2025 Hyundai Palisade Review: A Worthy Family SUV Before Its Major Refresh
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade enters the model year with only minor updates, positioning itself as a stable choice in the competitive three-row SUV segment. While enthusiasts might anticipate a more substantial redesign in coming years, the current iteration continues to offer compelling value with its spacious interior, robust safety features, and premium amenities.
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Key Takeaways
- Minimal changes for 2025 with a major refresh expected soon
- New SEL Premium trim replaces SEL with Premium Package
- Standard 3.8L V6 engine delivers 291 horsepower
- Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS
- 5,000 lb towing capacity when properly equipped
What's New for the 2025 Hyundai Palisade?
Hyundai has implemented subtle but meaningful updates for the 2025 Palisade, focusing primarily on trim consolidation and value enhancement:
- Trim Restructuring: The previously optional Premium Package for the SEL trim now forms its own standalone SEL Premium model
- XRT Enhancements: The adventure-ready XRT trim gains front/rear parking sensors, 360-degree camera, and auto-dimming mirrors as standard
- Color Options: Robust Emerald remains exclusive to Calligraphy trims, while XRT and Calligraphy Night Edition have limited color selections
- Pricing Adjustments: Across-the-board increases averaging $270, partly due to a $20 hike in destination charges
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2025 Hyundai Palisade Trim Levels & Pricing
The Palisade continues to offer a wide range of configurations to suit different budgets and feature preferences:
| Trim Level | Starting Price (FWD) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| SE | $38,215 | 12.3" touchscreen, cloth seats, 18" wheels |
| SEL | $40,965 | Leatherette seats, power liftgate, blind spot monitoring |
| XRT | $44,065 | Unique styling, all-terrain tires, roof rails |
| SEL Premium | $45,565 | 12.3" digital cluster, ventilated front seats, surround view monitor |
| Limited | $49,615 | Nappa leather, Harman Kardon audio, head-up display |
| Calligraphy | $52,015 | Premium quilted leather, suede headliner, rain-sensing wipers |
| Calligraphy Night Edition | $55,515 | Black exterior accents, unique 20" wheels, standard AWD |
All-Wheel Drive Availability: All trims except the Calligraphy Night Edition (where it's standard) can be equipped with AWD for an additional $2,000.
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Performance & Capability
The 2025 Palisade maintains its proven powertrain configuration:
Engine Specifications
- 3.8L V6 Engine: 291 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm, 262 lb-ft torque @ 5,200 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic with Shift-by-Wire technology
- Drivetrain Options: Front-Wheel Drive (standard) or HTRAC All-Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy Ratings
| Configuration | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| FWD | 19 | 26 | 22 |
| AWD | 19 | 24 | 21 |
Towing Capacity
When properly equipped with the factory tow package:
- Maximum Towing: 5,000 lbs (with trailer brakes)
- Unbraked Towing: 1,650 lbs
- Towing Package Includes: Engine oil cooler, trailer hitch, wiring harness, and revised transmission programming
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Technology & Infotainment
The Palisade offers a tech-savvy cabin that balances user-friendliness with premium features:
Standard Tech Features
- 12.3-inch touchscreen with split-screen capability
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto (all trims)
- Hyundai Digital Key (smartphone as key)
- Bluelink Connected Services with 3-year complimentary subscription
Available Upgrades
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (SEL Premium and above)
- Head-Up Display (Limited and Calligraphy)
- Harmon Kardon QuantumLogic Surround Sound with 12 speakers
- Wireless charging pad (standard except SE)
- Rear seat entertainment system with dual 10.1-inch displays
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USB Port Configuration
| Area | SE/SEL | SEL Premium & Above |
|---|---|---|
| Front Row | 1 USB-A, 2 USB-C | 1 USB-A, 2 USB-C |
| Second Row | 2 USB-C | 2 USB-C |
| Third Row | None | 2 USB-C |
Safety & Driver Assistance
The Palisade continues to be one of the safest choices in its class, building on Hyundai's SmartSense suite:
Standard Safety Features
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Keeping Assist & Lane Following Assist
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Driver Attention Warning with Leading Vehicle Departure Alert
- Safe Exit Assist
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Available Advanced Systems
- Highway Driving Assist II (combines navigation-based speed control)
- Remote Smart Parking Assist
- Surround View Monitor with 3D view
- Blind-Spot View Monitor (projects camera view in cluster)
Crash Test Ratings
The Palisade earned a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick award with the following results:
- Good ratings in all crashworthiness tests
- Superior-rated front crash prevention (vehicle-to-vehicle & pedestrian)
- Acceptable headlights (Good available on higher trims)
2024 vs. 2025 Palisade: Which Should You Buy?
For shoppers deciding between model years, consider these factors:
Reasons to Choose 2025
- SEL Premium trim simplifies packaging
- Additional standard features on XRT trim
- Potential for better resale value being newer
- Possible manufacturer incentives
Reasons to Consider 2024
- Potential for greater discounts as dealers clear inventory
- Nearly identical feature set
- Lower starting prices (approx. $200-$900 less)
- More color availability if buying from existing stock
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MotorVero's Verdict
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade remains a top contender in the three-row SUV segment, offering premium features at competitive prices. While it awaits a more substantial refresh, current models deliver exceptional value with their spacious interiors, comprehensive safety tech, and smooth powertrain. For buyers needing a capable family hauler now, the Palisade deserves strong consideration - especially in SEL Premium or Calligraphy trims where the luxury quotient rises significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors are available on the 2025 Palisade?
The 2025 Palisade offers seven standard colors (Abyss Black Pearl, Hyper White, etc.) with Robust Emerald exclusive to Calligraphy trims. XRT and Calligraphy Night Edition have restricted color options.
Does the Palisade have a hybrid option?
Not currently. The Palisade is only available with a 3.8L V6 gasoline engine. A hybrid or plug-in hybrid variant may come with the next major redesign.
How does the Palisade compare to the Telluride?
As corporate cousins, both share platforms but differ in styling and feature prioritization. The Palisade typically offers more standard luxury features, while the Telluride emphasizes rugged styling.
What is Hyundai's warranty coverage?
All new Hyundais come with: 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper, 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain, and 7-year/unlimited-mile anti-perforation warranties.
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