The 2020 Hyundai Palisade lasts around 150,000 miles with some serious engine and software issues. At $25,275 to $42,998, it’s a bad value since you’ll wind up spending a ton of money to keep it running as it ages due to mechanical issues.
Is the 2020 Hyundai Palisade a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2020 is a bad year for the Hyundai Palisade since it has a lot of mechanical issues, making it one to avoid. Owner reviews complain about road noise, a lot of breakdowns, along with some electrical issues.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are very nice for a midsize SUV, the seats are comfortable on long trips, cargo space is also great for its size.
- Reliability 7/10 – There are a lot of problems on the 2020 Palisade, making it a year to avoid. Models from 2021–2023 are more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the standard V6 engine, but it’s not a particularly fast SUV compared to some of the competition.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2020 Palisade is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with lane keep assist along with adaptive cruise control. Optional upgrades include highway drive assist, along with a head-up display.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 22 MPG, offering 413 miles of range out of the 18.8-gallon tank. Gas costs are $62 cheaper than average at $218 per month.
- Value 7/10 – The 2020 Hyundai Palisade is cheaper than some other midsize SUVs on the market, but repair costs get expensive as it ages.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Hyundai Palisade?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Hyundai Palisade is a very functional family vehicle with a well-designed interior, but it only gets average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Hyundai Palisade at 4.1/5, enjoying the relatively strong V6 engine, but doesn’t like the cheap buttons on the dash.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Palisade a 4.2/5, praising the long list of standard features, but owners don’t like the bold styling of the front grille.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Hyundai Palisade Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Hyundai Palisade include excessive oil consumption, stereo system software issues, and broken windshields. Overall, the problems are worse than many other midsize SUVs on the market from the same year, leading to higher repair bills.
Excessive oil consumption is the most serious complaint from 2020 Palisade owners, showing up at around 20,000 miles. In some cases, oil consumption is just part of the normal engine operation, but in others it’s a sign of serious problems. Gaskets are common failure points in the engine, allowing oil to be burnt. Rebuilding the engine can cost over $2,500.
Stereo system software issues have also been reported by some Palisade owners within the first 5,000 miles. The stereo system freezes up, and has to be reset. There are software updates available for the stereo, which improves reliability. Most dealerships will install these updates for free, while others charge around $50.
Broken windshields are another widespread problem with the 2020 Palisade. There were production runs of glass, which were very susceptible to breaking. Replacing the windshield costs around $850, depending on local labor rates, but often it’s covered by insurance.
There are three recalls on the 2020 Hyundai Palisade, which is similar to other SUVs from the same year. The most serious recall covers the tow hitch wiring harness, which may catch fire while it’s parked. Hyundai will replace the harness on affected models for free. Other recalls cover the air bags and windshield wipers.
How Long Will the 2020 Hyundai Palisade Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Hyundai Palisade can last around 150,000 miles, which is only half as long as some competitors like the Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $585 per year.
As a used 2020 Palisade reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the washer fluid reservoir for $225, suspension shocks for $1,000, and the heater core, which costs around $1,350.
It is exceptionally reliable and easy to navigate. And I have not experienced any problems as of yet.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is very good, and includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen along with a more powerful stereo.
Standard safety technology is great, and has:
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Driver attention monitor
- Lane follow assist
- Rearview camera
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Stop-and-go adaptive cruise control
- Lane keep assist
- Rear parking sensors
- Automatic high-beam headlights
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Blind spot camera
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Safe exit assist
- Front parking sensors
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Blind spot monitoring
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Highway drive assist
- Head-up display
Is the 2020 Hyundai Palisade a Good Value?
No, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade is not a good value since it has more mechanical problems than other years. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $25,275 to $42,998, making it more than a Nissan Pathfinder or Jeep Grand Cherokee. When new, the price range was $31,975 to $46,825. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Hyundai Palisade?
There are three main models of the Hyundai Palisade offered from the entry-level SE through to the Limited. The Palisade comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
SE is the entry-level model, which has:
- Heated mirrors
- Rear parking sensors
- Remote keyless entry
- Push-button ignition
- Full-range adaptive cruise control
- Second-row air-conditioning controls
- Power-folding second-row bench seats
- 60/40-split folding third-row seats
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay compatibility
- Android Auto compatibility
- Three USB ports up front
- Two USB ports for the second row
- Automatic high beams
- Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
- Drowsy driver monitor
- Lane keeping assist
- Rear passenger reminder
SEL is a step up, adding:
- Roof rails
- Keyless entry and remote ignition
- Heated front seats
- Optional second-row captain’s chairs (or bench at no cost)
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert
- Convenience package available (front parking sensors, power liftgate, etc.)
