The Hyundai Palisade is a midsize SUV that was first introduced as a 2020 model.
It offers great space for the whole family, a smooth and balanced ride and lots of standard equipment.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the best and worst model years of the Palisade.
Table of Contents
Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Hyundai Palisade Are:
The best Hyundai Palisade model years are 2023 and 2022. The worst model years of the Palisade are 2021 and 2020. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback.
What Are The Best Years For The Hyundai Palisade?
2023 Hyundai Palisade
The 2023 Palisade is our top pick, it’s the most refined, modern and so far the most reliable of the bunch.
It’s powered by a 3.8-liter V-6 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
For 2023, the exterior design was revised to give a boxier, more squared-off appearance.
This new look was matched with updated alloy wheel designs, as well as a few upgrades to interior features.
The touchscreen infotainment system was upgraded to a higher-resolution 12-inch display, the steering wheel was redesigned, and a few unique upholstery options were added to the mix.
Other new goodies include a Wif-fi hotspot, third-row seat heating and a massaging driver’s seat.
The 2023 Palisade was also awarded the Top Safety Pick+ award by the IIHS.
- Edmunds: 4.6 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.2 / 5.0
- JD Power: 83 / 100
2023 Palisade, Edmunds review:
“My wife and I have been shopping for a few months now. After driving different 3 row midsized SUV’S (Kia) included we decided on the Palisade SEL with premium package. Why: Refinement at this price point. * Drives better, better command of the roads and freeways. More roomy, my high school age kids gave it a thumbs up. Acceleration was better and smoother. A win for Hyundai!”
2022 Hyundai Palisade
The 2022 Palisade is another solid choice, it’s had very few reported problems and is very competitively priced across all four trims.
Owners have praised this model for its intuitive dashboard controls, comfort and practicality.
For 2022 a number of new standard safety features were introduced including side mirrors with integrated turn signals, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist.
In terms of fuel economy, the front-wheel drive Palisade scored ratings of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The all-wheel drive Palisade achieved 19 city and 24 mpg highway, according to the EPA.
- Edmunds: 4.8 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.2 / 5.0
- JD Power: 83 / 100
2022 Palisade, Edmunds review:
“It’s priced to sell and you add the performance & convenience pkg’s along with the 5 yr bumper to bumper/10 yr power train warranty and you never have to question yourself as to why did I buy this vehicle. It’s a no-brainer! Don’t forget the safety features are 5-star status.”
Consumer Scores For Best Hyundai Palisade Years
| Model Year | Edmunds Consumer Rating | Kelley Blue Book Consumer Rating | JD Power Consumer Rating |
| 2023 Hyundai Palisade | 4.6 / 5.0 | 4.2 / 5.0 | 83 / 100 |
| 2022 Hyundai Palisade | 4.8 / 5.0 | 4.2 / 5.0 | 83 / 100 |
Related: How Long Do Hyundai Palisade Last? (12 Important Facts)
What Are The Worst Years For The Hyundai Palisade?
2021 Hyundai Palisade
The 2021 Palisade isn’t a clunker by any means, however it received a number of complaints for windshields that easily cracked.
According to several incident reports, owners observed cracks forming in their windshields often without any sign of impact.
Other owners reported that the sunroof exploded for no apparent reason.
This was often accompanied by a loud bang, which startled the driver.
Here’s one owners account:
“Driving down the highway at 70 mph, no other vehicles around, we heard exploding glass shatter above us. The sunroof cover was closed, so no glass in the cabin. There was nothing around us nor anything flying in the air that could have hit the sunroof. We stopped as soon as we could safely to look at it and the sunroof glass was shattered in the middle”
The 2021 Palisade had a total of 11 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 138 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
Common problems:
- Windshield cracked easily
- Rodents chewed wires due to soy-based wiring
- Terrible smell from headrest
- Annoying wind noise during highway driving
2020 Hyundai Palisade
The 2020 Palisade was the first model ever produced, so it should come as no surprise it had its share of teething issues.
According to both CarComplaints.com and CarProblemZoo.com, the 2020 Palisade is the most problematic model year.
Much like the previously discussed 2021 model year, the debutant 2020 Palisade had extremely fragile windshields, that were prone to cracking.
There were also a number of complaints about wind noise, which is noticeable at high speeds and driving on the highway.
There was also a widespread recall for a faulty tow hitch system that was a fire risk.
The 2020 Palisade had a total of 40 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 256 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
Common problems:
- Windshield cracked easily
- Wind noise
- Blindspot monitor malfunction
What Years Have The Most Complaints?
| Model Year | Complaints (CarComplaints.com) | Problems (CarProblemZoo.com) |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Hyundai Palisade | 0 | 46 |
| 2022 Hyundai Palisade | 0 | 53 |
| 2021 Hyundai Palisade | 11 | 138 |
| 2020 Hyundai Palisade | 40 | 256 |
What Problems Do Hyundai Palisade Have?
- Windshield cracked easily
- Rodents chewed wires due to soy-based wiring
- Wind noise
- Blindspot monitor malfunction
- Terrible smell from headrest
What Are The Best Alternatives To The Hyundai Palisade?
| Make & Model | Score | MSRP | Fuel Economy (MPG) |
| Kia Telluride | 8.6 | $33,390 – $45,190 | City: 19 – 20 /Highway: 24 – 26 |
| Hyundai Palisade | 8.6 | $33,600 – $48,990 | City: 19 / Highway: 27 |
| Honda Passport | 8.4 | $37,870 – $45,430 | City: 19 – 20 /Highway: 24 – 25 |
| Mazda CX-9 | 8.4 | $35,280 – $47,210 | City: 20 / Highway: 26 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | 8.3 | $27,200 – $43,110 | City: 21 – 25 / Highway: 25 – 28 |
| Chevrolet Traverse | 8.3 | $33,700 – $53,400 | City: 17 – 18 / Highway: 25 – 27 |
| Honda Pilot | 8.3 | $38,080 – $51,870 | City: 19 – 20 /Highway: 26 – 27 |
Source: cars.usnews.com, edmunds.com
Related: 18 Best & Worst Hyundai Santa Fe Years (With Facts & Stats)
References
https://www.caranddriver.com/hyundai/palisade
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/hyundai/palisade
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Hyundai/Palisade/
https://www.carproblemzoo.com/hyundai/palisade/
https://www.edmunds.com/hyundai/palisade/
https://www.kbb.com/hyundai/palisade/
https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2022/hyundai/palisade
