The Palisade may be one of Hyundai’s largest vehicles, but what does that mean when they’re famous for smaller autos? Can the automaker compete with the big boys on interior features?
When you hear “mid-size” you never know what you’re getting. A full-size SUV is going to be roomy. With a compact, you’re trading interior space for efficiency and nimble handling. But with a mid-size like the Hyundai Palisade, there’s no telling if it’s a little too big, a little too small, or just right.
So how does the Palisade Interior stack up? Is it cozy, or just plain cramped? And while we’re at it, what about the bells and whistles? Are they up to date, or do they fall behind other family SUVs? And how’s the road noise? Is it a smooth ride, or a little whooshy?
The answer to all of these questions: it depends on what you’re after.
Some drivers say it’s perfect, others say the rear legroom is a bit tight. Some are satisfied with the interior features, others feel that too many must-haves are tucked away in the high-end trim levels.
The only way to know if it’s right for you is to find out exactly what’s waiting for you inside the Hyundai Palisade. So, let’s get started.
Hyundai Palisade: Exploring the Interior Space
The Hyundai Palisade is still on its first generation, which debuted in 2018 for the 2020 model year. So the basic interior dimensions are the same whether you’re buying a 2020 or a 2021.
The Palisade may not be the largest vehicle in its class, but it is the largest vehicle Hyundai has ever produced. So if you’ve ever ridden in a Hyundai truck or SUV and you found it to be roomy enough, the Palisade will be even roomier. Check out Doug DeMuro going over the 2020 Palisade’s finer points in the video review below.
To get an idea of what you can expect inside a Palisade, we’ll start with basic interior dimensions. How big is the inside of a Hyundai Palisade?
- Cargo capacity: 18 cu. ft. – 86.4 cu. ft.
- Front headroom: 40.7″
- Front legroom: 44.1″
- Second-row headroom: 40.1″
- Second-row legroom: 42.4″
- Third-row headroom: 37.8″
- Third-row legroom: 31.4″
Depending on your seating options, you can carry seven to eight passengers. Eight if you go with the bench for the middle row (SE trim level), seven if you go with a pair of bucket seats (SEL and Limited).
Comparing the interior dimensions to a 2021 Kia Telluride, most interior dimensions are roughly the same, but you get a few extra inches of front legroom in the Palisade. Cargo volume is about the same between the two, and so is seating.
Which is better, Telluride or Palisade? Palisade, by about three inches, if you’re going on interior dimensions alone.
The back row can get a little tight if you’re trying to carry seven or eight adults around town, but should be spacious enough for three younger kids or two adult-sized passengers. And you’ll have a hard time finding a reviewer complaining about a lack of cup-holders, pockets and assorted hideaways, nooks, and crannies.
Whether you get the bench or the bucket seats for the middle, the second and third row both fold down, so if it’s just you and your luggage, you can take advantage of those eighty-six cubic feet of cargo space without having to look for your wrench-set to take the seats out.
Hyundai Palisade: Interior Features and Comfort
No matter how spacious an SUV might be, if the kids are bored and the grown-ups are uncomfortable, it’s going to feel crowded.
Entertainment features are solid. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB input, an LCD monitor up front and an eight-inch display for the audio system. The Limited edition will get you a twelve-speaker Harman/Kardon setup and a second LCD monitor up front.
The ride is surprisingly comfortable for what some consider to be a budget car, with dual-zone air conditioning in the SEL and Limited trim levels, cushy multi-link and strut suspension, and optional heated seats.
Two reviewers on Vehicle History have cited road noise issues when driving their 2020 Palisades on the highway. Your mileage may vary, but if you take a look at some test drive videos on Youtube, you may find that the 2021 seems to be a bit quieter than the 2020 (one of few noticeable differences we could find between the two models).
Overall, maybe the Palisade isn’t quite an Escalade, but it’s darned luxurious for something so affordable.
Is the Hyundai Palisade a Good Car?
Yes.
Now, you do need to consider more than just the interior here, you need to do some additional research and compare the Palisade to your second, third, and fourth choices. But, for an SUV starting at under $35k, the Palisade delivers a very comfortable, very convenient driving experience.
Photos: Hyundai