- Self-leveling rear suspension in the Convenience package
- Second-row window shades
- Wireless charging pad
- Third-row USB ports
- Household-style power outlet
- LED headlights in the Premium package
- Leather upholstery
- Power front passenger seat
- Heated second-row seats
- Drive Guidance package available (enhanced driver-assist features, larger touchscreen, etc.)
Limited is the flagship model with:
- Dual sunroof
- Automatic wipers
- Additional driver-seat adjustments
- Premium leather upholstery
- Ventilated front and second-row seats
- Head-up display
- Digital gauge cluster
- Surround-view camera system
- Blind-spot camera
- Interior ambient lighting
- 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system
- All features from SE and SEL trims included
- Skid plates
- Hands-free liftgate
- Nappa leather seats
- Heated steering wheel
- 3-inch digital gauge cluster
- 25-inch touchscreen with navigation
- Two third-row USB ports
- Driver Talk in-car intercom system
What Engines Come In the Hyundai Palisade?
The engine in the 2020 Palisade is a 3.8-liter V6, which delivers a robust 291 horsepower. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and responsive gear shifts. The combined fuel economy for this engine is rated at 22 miles per gallon, balancing power and efficiency. In terms of performance, the Palisade can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 7.4 seconds, which is quite respectable for a vehicle of its size and class. This combination of power, efficiency, and acceleration makes the 2020 Palisade a well-rounded choice for those seeking a capable and reliable three-row SUV.
What Colors Does the Hyundai Palisade Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Hyundai Palisade?
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade is renowned for its comfort, making it an excellent choice for families and long-distance travelers. The interior of the Palisade is designed with both space and comfort in mind. It offers seating for up to eight passengers, with the option for second-row captain’s chairs reducing capacity to seven but enhancing individual comfort. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, suitable for long journeys, with ample legroom in all three rows. This is particularly noteworthy in the third row, which is spacious enough to accommodate adults comfortably – a rarity in the three-row SUV segment.
In terms of ride quality, the Palisade excels with its smooth and refined driving experience. The suspension is tuned to absorb road imperfections, effectively, providing a tranquil ride even on rough surfaces. The cabin is well-insulated from outside noise, further enhancing the sense of tranquility inside the vehicle.
The climate control system in the Palisade is another highlight, offering multi-zone settings that allow passengers in each row to adjust the temperature to their liking. Higher trims of the Palisade include additional luxury features such as heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and premium materials like Nappa leather, which add to the overall sense of comfort and luxury.
How Much Storage Space Does the Hyundai Palisade Have?
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade offers an impressive amount of storage space, making it a practical choice for families and those requiring ample room for their cargo. With all seats in use, the Palisade provides about 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. This space is enough to comfortably fit items such as a couple of medium-sized suitcases or a week’s worth of groceries for a family. For larger cargo needs, the third-row seats can be folded down, expanding the cargo area to 45.8 cubic feet. This expanded space can easily accommodate bulkier items like a bicycle, several large suitcases, or a full complement of camping gear for weekend getaways.
For those times when maximum cargo space is needed, folding down both the second and third rows opens up a cavernous 86.4 cubic feet of room. This vast space can handle larger items like furniture or a stack of flat-pack boxes, making it ideal for moving day or big shopping trips.
Beyond the primary cargo area, the Palisade also includes numerous small interior storage spaces. These include a sizable underfloor storage compartment in the rear, perfect for stowing smaller items out of sight, and various nooks and crannies throughout the cabin. Door pockets, a generous center console, and seatback pockets offer additional convenient storage for personal items, water bottles, and travel essentials, guaranteeing that both passengers and their belongings are well-accommodated.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The Hyundai Palisade was introduced as a new midsize SUV for the 2020 model year.
2020: All-new three-row SUV offered by Hyundai with more room and some advanced technology features.
2021: New flagship Calligraphy model introduced, and restructured options packages.
2022: Standard blind spot monitoring on the entry-level SE model.
2023: Updated front and rear bumpers, new instrument panel, and the XRT model was introduced.
How Does the Hyundai Palisade Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade is a bad midsize SUV since it has more complaints than newer model years, making it the one that buyers should avoid.
The Kia Telluride is another midsize SUV available in the same price range. Both the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade are built on the same platform, but the Palisade has a better interior. We recommend avoiding both for the 2020 model year since they have the same mechanical issues.
The Toyota Highlander is a popular SUV which costs about $3,500 more. Long-term reliability ratings are better in the Toyota Highlander, while the Hyundai Palisade offers a more luxurious cabin. We recommend the Toyota Highlander because it will last much longer, making it a better option on the used market.
Do Owners Recommend the Hyundai Palisade?
Yes. It is comfortable and has features that I did not think I would enjoy or need and I have found I use them quite frequently. . It rides exceptionally smooth and is easy to maneuver.