The last year has absolutely flown by, hasn’t it? I can’t believe that fall is almost here. The change in seasons also signals a whole year since I started driving the Hyundai Palisade. I thought it would be useful for me to share my thoughts on the Hyundai Palisade from the perspective of someone who is just an everyday person, aka. not an auto expert! Lots of you have been asking me about it on the ‘gram, but it’s hard on social media to write an in-depth review, so I wanted to take some time and share what I thought of the Palisade alongside some of my personal pictures of it. I know buying a car is a big decision so if you are considering a Hyundai Palisade, I hope this might help you decide.
Full disclosure: Hyundai provided me with the car but, as always, all views are my own and honest.
1) Design
Let’s start with the exterior of the car. I’m a big fan of the Palisade’s design, the angular shape and striking grille design of the car gives the vehicle a luxury vibe. I think it can be hard for SUVs, especially large size ones such as the Palisade, to look good because they are in their nature, really big vehicles! However, I think their design team did a great job. The grille at the front is larger and feels proportional to the overall size of the vehicle, and in general, the car looks modern and contemporary. The Palisade is a car I feel proud to drive as I think it looks stylish and modern without feeling flashy or try-hard.
Inside, the luxurious feeling of quality continues. I’ve been driving the 2020 Limited version and its leather seats are one of the first things you notice. I like how they have taken the angular designs from the outside, such as the grille, and referenced this in the seats, doors, and even in the angular display console. These details really shine as much of the dashboard has a minimal vibe that I love — the large touch screen has no buttons around the edge, making it look really clean and easy on the eye.
At nighttime, the interior cabin has customizable LED lights where you can choose from a bunch of colors. I choose a soothing yet luxe purple which goes well with the black leather. However, I’m sure some of you wouldn’t like that color so it is great you can choose your own!
The Hyundai Palisade is all about those little details that make driving and journeys more comfortable. For example, there are USB charging stations on every row of seats, even the back third row! The center console in the front of the car has trays inside the storage to help keep you organized, with resizing cup holders to keep drinks secure and a cordless cell phone charger. These little things make such a difference when using the car every day.
2) Technology & Features
This is an area of the Hyundai Palisade where I was truly blown away (and so were my friends and family!) as the Palisade is packed full of tech and features that make driving a breeze. I am going to start with safety as I think that’s really important. The vehicle has everything I could imagine, from forward collision warning and lane departure warning to blind spot cameras that automatically appear in the dashboard when you indicate. Trust me when I say that the blind spot cameras are especially amazing when driving in NYC for helping to see cyclists when I turn!
On top of safety, it has Apple Car Play, automatic headlights, ventilated, the second and third-row seats can be put down with a touch of the button and heated seats for the front and second row, captain seats for the second row and automatic windscreen wipers. In addition to these, the Hyundai Palisade also had a ton of features I didn’t expect and now can’t live without! I’m talking about wireless phone charging, highway driving assist, which even stops and starts the car in traffic (so good when driving in LA!). One of my absolute favorite features is the heads-up display, which displays key information on the windscreen, such as the speed limit, your speed, and also whether a car is in your blind spot. It’s really helpful, especially on busy, multi-lane highways.
3) Ride
I have to admit, I know very little about car engines, but I am quite a fussy person when it comes to how a car feels to drive, or be a passenger in, as I get travel sick. The Palisade feels comfortable and smooth to drive. My heartmate and I have taken long road trips in our car and the cabin is very spacious and I like how high the ride is. I don’t get travel sick, which is a big plus from me.
Hyundai Palisade Fall Vermont Car Review 
Hyundai Palisade Fall Vermont Car Review
I will say, if you are looking for a really zippy and sporty car then in all honesty, I don’t think a huge SUV like the Palisade is for you. That being said, I’ve never had any problems accelerating on a highway and feel it does have a lot of power for its generous size. Overall, the Palisade feels powerful but, more importantly to me, it’s safe, smooth to drive, and super comfortable.
My Verdict
I love our car and after a year of driving it I would highly recommend it — I have to many people already! We have had zero problems, except one burst tire from a huge pothole on the highway, which to be honest would have happened no matter what car I was driving! If you need a three row SUV that has all the features you could possibly want I wouldn’t look further than the Hyundai Palisade. The design is amazing, the features outstanding, plus it comes at a great price comparative to other SUVs of this size and spec level on the market.
