Hyundai’s recent lineup of sport utility vehicles for North America has been wildly successful. Their focus in this space has led to record sales in recent years, and with a variety of sizes and unique designs to differentiate one from another, you could never accuse Hyundai of resting on its laurels. When the Palisade launched for the 2020 model year, it showed buyers they didn’t have to make any sacrifices to get a stunning product that ticked all the boxes at a competitive price. Now, even though some of that initial fervour may have died down, the 2024 Hyundai Palisade Urban is still a strong contender in one of the hottest segments.
Following a subtle refresh in 2023, the Palisade we’re evaluating is pretty much a carryover from last year’s model. The overall shape remains the same, but the biggest changes have been to the grille, lights, and rear end, looking more pronounced and upscale compared to the original design. Some may prefer the more rugged-looking Kia Telluride, which shares its platform with the Palisade, but both turn more heads than other three-row SUVs like the Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder.
Inside, the 2024 Palisade is basically unchanged from when it first launched. That’s not a bad thing, because the Palisade already had one of the most premium-feeling interiors in the segment. Materials throughout feel top-notch and the build quality is rock solid. Most families will have all the space they need; the first and second rows are very roomy, but the third row is tight for full-sized adults. Cargo space is also limited with the third row up.
Inside is basically unchanged and looks very similar to when the Palisade was first released. Out top trim level Calligraphy has one of the most luxurious interiors in its segment. The leather used throughout is top notch and the build quality is rock solid. With ample space in the first and second rows and a tight third row for full sized adults, most families will have all the space they need. Just note that actual cargo space with the third row seats up will be extremely limited. Larger families should consider a Ford Expedition or Chevrolet Tahoe — or even a minivan — for full-size adult space in all three rows, plus enough cargo space for everyone.
Tech-wise, the Palisade uses two 12.3-inch displays, one for the digital instrument cluster and another for the infotainment, so it still feels modern. The graphics are bright, the interface is super easy to use, and Hyundai’s Blind View Monitor — it shows you a camera feed of your blind spots on your gauge cluster when you activate the turn signal — remains a stroke of genius especially around cyclists and busy crosswalks. Sadly, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still absent from the Palisade. Beyond the infotainment, all Palisades come standard with Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of active safety features. This includes blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, Hyundai’s second-generation highway driving assist, and much more.
Sadly, the Palisade is only available with one engine option, unlike the Mazda CX-90 or Toyota Highlander, which have multiple powertrain options including a hybrid. This isn’t to say that the Palisade’s 3.8-litre normally aspirated V6 is lacklustre. With 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque on tap, it’s within the ballpark of most competitors. Mated to an eight-speed automatic, power delivery is silky smooth, and the only instance where the V6 feels strained is when the Palisade is fully loaded up with passengers and cargo.
Fuel economy is nothing to write home about, especially lagging behind its hybrid competitors. The Palisade is rated at 12.2 L/100 km city, 9.7 highway, and 11.1 combined. It’s competitive enough on paper, but I managed a rather thirsty 12.7 L/100 km in the real world. Thankfully, regular-grade fuel is all the Palisade asks for in filling up its 71-litre tank.
When it launched, the Palisade was available in three trim levels, but you now have only two choices. Now, the entry level trim is our Urban tester. It starts at $54,699, and with the optional second-row captain’s chairs, you’re looking at $55,199 as-tested before fees and taxes. The fully loaded Ultimate Calligraphy rounds out the lineup, at $58,299. Although Hyundai has long since done away with the sub-$50,000 Preferred trim, it’s still good value when most other three-row SUVs easily exceed the $60,000 mark.
The Palisade may not be the darling it once was in the segment, especially when put up against newer and hybrid-powered competition like the Mazda CX-90 and Toyota Grand Highlander, but it still does many things right. The 2024 Hyundai Palisade Urban is still a reliable, value-packed, attractive, and comfortable three-row SUV that doesn’t break the bank.
