The 2023 Hyundai Palisade continues to prove why it remains one of the strongest choices in the highly competitive three-row SUV segment. Spacious, comfortable, and packed with premium features, the Palisade delivers an experience that feels surprisingly close to luxury SUVs while maintaining a price tag that remains accessible for families. Whether you’re commuting daily, tackling long road trips, or simply transporting a growing family, the Palisade combines refinement, technology, and practicality in a package that is difficult to ignore.
For 2023, Hyundai gave the Palisade a significant refresh that includes updated styling, improved technology, new safety features, and a more upscale interior. The result is an SUV that feels more polished than ever. While rivals such as the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Volkswagen Atlas continue to raise the bar, the Palisade responds with one of the most premium cabins in its class, excellent passenger comfort, and a long list of standard equipment.
What makes the Palisade particularly appealing is its ability to balance family-friendly practicality with near-luxury comfort. It offers generous space in all three rows, a smooth V6 powertrain, advanced driver-assistance technology, and thoughtful features that make everyday driving easier. For many buyers, it delivers nearly everything they would want from a modern family SUV without requiring a luxury-brand budget.
Our Take
The 2023 Hyundai Palisade is one of the most complete family SUVs on the market. It may not be the most fuel-efficient option in the segment, and it lacks a hybrid powertrain, but it excels in almost every other area that matters. The interior feels genuinely premium, passenger comfort is outstanding, technology is easy to use, and Hyundai includes an impressive amount of standard safety equipment across the lineup.
For families looking for a comfortable three-row SUV that feels more expensive than its price suggests, the Palisade remains one of the easiest recommendations in its class. The SEL trim delivers the best overall value, while the Calligraphy model pushes surprisingly close to luxury-SUV territory.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Upscale interior that rivals some luxury SUVs
- Comfortable seating across all three rows
- Strong and refined V6 engine
- Excellent standard safety technology
- User-friendly infotainment system
- High-quality materials throughout the cabin
- Generous warranty coverage
Cons
- Limited off-road capability compared to some competitors
- No hybrid powertrain available
- Fuel economy trails some key rivals
- Cargo space slightly behind class leaders
- Top trims can become expensive
What’s New for 2023
Hyundai gave the Palisade a substantial refresh for 2023, making an already impressive SUV even more competitive. The exterior receives a redesigned front grille, updated lighting elements, new wheel designs, and a cleaner overall appearance that gives the Palisade a more upscale presence on the road. The changes are subtle but effective, helping the SUV look more modern and refined.
Inside, Hyundai introduced higher-quality materials, improved technology, and additional convenience features. A larger 12.3-inch infotainment display is now standard across the lineup, while new available features include a digital rearview mirror, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, heated third-row seats, and Hyundai’s Ergo Motion driver’s seat with massage functionality. Hyundai also expanded its suite of driver-assistance technologies, further strengthening the Palisade’s reputation as a family-focused SUV.
A new XRT trim joins the lineup as well, offering a more rugged appearance with unique exterior styling elements aimed at buyers who want a tougher look without sacrificing everyday comfort.
Exterior Design
The 2023 Hyundai Palisade manages to look both elegant and substantial without appearing overly aggressive. Hyundai’s updated front fascia gives the SUV a more premium appearance, highlighted by a larger grille, revised LED lighting signatures, and sharper styling details. The design feels more confident than before and helps the Palisade stand out in a crowded segment filled with conservative-looking competitors.
From the side, the Palisade’s proportions work particularly well. The long wheelbase, strong character lines, and available 20-inch wheels create a balanced profile that looks more expensive than its price tag suggests. Unlike some rivals that lean heavily into rugged styling themes, the Palisade focuses on sophistication and family-friendly appeal.
The rear design is equally attractive, featuring updated taillights and cleaner body lines. Higher trims such as the Calligraphy add exclusive styling touches that further elevate the overall look. While beauty is subjective, few mainstream three-row SUVs feel as upscale from the outside as the Palisade.
Driving Experience
The 2023 Hyundai Palisade prioritizes comfort, refinement, and confidence rather than outright sportiness. Under the hood sits a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain delivers steady acceleration and more than enough performance for daily family duties.
