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Top 10 News Stories This Week: Hyundai Palisade Expands, Acura RDX Makes Headlines
2020 Hyundai Palisade: First Drive Review by MotorVero
Comprehensive insight into Hyundai's bold new entry in the three-row SUV market
Introduction: A New Contender in the Three-Row SUV Arena
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade marks a significant leap forward for Hyundai, stepping into the highly competitive three-row SUV segment with bold styling, premium features, and a compelling value proposition. Designed with modern families in mind, the Palisade offers comfort, safety, and versatility in abundance. Though it shares its platform with the Kia Telluride, Hyundai has ensured the Palisade carves its own identity.
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Design: Rugged Elegance Meets Function
Visually, the Palisade exudes a strong presence with a bold front grille, vertically stacked LED headlights, and a sophisticated profile. Hyundai designers emphasized a confident stance and premium cues, distinguishing it clearly from its sibling, the Telluride. The Palisade’s exterior strikes a delicate balance between rugged SUV aesthetics and upscale refinement—an ideal blend for discerning families.
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Interior Comfort and Features
Step inside, and the Palisade’s interior immediately impresses with its upscale materials, thoughtful layout, and abundance of technology. Highlights include quilted leather seats (available in higher trims), a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a fully digital instrument cluster. The three-row seating accommodates up to eight passengers comfortably, with ample legroom in all rows and easy access to the third row thanks to power-folding second-row seats.
- Ventilated and heated seats (front and second row)
- Seven USB ports
- In-car intercom system
- Quiet Mode for peaceful drives
- Harman Kardon premium audio system (available)
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Performance and Powertrain
Under the hood, the 2020 Palisade houses a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Whether navigating city streets or tackling rugged terrains, the Palisade delivers smooth acceleration and confident handling. Available in both front-wheel drive and HTRAC all-wheel drive configurations, it adapts easily to varied driving conditions.
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On- and Off-Road Capability
During our MotorVero first drive in Idaho, the Palisade handled paved highways and rougher backroads with impressive poise. The all-wheel-drive system offers multiple terrain modes, enhancing grip in snow, mud, and sand. With 7.9 inches of ground clearance and hill descent control, it’s well-suited for light off-roading, offering versatility that appeals to adventure-inclined families.
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Safety Technology and Ratings
The Palisade comes equipped with Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite, including forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Its safety ratings reflect its comprehensive protection measures, with high scores in crash tests and overall peace of mind for parents transporting their families.
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Technology Integration
Technology is a standout area for the Palisade. Beyond its responsive touchscreen and smartphone integration, it offers advanced voice controls, navigation, and even remote start via the Hyundai Blue Link app. Optional wireless charging, ambient lighting, and a heads-up display further elevate the in-cabin tech experience.
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Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2020 Palisade is available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims. Each offers a solid set of features, with the Limited trim venturing into near-luxury territory thanks to its premium materials and advanced features. Pricing starts competitively, giving families a feature-rich SUV without breaking the bank.
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How the Palisade Compares to the Kia Telluride
While the Kia Telluride shares much of the same DNA, the Palisade’s aesthetic, tech-forward interior, and unique feature set distinguish it in meaningful ways. It leans more upscale in presentation, while the Telluride positions itself with a more rugged, adventure-ready appeal. The decision ultimately comes down to personal taste and preferred driving experience.
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Fuel Economy and Real-World Efficiency
EPA-estimated fuel economy for the Palisade sits at 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway (FWD), and 19/24 mpg (AWD). Real-world testing reveals numbers that closely match these estimates, confirming its practicality for long trips and daily commuting alike.
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Practicality and Cargo Space
With the third row in use, the Palisade still offers usable cargo space. Folding both the second and third rows opens up over 86 cubic feet of storage—ideal for family vacations or transporting larger items. Smart cargo features like an under-floor storage bin and power liftgate enhance utility.
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Ownership Experience and Warranty
Hyundai backs the Palisade with an exceptional 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, plus a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty. Routine maintenance is also covered for the first three years. These advantages boost long-term value and peace of mind for buyers.
Verdict: A Strong New Entry for Families
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade emerges as a top-tier choice for families seeking a spacious, tech-rich, and stylish SUV. Its thoughtful features, competitive pricing, and reliable performance make it more than just a Telluride twin—it’s a standout in its own right. From school runs to weekend getaways, the Palisade proves it can do it all with confidence and comfort.
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Looking for more first-drive reviews, expert insights, and detailed comparisons? Visit MotorVero for the latest updates on new vehicles, buying guides, and automotive news to help you make informed decisions every step of the way.
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Last Updated On May, 31-2025