Hyundai Palisade research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide
The Palisade is a roomy, well-equipped three-row family SUV with an adult-usable third row and upscale top trims. 2020-2025 models share a smooth 291-hp 3.8L V6 and 8-speed automatic (about 21-22 mpg combined), with a 2023 facelift that updated styling and screens. The redesigned 2026 is larger and adds a 329-hp hybrid rated up to about 34 mpg combined alongside a new 3.5L V6. Several recalls affect the first generation, so a VIN check is essential.
Model years covered: 2020–2026. The 2026 Palisade is the first year of the second generation; verify 2026 trim content, hybrid availability and recall remedies against current Hyundai data. No Palisade was sold before the 2020 model year.
Last updated 2026-10-15.
Strengths
- Spacious three row cabin
- Usable third row
- Upscale feel in limited and calligraphy
- Smooth V6 power
- Strong standard safety equipment
- Long powertrain warranty for original owner
- Hybrid option from 2026
Things to know before you buy
- Multiple first generation recalls check by VIN
- V6 fuel economy is average for class
- 2023 is the facelift year
- 2026 is an all new generation
- Hybrid and V6 use different transmissions
- Towing history affects wear
- Recall status should be checked by VIN
Generations
Generation 1 (2020–2025)
The first-generation Palisade (2020-2025) replaced the Santa Fe XL with a larger, more upscale three-row SUV. Every model uses a 291-hp, 262 lb-ft 3.8L V6 and 8-speed automatic with FWD or AWD. The Calligraphy trim arrived for 2021, and the 2023 facelift brought new styling, 12.3-inch screens, more standard driver aids and the XRT trim.
Buyer takeaway: A 2023-2025 offers the updated cabin tech; a 2020-2022 is the value play but has more recalls to confirm, especially the tow-hitch harness campaign on hitch-equipped trucks.
Generation 2 (2026–present)
The second-generation Palisade (2026-) is larger and more premium, with a 287-hp 3.5L V6 and 8-speed automatic or a new 329-hp 2.5L turbo hybrid with a 6-speed automatic rated up to about 34 mpg combined. It adds the XRT Pro trim and a redesigned interior.
Buyer takeaway: Choose the hybrid for fuel economy and the V6 for a lower price; on Limited and Calligraphy models confirm the power-seat software recall is complete.
Hyundai Palisade by model year
2026 Hyundai Palisade
The redesigned 2026 Palisade is larger and more upscale, and it splits into two powertrains: a 287-hp 3.5L V6 with an 8-speed automatic (about 21 mpg combined FWD, 20 AWD) and a new 329-hp 2.5L turbo hybrid with a 6-speed automatic rated up to about 34 mpg combined in the Blue version. The off-road-styled XRT Pro joins the lineup. Early 2026 Limited and Calligraphy models were recalled for power-seat obstruction detection and a third-row seat belt buckle, so confirm remedies by VIN.
- Engines: 3.5 liter V6 287 hp 260 lb ft; 2.5 liter turbo I4 hybrid 329 hp 339 lb ft combined
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic V6; 6 speed automatic hybrid
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive optional
- Body style: 4 door three row SUV
What changed:
- All new second generation
- New 3.5 liter V6 replaces the 3.8 liter
- First palisade hybrid
- Larger body and redesigned interior
- New xrt pro trim
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and drivetrain by VIN; Power folding second and third row seat recall status; Third row seat belt buckle recall status; Hybrid system warning lights if hybrid; Infotainment and digital cluster software updates; AWD operation if equipped; Tires and brakes; Maintenance history.
2025 Hyundai Palisade
The 2025 Palisade is the last of the first generation and the last with the 291-hp 3.8L V6 and 8-speed automatic (about 22 mpg combined FWD, 21 AWD). It is a proven, roomy three-row SUV and can be a value buy now that the redesigned 2026 is out. Some 2025s were recalled for an electric oil pump controller defect, plus the seat belt buckle and third-row curtain airbag campaigns, so check the VIN.
- Engines: 3.8 liter V6 291 hp 262 lb ft
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive optional
- Body style: 4 door three row SUV
What changed:
- Final year of the first generation
- Last palisade with the 3.8 liter V6
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and drivetrain by VIN; Electric oil pump controller recall status; Tow hitch harness recall status and hitch wiring condition; Seat belt buckle recall status; Third row curtain airbag recall status; Windshield wiper operation; Oil change records; Transmission shift quality; AWD operation if equipped; Second and third row seat folding operation; Tires and brakes; Maintenance history.