Around town, the Palisade feels easy to drive despite its size. Visibility is good, steering is predictable, and the suspension absorbs road imperfections effectively. Highway driving is where the Palisade truly shines. The cabin remains impressively quiet at cruising speeds, and the SUV feels stable and composed even during long-distance travel.
Drivers can choose between multiple drive modes, including Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Smart. Models equipped with all-wheel drive also gain additional traction-focused settings for challenging weather conditions. While the Palisade is not designed as an off-road vehicle, it handles light snow, rain, and gravel roads with confidence when properly equipped.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the driving experience is how refined the Palisade feels. The suspension tuning, cabin isolation, and overall ride quality create an experience that often feels closer to an entry-level luxury SUV than a mainstream family vehicle.
Performance & Acceleration
Every 2023 Hyundai Palisade is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. While those numbers may not immediately stand out in a segment increasingly populated by turbocharged engines and hybrid powertrains, the Palisade’s V6 delivers smooth, predictable performance that perfectly suits its family-focused mission.
Acceleration feels effortless during normal driving. The V6 provides strong low-end power for city traffic and enough reserve strength for confident highway merging and passing. The eight-speed automatic transmission works quietly in the background, delivering smooth shifts without hesitation or harshness.
Unlike some competitors that rely on smaller turbocharged engines, the naturally aspirated V6 provides linear power delivery that feels refined and easy to manage. The engine never feels strained under normal loads, even when carrying a full cabin of passengers and cargo.
The Palisade is not designed to be a performance SUV, but it never feels underpowered. Instead, Hyundai has focused on delivering smooth and stress-free acceleration, which is exactly what most family buyers are looking for in a three-row SUV.
Ride Comfort & Cabin Refinement
Ride quality is one of the Palisade’s greatest strengths. Hyundai has carefully tuned the suspension to prioritize comfort without making the vehicle feel disconnected from the road. The result is a composed and comfortable driving experience that remains enjoyable whether you’re commuting across town or spending hours on the interstate.
Road imperfections are absorbed effectively, and the suspension does an excellent job of isolating passengers from broken pavement, expansion joints, and rough surfaces. Even larger bumps are handled with confidence, allowing the cabin to remain calm and composed.
Cabin quietness is equally impressive. Wind noise is minimal at highway speeds, engine noise remains subdued under acceleration, and road noise is kept well under control. This refinement contributes significantly to the premium feel of the Palisade and helps reduce fatigue during long-distance travel.
The Palisade’s relaxed character makes it an excellent road-trip companion. Conversations between passengers are easy, music sounds clearer thanks to the reduced background noise, and the overall driving experience feels more luxurious than many buyers expect at this price point.
Interior & Luxury Feel
Step inside the 2023 Hyundai Palisade, and it becomes immediately clear why so many shoppers compare it to luxury SUVs. Hyundai has created one of the most attractive and well-executed interiors in the segment, combining thoughtful design, high-quality materials, and excellent ergonomics.
The dashboard layout is clean and modern, with a strong emphasis on usability. Controls are easy to reach, visibility is excellent, and the large infotainment display integrates naturally into the design. Unlike some competitors that overwhelm drivers with complicated layouts, the Palisade keeps everything intuitive and user-friendly.
Material quality is particularly impressive. Soft-touch surfaces cover most major touch points, while higher trims add premium leather upholstery, upscale trim accents, and additional luxury features that elevate the experience even further. The Calligraphy trim, in particular, feels remarkably close to what buyers might expect from premium brands costing significantly more.
Passenger comfort is another highlight. The front seats provide excellent support for long journeys, while the second row offers generous space for adults. Even the third row remains genuinely usable for more than just children, something that cannot be said about every SUV in this class.
Overall, the Palisade delivers one of the most premium interiors available in the mainstream three-row SUV segment, making it a standout choice for families who want luxury-like comfort without a luxury-brand price tag.
Technology & Infotainment
Technology is one of the areas where the 2023 Hyundai Palisade truly excels. Every model comes standard with a large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that looks modern, responds quickly, and remains easy to use while driving. Hyundai has done an excellent job balancing advanced functionality with intuitive controls, allowing drivers to access key features without navigating confusing menus.
