2026 Palisade Hybrid vehicles equipped with a Limited or Calligraphy trim package. The second and third row power seats may fail to detect a person. The seat may continue to move after… Consequence: A person, especially a child, may become trapped by a rear powered seat, increasing the risk of injury or death.
- January 2026, Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 IONIQ 5, Santa Cruz, Kona, Palisade, Palisade Hybrid, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, and Tucson vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument… Consequence: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Owners filed 245 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Hyundai Palisade, most often about service brakes (96), seat belts (57), unknown or other (43).
Year by year
The Hyundai Palisade across 8 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Hyundai Palisade | 19–34 | $1,900–$3,400 | 6 | |||
| 2026 Hyundai Palisade | 19–34 | $1,850–$3,300 | 6 | 3 | 5 stars | |
| 2025 Hyundai Palisade | 21–22 | $2,850–$2,950 | 2 | 3 | 240 | 5 stars |
| 2024 Hyundai Palisade | 21–22 | $2,850–$2,950 | 2 | 5 | 382 | 5 stars |
| 2023 Hyundai Palisade | 21–22 | $2,850–$2,950 | 2 | 5 | 396 | 5 stars |
| 2022 Hyundai Palisade | 21–22 | $2,850–$2,950 | 2 | 5 | 302 | 5 stars |
| 2021 Hyundai Palisade | 21–22 | $2,850–$2,950 | 2 | 6 | 429 | 5 stars |
| 2020 Hyundai Palisade | 21–22 | $2,850–$2,950 | 2 | 5 | 528 | 5 stars |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Hyundai Palisade, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 to 2026 | 2 to 6 | 21.5 to 26.5 | Labels: Palisade Hybrid AWD, Palisade Hybrid FWD, Palisade Hybrid FWD Blue, Palisade XRT Pro; Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI; Hybrid, 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI; Transmissions: Automatic (AM-S6); Size classes: Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Engines: 3.8L 6-cyl SIDI; Size classes: Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| 2022 to 2023 | Size classes: Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Size classes: Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
Buying used
What the Hyundai Palisade recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | electrical system (instrument cluster/panel); seats (mid/rear assembly); seat belts (rear/other) | None |
| 2025 | 3 | power train (automatic transmission); seat belts (rear/other); air bags (side/window) | 1 stop-driving or park-outside |
| 2024 | 5 | power train (automatic transmission); air bags (sensor); engine and engine cooling; 2 more | 1 stop-driving or park-outside |
| 2023 | 5 | visibility/wiper; service brakes, hydraulic (power assist); power train (automatic transmission); 2 more | 1 stop-driving or park-outside |
| 2022 | 5 | electrical system (instrument cluster/panel); trailer hitches; visibility/wiper; 2 more | 1 stop-driving or park-outside |
| 2021 | 6 | service brakes, hydraulic (fluid); visibility (windshield wiper/washer); trailer hitches; 3 more | 1 stop-driving or park-outside |
| 2020 | 5 | air bags (side/window); visibility (windshield wiper/washer); trailer hitches; 1 more | 1 stop-driving or park-outside |
Recalls that told owners to stop driving or park outside
- 2020, campaign 22V-633 (Aug 2022): trailer hitches. A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- 2021, campaign 22V-633 (Aug 2022): trailer hitches. A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- 2022, campaign 22V-633 (Aug 2022): trailer hitches. A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- 2023, campaign 23V-526 (Jul 2023): power train (automatic transmission). An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
- 2024, campaign 23V-526 (Jul 2023): power train (automatic transmission). An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
- 2025, campaign 25V-291 (May 2025): power train (automatic transmission). A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| seat belts | 409 | 18% | 2021 (108) |
| service brakes | 399 | 17% | 2024 (221) |
| unknown or other | 360 | 16% | 2020 (85) |
| engine | 294 | 13% | 2020 (129) |
| visibility/wiper | 249 | 11% | 2020 (114) |
| electrical system | 183 | 8% | 2021 (55) |
Trim by trim
Every 2027 Hyundai Palisade trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | AWD | 3.5-liter V6 (GDI) | 287 | 260 | 4,872 | 5,000 | – | $41,385 |
| SEL | AWD | 3.5-liter V6 (GDI) | 287 | 260 | 4,872 | 5,000 | – | $43,890 |
| SEL Premium | AWD | 3.5-liter V6 (GDI) | 287 | 260 | 4,872 | 5,000 | – | $47,250 |
| Limited | AWD | 3.5-liter V6 (GDI) | 287 | 260 | – | 5,000 | – | $51,720 |
| XRT PRO | AWD | 3.5-liter V6 (GDI) | 287 | 260 | 4,575 | 5,000 | – | $51,820 |
