When you think SUV, what comes to mind? A rugged boxy appearance? A gas-guzzling beast? Plenty of engine power? The SUV has dominated the auto industry, and as more and more manufacturers take a turn down this road, the factors that define an SUV are changing. Each designer is putting their own spin on what the SUV ought to be. Few take such a unique stab as Hyundai — introducing the 2020 Hyundai Palisade, a bold and daring SUV, that exudes an elegance not often found in the field. While the latest Hyundai Palisade may be a sure standout, it is impossible to judge how this vehicle fairs in comparison based on appearance alone. In this post, we’ll delve beneath the skin of the 2020 Hyundai Palisade and analyze whether Hyundai has anything useful to add to the already crowded SUV environment.
Dressed like a Luxury Car
If you ever catch a 2020 Hyundai Palisade on the road, chances are you’ll confuse it for a something a little more luxurious. The exterior trimmings of the Hyundai Palisade are far more fitting of a brand like Lexus or Cadillac. With a starting cost of $31,550, it can feel as though you’re getting a steal on a vehicle that is so stylish and sleek in appearance.
From the unique vertical headlights to the streamlined styling and the front grille, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade is meant to exude a kind of elegance that sets it apart from other SUVs on the market. Drivers will be able to purchase the latest Hyundai Palisade in one of three options the SE, SEL, and Limited, all of which come with their own window dressings.
While styling is so important when standing out from the rest, exterior look isn’t the only thing that the 2020 Hyundai Palisade has going for it.
A Classy Vehicle with a Rugged Engine
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade is a big vehicle. With a seating capacity of up to 8 passengers, you can expect to haul plenty of cargo. That being said, with this much space, it’s important it has an engine that is ready to perform without hesitation. Fortunately, Hyundai recognized this with the Palisade equipping base models with a 291 horsepower 3.8-liter V-6 engine. Partnered with an 8-speed automatic transmission, you’ll find that the 2020 Hyundai Palisade offers up plenty of engine power. And with a top towing capacity of 1,650 without trailer brakes and 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes, the Palisade is more than just a passenger vehicle. It can be tooled into a road-trip-ready vehicle as well.
What can be a little disappointing about the 2020 Hyundai Palisade is that it lacks much creativity in the engine department. While the SUV does sport a V6 engine as standard, it would’ve been nice to see a beefier V8 option so that drivers could bring towing capacity to the next level. Seeing as the Palisade offers up some less than stellar fuel economy, at 21 mpg combined, it makes sense why Hyundai strayed away from implementing a more robust, fuel-thirsty engine.
Fortunately, Hyundai didn’t throw configuration out the window entirely. Some trims of the 2020 Hyundai Palisade can with come with a AWD drivetrain which makes for greater traction control, and all-around capability. While the 2020 Palisade isn’t necessarily ready for heavy trail running, it can still make tackling snow and other rough road conditions a breeze.
Quality Inside and Out
Glancing at the interior, the packaging of the 2020 Hyundai Palisade promise a spacious interior decked out with the latest tech and tooled with premium trimmings. With the Palisade’s gorgeous interior looks, it puts it up against more luxury-grade vehicles. Moving inside the 2020 Hyundai Palisade, you might believe that you can actually judge a book by its cover.
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade offers up three rows of seating, and in some trim options bumps that seven-person seating capacity to eight. When it comes to cargo, the Hyundai Palisade doesn’t disappoint either. You get 18 cubic feet with all three rows of seats up, 45.8 cubic feet with the third row down, and a cavernous 86.4 cubic feet with all seats folded.
When it comes to interior comforts, Hyundai was sure to include plenty of luxurious furnishings. At top trim options, you’ll find synthetic suede, polished wood, and a wide variety of other soft premium materials. With everything combined, these materials make the 2020 Hyundai Palisade both look and feel like a luxury SUV.
Tech is Everything
The SUV driving experience has transformed in recent years. There once was a time when drivers may have been satisfied with a good old fashioned radio and cruise control. Technological innovation has led to features like adaptive cruise control and smart infotainment software considered a standard. Fortunately, that is hardly a problem for the 2020 Hyundai Palisade.
At the starting line, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade SE features automatic emergency braking, active lane control, cloth upholstery, and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. You can also add all-wheel-drive to this base model for an additional $1,700.
Moving up the ladder, the SEL trim option takes things up a notch adding in blind-spot monitors, keyless ignition, and superior seating. The SEL can also be fitted with additional packages that include 20-inch wheels, parking sensors, a power rear liftgate, a wireless phone charger, a 10.3-inch touchscreen, power-folding second and third rows, dual-panel sunroofs, and second-row USB power ports.
If you’re willing to front the cash, and will not settle for anything but the best, you can upgrade your 2020 Hyundai Palisade to the Limited trim. The Limited trim rivals that of luxury vehicles including temperature-controlled seating, USB ports for second and third rows, a breathtaking 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a surround-view camera system, an intuitive heads-up display, genuine Nappa leather, and a booming Harman Kardon audio system. This is just to name a few.
So, as you can tell, when it comes to tech, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade is no joke. The offerings alone make it a standout in its field. While it still may fall short of high-end brands like Audi and the like, buyers certainly won’t be disappointed with the level of value found in this remarkable full-sized SUV.
Is the 2020 Hyundai Palisade Everything it Promises to Be?
Hyundai has clearly pulled out all the stops here, offering an SUV experience that truly sets it apart from the rest. And with such a low starting price, it is hard to disregard the value you’ll find when you drive one of these SUVs off a dealership’s lot. The 2020 Hyundai Palisade doesn’t cut any corners. It may not offer the level of configuration that we’d prefer out of a vehicle like this, but what’s already offered is downright breathtaking. Hyundai hit the mark with this one, providing a full-size SUV that not only rises above the rest but threatens the base trim models of luxury SUVs.
All that said, you shouldn’t just take our word for it, as we believe there is no way to know the true value of a car without getting behind the wheel. So, we urge all of you SUV lovers out there to rush to your nearest Hyundai dealership to check out the 2020 Hyundai Palisade first hand.