Wireless device charging, multiple USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto help keep passengers connected throughout every journey. The interface itself is clean and responsive, with crisp graphics and straightforward menu structures that make everyday use effortless.
Higher trims add even more premium features, including a fully digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, and a digital rearview mirror. Hyundai’s voice-recognition system also performs well, allowing drivers to control navigation, media, and climate functions with simple commands.
Perhaps most importantly, the technology never feels overwhelming. Unlike some competitors that prioritize flashy features over usability, the Palisade’s systems remain approachable and easy to learn, making daily ownership more enjoyable.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy remains one of the few areas where the Palisade trails some of its strongest competitors. The 3.8-liter V6 provides smooth performance, but it cannot match the efficiency of modern hybrid alternatives such as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
Front-wheel-drive models are rated at an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. All-wheel-drive versions see a slight reduction, delivering 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.
Those figures are competitive among traditional V6-powered three-row SUVs, but buyers prioritizing maximum efficiency may find better options elsewhere. The absence of a hybrid powertrain is particularly noticeable as more manufacturers continue to electrify their family SUV lineups.
That said, many buyers will gladly accept the modest fuel-economy compromise in exchange for the Palisade’s smooth power delivery, quiet cabin, and refined driving experience. For families covering average annual mileage, the difference may not be significant enough to outweigh the SUV’s many strengths.
Practicality & Storage
As a family-focused three-row SUV, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade delivers impressive everyday practicality. Passenger space is generous throughout the cabin, with comfortable accommodations for adults in both the first and second rows. Unlike many competitors, the third row is genuinely usable for adults on shorter trips and remains comfortable for children during longer journeys.
Access to the third row is straightforward thanks to sliding second-row seats, and families will appreciate the thoughtful placement of storage compartments, cupholders, and charging ports throughout the cabin. Hyundai clearly designed the Palisade with real-world family use in mind.
Cargo space is competitive as well. There is ample room behind the third row for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment, while folding the third-row seats dramatically expands cargo capacity for larger items. With both rear rows folded, the Palisade becomes highly capable for home-improvement projects, road trips, or moving bulky cargo.
Additional touches such as underfloor storage compartments, a hands-free power liftgate on most trims, and numerous small-item storage solutions make daily life easier. While a few rivals offer slightly more maximum cargo volume, the Palisade remains one of the most practical and versatile SUVs in its class.
Safety & Driver Assistance
Safety is one of the strongest reasons to consider the 2023 Hyundai Palisade. Hyundai equips even the entry-level model with an extensive suite of driver-assistance technologies that many competitors reserve for higher trims. As a result, buyers do not need to spend luxury-SUV money to gain access to advanced safety equipment.
Standard features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Safe Exit Assist, and adaptive cruise control. These systems work together smoothly and help reduce stress during both city driving and highway travel.
Higher trims add even more advanced features, including Highway Driving Assist, a surround-view camera system, remote smart parking assistance, and additional parking sensors. These technologies make maneuvering a large three-row SUV significantly easier, especially in crowded parking lots and urban environments.
The Palisade has also built a strong reputation for crash protection. Previous model years earned excellent scores from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), reinforcing Hyundai’s commitment to passenger safety.
For families who place safety near the top of their shopping list, the Palisade remains one of the most reassuring choices in the segment.
Competitors Worth Considering
The 2023 Hyundai Palisade competes in one of the most crowded SUV segments on the market, and several alternatives deserve consideration.
The 2023 Kia Telluride remains the Palisade’s closest rival. Sharing many mechanical components, the Telluride offers similar performance, practicality, and technology while presenting a slightly different styling approach. Many shoppers end up cross-shopping these two SUVs before making a final decision.
The 2023 Honda Pilot appeals to buyers who prioritize family-friendly practicality, strong resale value, and proven long-term reliability. It may not feel as upscale inside as the Palisade, but it remains one of the segment’s most trusted options.
The Toyota Highlander is another strong competitor, particularly for buyers interested in hybrid efficiency. While its third row is less spacious than the Palisade’s, its fuel economy advantages can be significant for high-mileage drivers.
The Volkswagen Atlas offers one of the roomiest cabins in the class and provides exceptional third-row access. Families prioritizing passenger and cargo space may find it particularly appealing.