| Calligraphy | AWD | 3.5-liter V6 (GDI) | 287 | 260 | 4,872 | 5,000 | – | $56,510 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2027 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Hyundai Palisade model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 6 | 3.5-liter V6 (GDI) | 287 | 4,575–4,872 | 5,000 | 19 |
| 2026 | 7 | 3.5-liter V6 (GDI) | 287 | 4,575–4,872 | 5,000 | 19 |
| 2025 | 7 | 3.8-liter V6 (GDI) | 291 | 4,301–4,389 | 5,000 | 18.8 |
| 2024 | 6 | 3.8-liter V6 (GDI) | 291 | 4,171–4,389 | 5,000 | 18.8 |
| 2023 | 5 | 3.8-liter V6 (GDI) | 291 | 4,171–4,389 | 5,000 | 18.8 |
| 2022 | 4 | 3.8-liter V6 (GDI) | 291 | 4,127–4,387 | 5,000 | 18.8 |
| 2021 | 4 | 3.8-liter V6 (GDI) | 291 | 4,127–4,387 | 5,000 | 18.8 |
| 2020 | 3 | 3.8-liter V6 (GDI) | 291 | 4,127–4,387 | 5,000 | 18.8 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Hyundai Palisade.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0W-20 | DOT 4 | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2026 | 0W-20 | DOT 4 | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2025 | – | DOT 4 | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2024 | – | DOT 4 | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2023 | – | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Model-year recall record
Hyundai Palisade: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | not available | electrical system, seats, seat belts |
| 2025 | 3 | 240 | powertrain, seat belts, airbags |
| 2024 | 5 | 382 | airbags, powertrain, engine cooling, seat belts |
| 2023 | 5 | 396 | visibility/wipers, brakes, powertrain, seat belts |
| 2022 | 5 | 302 | electrical system, trailer hitch, visibility/wipers, seat belts |
| 2021 | 6 | 429 | visibility/wipers, brakes, trailer hitch, seat belts |
| 2020 | 5 | 528 | airbags, visibility/wipers, trailer hitch, seat belts |
| 2019 | not available | ||
| 2018 | not available | ||
| 2017 | not available | ||
| 2016 | not available | ||
| 2015 | not available |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Known gap: the NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Hyundai Palisade model year 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream, not returning a genuine zero. Those years are marked "not available" above instead of shown as clean; recall counts for those years are unaffected and come from the separate recalls API, which returned data for every year listed.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Hyundai Palisade?
Federal recall records don't single out a best Hyundai Palisade model year: recall counts across the 7 published model years checked here stay within a normal range of this nameplate's own average (about 4.6 recalls per year), with no year standing out as notably higher or lower. Recall count is one input, not a purchase verdict. It says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record.
Q02What are common recall-related problems on the Hyundai Palisade by model year?
2026: electrical system, seats, seat belts. 2025: powertrain, seat belts, airbags. 2024: airbags, powertrain, engine cooling, seat belts. 2023: visibility/wipers, brakes, powertrain, seat belts. 2022: electrical system, trailer hitch, visibility/wipers, seat belts. 2021: visibility/wipers, brakes, trailer hitch, seat belts.
Q03Why do some Hyundai Palisade model years show "not available" for complaints?
The NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Hyundai Palisade model year 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream instead of the count genuinely being zero. Recall counts for those years are unaffected; they come from a separate NHTSA endpoint that returned data for every year listed.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Buying, records and recalls, Climate and electrical, Brakes, tires and steering, Transmission and drivetrain, Engine and cooling.
Trim ladder
1 Hyundai Palisade trim, each with its own page.
Compared with
Models this Hyundai Palisade is most often compared with.
Nearest Hyundai models
Other Hyundai models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2025 Palisade come in?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade (three-row SUV) comes in 7 trims: SE, SEL, XRT, SEL Premium, Limited, Calligraphy, Calligraphy Night.
Q02What are the 2025 Palisade trims?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade trims are SE, SEL, XRT, SEL Premium, Limited, Calligraphy, Calligraphy Night, listed from the entry SE up to the top Calligraphy Night.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2025 Palisade use?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is built around 3.8L V6, rated at 291 horsepower across its three-row SUV body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2025 Palisade have?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is rated at 291 horsepower (3.8L V6).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2025 Palisade?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is offered with FWD / AWD.