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- Great functional storage for the driver with top notch cupholders
- Second row sunshades and ceiling vents
- Beautiful and luxurious interior design
The Exterior
Up front, the chrome geometric grille makes a bold statement. The full-width LED lighting bar with daytime running lights is mesmerizing. The hood lines are subtle but strong, and everything feels intentional.
On the sides, the two-tone Calligraphy wheels are gorgeous—fresh, modern, and totally different from anything else on the road. There is a lot of chrome happening (window trim, door handles, faux running boards), which works if you like a polished, upscale look. The beltline is dramatic... almost shelf-like, but honestly? I kind of like it.
First Row
I’m just going to say it—I’m obsessed.The Calligraphy interior feels shockingly luxurious for the price. Quilted, perforated leather seats, textured chrome accents, premium speaker grilles—it’s giving full luxury vibes.The digital instrument cluster is sleek and customizable, and when you use your turn signal, it actually displays your blind spot camera feed in the gauge cluster. That alone feels high-end.You also get:The infotainment screen is seamlessly integrated and incredibly user-friendly. Add in Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Hyundai’s signature features like:
- Passenger Talk (front mic plays your voice through rear speakers)
- Quiet Mode (mutes rear speakers when kids fall asleep)
- Sounds of Nature (built-in sound machine—yes please)
It’s functional and fun, which is hard to nail.
- Heads-up display (speed, navigation, calls—without taking your eyes off the road)
- Adaptive cruise control with distance settings
- Gorgeous steering wheel controls that are intuitive and easy to use
This “bridge-style” center console gives major minivan convenience—without driving a minivan.
Highlights:
- Wireless charging + USB
- Adjustable cup holders (I’ve personally fit four drinks here)
- Hidden purse/phone grabber (elite mom feature)
- Deep center console with USB + 12V outlet
Everything has a place, and that matters when you’re living the family life.
Second Row
Second-row highlights:
- Ceiling vents (we love to see it)
- Multiple cup holders (great for kids)
- USBs on the sides of the seats
- Rear climate controls
You can choose bench seating (8-passenger) or captain’s chairs (7-passenger). The bench is not three across compatible. So if you have three or more kids in carseats, I wouldn't recommend the Hyundai Palisade, but there are plenty other mid size SUVs that would work for you! (VW Atlas, Chevy Traverse, etc.)
Another thing to note in the second row, the buckles are shallow and rigid which may make it difficult for booster age children to buckle. Scroll to the end to find our booster recommendations for the Palisade!
Car Seat Setup:
This is where things get tricky.
- Second row: two lower anchors on outboard seats, three top tethers
- Third row: one set of lower anchors, two top tethers—but placement makes it nearly impossible to use two seats back there at once
In real-world testing with rear- and forward-facing seats:
- The third row is very difficult for large car seats
- Seat belt overlap and narrow seating create safety concerns
- Non-removable headrests complicate tethering
- Best suited for boosters or older kids, not multiple bulky car seats
I successfully installed a forward-facing seat in the third row, which was encouraging. Rear-facing seats can work, but space is tight. This vehicle is:
- Great for two car seats
- Fine for older kids
- Not ideal for three car seats, especially rear-facing
Third Row
Third row access is easy—especially with the child-friendly buttons that let seats fold forward without adult strength. I appreciate that detail a lot.
Once you’re back there:
- Decent knee room
- Ceiling vents (yes!)
- Cup holders
- No USBs on this trim (higher trims offer them)
Here’s the honest part: while Hyundai says there are three seats in the third row, that middle position is extremely narrow. I personally consider this a 7-passenger vehicle, not a true 8.
The third row is challenging for car seats because it's shallow which impacts the overhang of the car seat and leg room in any kid in a car seat or booster. Poorly placed LATCH allows for limited places to put car seats.
Trunk
With the third row up, space is tight—but there’s a hidden lower compartment that saved the day. I was able to fit my stroller by using that extra depth. It’s not minivan-level cargo, but it’s respectable for the class.
Safety
The 2022 Hyundai Palisade was awarded Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.
It comes standard with the Hyundai SmartSense suite, offering advanced driver-assistance features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Driver Attention Warning with higher trims adding Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Highway Drive Assist, and a Surround View Monitor for comprehensive safety, earning top ratings from safety organizations.
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