Finally, the Subaru Ascent attracts buyers seeking standard all-wheel drive and strong safety credentials. While its interior may not feel as premium as the Palisade’s, it remains a practical and capable family SUV.
Trim Comparison
SE
The SE serves as the entry point to the Palisade lineup but comes impressively equipped. Standard features include the 12.3-inch touchscreen, advanced driver-assistance systems, multiple USB ports, tri-zone climate control, and seating for up to eight passengers. It delivers excellent value for buyers focused on essentials.
SEL
The SEL is where the Palisade begins to feel significantly more upscale. It adds power-adjustable front seats, upgraded interior materials, additional convenience features, and optional second-row captain’s chairs. For many buyers, this trim offers the best balance of price and equipment.
XRT
The XRT targets buyers who prefer a more rugged appearance. Unique exterior styling elements, dark trim accents, special wheels, and a more adventurous design help distinguish it from the rest of the lineup. While it looks tougher, it remains focused primarily on road-going comfort.
Limited
Moving to the Limited trim introduces many premium features, including upgraded leather seating surfaces, a Harman Kardon audio system, ventilated seats, surround-view cameras, and additional driver-assistance technology. The Limited begins to blur the line between mainstream and luxury SUVs.
Calligraphy
The Calligraphy sits at the top of the range and delivers the most luxurious Palisade experience. Exclusive exterior styling, premium interior materials, enhanced comfort features, additional technology, and a higher level of overall refinement make it feel remarkably close to a luxury-brand SUV.
Which Trim Does Cardrav Recommend?
For most buyers, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL is the trim that makes the most sense. It strikes an excellent balance between price, comfort, technology, and everyday usability without climbing into luxury-SUV territory.
The SEL adds several desirable upgrades over the base SE, including improved interior materials, power-adjustable front seats, additional convenience features, and the option of second-row captain’s chairs. These upgrades significantly enhance the ownership experience while keeping the price well below the higher trims.
Buyers looking for a near-luxury experience should consider the Calligraphy, which is genuinely impressive for the money. However, the SEL remains the sweet spot in the lineup and offers the strongest value proposition for most families.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The 2023 Hyundai Palisade continues to set the benchmark for what a modern three-row family SUV should be. It delivers an upscale cabin, excellent passenger comfort, advanced safety technology, generous interior space, and a smooth driving experience that feels more premium than its price tag suggests.
While competitors such as the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander all have their strengths, the Palisade stands out by combining luxury-like refinement with outstanding everyday practicality. The lack of a hybrid powertrain is disappointing, and fuel economy is merely average, but those drawbacks are relatively minor compared to everything else the SUV does exceptionally well.
For families searching for a comfortable, safe, and well-equipped three-row SUV, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade remains one of the strongest recommendations in its class and one of the best overall values on the market.
FAQ
Is the 2023 Hyundai Palisade a Good Family SUV?
Yes. The 2023 Hyundai Palisade is widely considered one of the best family SUVs on the market thanks to its spacious three-row cabin, comfortable ride quality, advanced safety features, and premium interior. It offers enough room for growing families while providing many features typically found in more expensive luxury SUVs.
Which 2023 Hyundai Palisade Trim Should I Buy?
Most buyers should choose the SEL trim because it provides the best balance of value and equipment. It adds several comfort and convenience features over the base SE while remaining significantly more affordable than the Limited and Calligraphy models.
Does the 2023 Hyundai Palisade Have a Third Row?
Yes. Every 2023 Hyundai Palisade includes a third-row seat. Unlike many midsize SUVs, the Palisade’s third row is spacious enough for adults on shorter trips and comfortable for children during longer journeys.
Is the 2023 Hyundai Palisade Better Than the Kia Telluride?
The Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride are closely related SUVs that share many components. The Palisade generally offers a more luxurious interior design and a softer, comfort-focused driving experience, while the Telluride features a bolder and more rugged personality.
How Much Can the 2023 Hyundai Palisade Tow?
When properly equipped, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade can tow up to 5,000 pounds. This makes it suitable for towing small boats, utility trailers, campers, and other recreational equipment.
