The first-ever 2020 Hyundai Palisade is the latest addition to the manufacturer’s award-winning SUV lineup. This latest flagship SUV features 8-passenger premium seating space in an elegantly modern and intuitive interior. The 2020 Palisade replaces the Hyundai Santa Fe XL, which suffered from a cramped third row fit for only occasional use. The Palisade is an all-new model for the Hyundai lineup and shares its underpinnings with the Kia Telluride.
BOLD EXTERIOR
Hyundai’s design team wanted something bold and strong, but with an underlying elegance that belies its value-oriented pricing. Prominent examples in the 2020 Palisade include the headlight and fog-lamp elements up front, which run “under” the bumper cover, making it appear that the body elements have clamped over the lights.
On the Palisade’s flanks, the chrome trim pieces around the window terminate at the C-pillar and do not meet. This intentional trick is an example of the interlocking theme, as the lines form two hooks. Out back, we see the contiguous lighting trick yet again, with the lower reflector and lighting trim appearing as a continuation of the inner tail lamp housings.
The overall design makes for a very modern exterior that is truly unique, yet not so out of the ordinary that the Palisade stands out.
MODERN INTERIOR
Several things set the 2020 Hyundai Palisade apart from other full sized SUVs on the market, starting with its upscale interior, roomy seating, large cargo area and integral safety technologies. The exterior holds a strong, bold look that speaks of refinement and balance.
This design theme carries over into the interior, which is suitably comfortable without being overly luxurious. This upscale feel is a good note for Hyundai and something that distinguishes the Korean make from its cousins at Kia. Beyond the comfort and very well thought out ergonomics of the Palisade, attention to advanced safety as a designed-in standard is also notable.
Have no fear though, Hyundai hasn’t overlooked the versatility and convenience side of the design with it comes to the interior of the 2020 Palisade. Equipped with all the now expected conveniences like heated and cooled front and second row seats, dual sunroofs and 7 USB outlets, the design of the Palisade also shows it’s intuitive side by adding features like power folding third row seats, three-zone climate control and a smart one-touch walk-in button that allows access directly to the 3rd row with the push of a button.
PERFORMANCE AND DRIVE
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade is powered by a 3.8L V6 engine, coupled to an 8 speed automatic transmission. The engine’s 291hp and 262 lb-ft of torque are just the right amount of power to balance the power requirement with a full load and the everyday fuel economy.
The electronic shifter changes gears smoothly on its own, while the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters provide a manual option. The electronic shifter also frees up a lot of storage space under the center console, which would otherwise be required for a mechanical gearbox. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is optional on all trim levels.
All 2020 Palisades come standard with a robust transmission cooler, trailer pre-wiring and sway control, and can tow up to 5000lbs when equipped with the dealer-installed trailer hitch.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade is available in showrooms starting at a very reasonable $38,549 and is offered in three trims – the SE, SEL and Limited. The Palisade offers a robust feature portfolio at a very competitive price that is backed up by one of the industry’s best warranties. If you’re out there looking for a three-row SUV, with attractive styling, comfort and versatility, then you’re in luck that the first-ever 2020 Hyundai Palisade has graced the market!
