2022 Hyundai Palisade Review: King Of The Carpool Lane

Three-row SUVs have quickly become staples on US roads due to their unparalleled levels of practicality and comfort - at least when they are done right. Luckily, the 2022 Hyundai Palisade is one such example. In fact, it is so close to being perfect, that the automaker has made almost no changes for the new model year. Being such a large vehicle, the Palisade is powered by a capable 3.8-liter V6 engine that makes 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Very few rivals can match the three-row Hyundai SUV when it comes to spaciousness, although the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot give it a run for its money. Now that the Palisade is safer than ever and offers even more value at entry-level, its already impressive sales will likely only improve.

What's the Price of the 2022 Hyundai Palisade?

Despite a relatively tough year, economically speaking, the price of the 2022 Hyundai Palisade SUV is only slightly higher than it was last year. The front-wheel-drive version of the base SE goes for as little as $33,350, while the mid-tier SEL will only cost you $35,700. The Limited is a significant bump up in price to $45,590, while the top-tier Calligraphy will cost you $47,040. Every trim can be upgraded to an all-wheel-drive variant, increasing the base price by $1,700. These prices are MSRP and do not include the $1,245 destination charge.

Handling and Driving Impressions

When it comes to handling, the Hyundai Palisade won't be delivering any thrills, but you can be assured that every moment spent inside will be one of comfort. This is where the engineers focused most of the attention and the independent, multi-link rear suspension is the evidence. It does an excellent job of soaking up most of the bumps you are likely to encounter during everyday driving. However, this isn't a small vehicle and a sporty driving experience isn't on the menu. This also translates to a little clumsiness when driving. Body roll is something you'll have to learn to live with, but the steering is light enough to make controlling the beast an easy task. Just don't expect any feedback or a particularly engaging driving experience. Then again, for the purposes of transporting a large family around, the Palisade leaves little to complain about. The AWD here is definitely not designed to promote off-roading, but it does help instill you with a lot more confidence in tricky weather.

Verdict: Is the 2022 Hyundai Palisade A Good SUV?

If sales figures are anything to go by, then yes, the Hyundai Palisade is definitely a good SUV. This is not easy to achieve for seven- or eight-seater vehicles, since they often make too many sacrifices in the name of fitting more people. Instead, the large Hyundai is remarkably balanced, with plenty of space for people and their stuff, as well as all the safety and convenience features you need to make the cabin easier to live with. At this price, the interior has no need to be as upscale as it is, either, with all the soft-touch and faux leather surfaces.

Of course, if you are willing to spend a little more, you get access to genuine levels of luxury with Nappa leather and advanced infotainment features. It is hardly surprising that the Palisade has seen a surge in popularity, with very few SUVs offering comparable levels of practicality and safety. The Honda Pilot may be a bit sportier, but the Hyundai is almost perfectly balanced to fit the urban lifestyle. Bigger isn't always better, but in this case, it certainly is.

What Hyundai Palisade Model Should I Buy?

If you have the money, then the Limited is definitely great value, since the Calligraphy only adds a few cosmetics but still asks for an extra two grand. However, the best value takes the form of the less expensive SEL, which slots in just above the SE and adds a lot of desirable features for just a little extra cash. These include power-adjustability for the driver's seat, heating for the front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a dual-pane sunroof. It is also the trim that offers comprehensive upgrade packages that can bring it more in line with the far more expensive Limited.

2022 Hyundai Palisade Comparisons

2022 Hyundai Palisade vs Kia Telluride

Hyundai and Kia are corporate cousins, so it's not surprising that their three-row SUVs both share a lot of similarities. These include the same engine and platform. With similar performance, it comes down to the interior to find any real differences. The Palisade has a little less cargo space and isn't quite as luxurious in terms of standard specifications. However, it will cost you slightly more, too, which is why the Telluride pulls ahead in our opinion. The Kia isn't quite so boldly styled and manages to eke a few extra miles out of a tank of gas, Overall, it just makes more sense, both from an economical and lifestyle point of view. That said, we wouldn't fault anyone for picking the Palisade over the Telluride, as the differences really aren't all that significant.

2022 Hyundai Palisade vs Toyota Highlander

Toyota is a big name in the USA, with the RAV4 grabbing top marks in the crossover segment and selling like hotcakes. The larger Highlander may not be quite as popular, but it's equally impressive. The available V6 under the hood of the gas model churns out a bit more power, at 295 hp, and manages slightly better fuel economy figures than the Palisade - there's also a hybrid version if you're keen on lower gas bills. It has less standard cargo capacity, though, as well as few inches less legroom across the board. With similar pricing, you'd expect the Highlander to have the same list of features as the Hyundai, but the latter gets a more comprehensive safety suite and a longer warranty, to boot. The Toyota Highlander is a good car, but the Hyundai Palisade is just better overall.