What Is a Palisade? Inside the Suv Upending the 3-Row Market and Hyundai's Latest Drama
By Sophia Al-Mansoor
The Palisade represents Hyundai's calculated push into the upper echelon of the North American family market. Built on a front-wheel-drive-based unibody chassis, the vehicle ditches the truck-like harshness of traditional body-on-frame SUVs in favor of car-like road manners and a compliant multi-link independent rear suspension.
Power historically comes from a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive comes standard, while Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive system is available across all trims, adding a dedicated Snow mode and an electronic locking center differential for slippery commutes.
Inside, the cabin layout prioritizes genuine passenger volume. With 155.3 cubic feet of total interior space, the Palisade avoids the cramped compromises common to midsize crossovers. The second row can be configured as a three-person 60/40 bench or a pair of captain’s chairs with one-touch sliding access to the rear. Crucially, the third-row seating capacity accommodates actual adults on cross-town trips rather than functioning solely as emergency seating for toddlers, offering 31.4 inches of rear legroom alongside dedicated USB-C ports, roof-mounted HVAC vents, and power-folding seatbacks on upper trims.
Sophia analyzes international trade, startup ecosystems, retail transformation, and supply chain logistics for modern digital publications.
