No items found.
Features We Love
  • Great functional storage for the driver with top notch cupholders
  • Second row sunshades and ceiling vents
  • Beautiful and luxurious interior design
Car Mom Review

The Exterior

Up front, the chrome geometric grille makes a bold statement. The full-width LED lighting bar with daytime running lights is mesmerizing. The hood lines are subtle but strong, and everything feels intentional.

On the sides, the two-tone Calligraphy wheels are gorgeous—fresh, modern, and totally different from anything else on the road. There is a lot of chrome happening (window trim, door handles, faux running boards), which works if you like a polished, upscale look. The beltline is dramatic... almost shelf-like, but honestly? I kind of like it.

No items found.

First Row

Hyundai interiors are some of the best in the mass-market space, and the Palisade is no exception. The materials, colors, textures — it all just works.

Inside, you’ll find:

  • A stunning digital instrument cluster
  • A two-tone steering wheel with chrome accents
  • Beautiful trim details throughout
  • Excellent use of space and storage

It genuinely feels like a luxury vehicle, without the luxury-brand price tag.

Hyundai absolutely nails the family experience for the driver:

  • Passenger Talk amplifies the driver’s voice through rear speakers (no turning around!)
  • Quiet Mode mutes rear audio for car naps
  • Rearview camera mirror gives an unobstructed view even with passengers or cargo
  • Wireless charger + USBs everywhere
  • A seatbelt status display showing exactly who’s buckled and who’s not

The Palisade’s center “bridge” design is one of my favorite interior layouts in this class.

Highlights include:

  • Physical climate buttons (easy and intuitive)
  • Push-button gear selector (saves space)
  • Drive mode selector
  • Auto hold and seat controls
  • Expandable cupholders you can hide or deploy
  • Wireless charging pad
  • Large center console with USB-C and 12V
  • Additional storage underneath the console

For a midsize three-row SUV, the cubby space here is excellent.

Second Row

Second-row highlights:

  • Ceiling vents (we love to see it)
  • Multiple cup holders (great for kids)
  • USBs on the sides of the seats
  • Rear climate controls

You can choose bench seating (8-passenger) or captain’s chairs (7-passenger). The bench is not three across compatible. So if you have three or more kids in carseats, I  wouldn't recommend the Hyundai Palisade, but there are plenty other mid size SUVs that would work for you! (VW Atlas, Chevy Traverse, etc.)

Another thing to note in the second row, the buckles are shallow and rigid which may make it difficult for booster age children to buckle. Scroll to the end to find our booster recommendations for the Palisade!

Car Seat Setup:

This is where things get tricky.

  • Second row: two lower anchors on outboard seats, three top tethers
  • Third row: one set of lower anchors, two top tethers—but placement makes it nearly impossible to use two seats back there at once

In real-world testing with rear- and forward-facing seats:

  • The third row is very difficult for large car seats
  • Seat belt overlap and narrow seating create safety concerns
  • Non-removable headrests complicate tethering
  • Best suited for boosters or older kids, not multiple bulky car seats

I successfully installed a forward-facing seat in the third row, which was encouraging. Rear-facing seats can work, but space is tight. This vehicle is:

  • Great for two car seats
  • Fine for older kids
  • Not ideal for three car seats, especially rear-facing

Third Row

Third row access is easy—especially with the child-friendly buttons that let seats fold forward without adult strength. I appreciate that detail a lot.

Once you’re back there:

  • Decent knee room
  • Ceiling vents (yes!)
  • Cup holders
  • No USBs on this trim (higher trims offer them)

Here’s the honest part: while Hyundai says there are three seats in the third row, that middle position is extremely narrow. I personally consider this a 7-passenger vehicle, not a true 8.

The third row is challenging for car seats because it's shallow which impacts the overhang of the car seat and leg room in any kid in a car seat or booster. Poorly placed LATCH allows for limited places to put car seats.

No items found.

Trunk

The Palisade offers 18 cubic feet behind the third row. Not the biggest in class, but it has a secret weapon.

Underfloor storage adds several inches of usable space, and I’ve successfully fit:

  • Double strollers (Zoe Twin, Mockingbird)
  • Large grocery hauls
  • Family road-trip gear

Safety

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade was awarded Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

It comes standard with the Hyundai SmartSense suite, offering advanced driver-assistance features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Driver Attention Warning with higher trims adding Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Highway Drive Assist, and a Surround View Monitor for comprehensive safety, earning top ratings from safety organizations.

Car Seat Setup

No items found.

Recommended Car Seats for 

2025 Hyundai Palisade
Joie Mint Latch
Shop this Car Seat
Evenflo Shyft
Shop this Car Seat
Britax Poplar
Shop this Car Seat
Chicco KidFit
Shop this Car Seat
Peg Perego Viaggio Flex 120
Shop this Car Seat
Graco Tranzitions
Shop this Car Seat

Community Reviews

3.9 / 5

32 Reviews

Exterior Styling
3.2
Performance
4.1
Technology
4.5
Interior Design
3.8
Second Row Comfort
4.5
Third Row Comfort
3.6
Reliability Score
4.6 /5
82%
Would
purchase
again
12 Reviews with 3+ years of ownership

Steph C.

Community Voice
Mom of 2 • drives a kia soul
2 days ago
4.2 stars • Owned this car

Each seat includes lower LATCH anchors and tether anchors, making installation straightforward. Lorem ipsum ower LATCH anchors and tether anchors, making installation straightforward installation straightforward installation lorem ipsom...

Exterior Styling
3.2
Performance
4.1
Technology
4.5
Interior Design
3.8
Second Row Comfort
4.5
Third Row Comfort
3.6
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Relevent Links

Similar modals

2023 Lexus GX 460

2022 Lexus GX 460

2021 Lexus GX 460

How to be dealership ready

Button

Reach out & let’s get started

Whether you're comparing models, prepping for the dealership, or looking for car seat recommendations, we’re here to help.