2024 Hyundai Palisade
The 2024 Palisade continues the facelifted design with the 291-hp 3.8L V6 and 8-speed automatic (about 22 mpg combined FWD, 21 AWD), front- or all-wheel drive, and seven or eight seats depending on trim. It offers the updated 2023 cabin technology at a lower price than the redesigned 2026. Confirm open recalls by VIN, including the seat belt buckle and third-row curtain airbag campaigns that cover 2020-2025 models.
- Engines: 3.8 liter V6 291 hp 262 lb ft
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive optional
- Body style: 4 door three row SUV
What changed:
- Largely carryover from 2023
- Trim and feature adjustments
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and drivetrain by VIN; Idle stop and go oil pump recall status; Tow hitch harness recall status and hitch wiring condition; Seat belt buckle recall status; Third row curtain airbag recall status; Windshield wiper operation; Oil change records; Transmission shift quality; AWD operation if equipped; Second and third row seat folding operation; Tires and brakes; Maintenance history.
2023 Hyundai Palisade
The 2023 facelift brought a bolder grille and lighting, a refreshed cabin with a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, more standard safety technology, and the rugged-styled XRT trim. The 291-hp 3.8L V6 and 8-speed automatic carry over (about 19/27 mpg FWD). It is the sweet spot for buyers who want the updated look and tech in the first generation. Some 2023s were recalled for brake-booster and wiper-motor issues; check by VIN.
- Engines: 3.8 liter V6 291 hp 262 lb ft
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive optional
- Body style: 4 door three row SUV
What changed:
- Refreshed front and rear styling
- Updated interior with 12 3 inch screens
- New rugged looking xrt trim
- More standard driver assistance features
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and drivetrain by VIN; Brake pedal feel and power assist; Idle stop and go oil pump recall status; Tow hitch harness recall status and hitch wiring condition; Seat belt buckle recall status; Third row curtain airbag recall status; Windshield wiper operation; Oil change records; Transmission shift quality; AWD operation if equipped; Second and third row seat folding operation; Tires and brakes; Maintenance history.
2022 Hyundai Palisade
The 2022 Palisade is the last year of the original styling, again with the 291-hp 3.8L V6 and 8-speed automatic (about 22 mpg combined FWD). It can be a good value next to the facelifted 2023 if priced accordingly. Some 2022s were recalled for an instrument-cluster display defect, and the tow-hitch harness recall covers 2020-2022 models, so confirm remedies by VIN.
- Engines: 3.8 liter V6 291 hp 262 lb ft
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive optional
- Body style: 4 door three row SUV
What changed:
- Largely carryover from 2021
- Final year before the 2023 facelift
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and drivetrain by VIN; Instrument cluster display recall status; Tow hitch harness recall status and hitch wiring condition; Seat belt buckle recall status; Third row curtain airbag recall status; Windshield wiper operation; Oil change records; Transmission shift quality; AWD operation if equipped; Second and third row seat folding operation; Tires and brakes; Maintenance history.
2021 Hyundai Palisade
The 2021 Palisade carries over the 291-hp 3.8L V6 and 8-speed automatic (about 19/26 mpg city/highway FWD, 19/24 AWD) and adds the upscale Calligraphy trim with quilted leather and unique styling. It shares the first generation's spacious three-row cabin and long feature list. Check VIN status for the tow-hitch harness, windshield wiper, seat belt buckle and third-row curtain airbag recalls that cover this year.
- Engines: 3.8 liter V6 291 hp 262 lb ft
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive optional
- Body style: 4 door three row SUV
What changed:
- New top calligraphy trim
- Largely carryover mechanically
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and drivetrain by VIN; Tow hitch harness recall status and hitch wiring condition; Seat belt buckle recall status; Third row curtain airbag recall status; Windshield wiper operation; Oil change records; Transmission shift quality; AWD operation if equipped; Second and third row seat folding operation; Tires and brakes; Maintenance history.
2020 Hyundai Palisade
The 2020 Palisade was Hyundai's first full-size-feeling three-row SUV, replacing the Santa Fe XL. Every version uses a 291-hp 3.8L V6 and an 8-speed automatic with front- or all-wheel drive, rated about 22 mpg combined (FWD) or 21 mpg (AWD). It seats seven or eight, has a usable third row, and came well equipped with standard driver aids. As a first-year model it has the most recalls to check, including a tow-hitch harness fire-risk recall and a curtain airbag recall.
- Engines: 3.8 liter V6 291 hp 262 lb ft
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive optional
- Body style: 4 door three row SUV
What changed:
- All new flagship three row SUV replacing the santa fe xl
- Seating for seven or eight
- Standard forward collision avoidance and lane keeping assist
- Trims se SEL and limited
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and drivetrain by VIN; Side curtain airbag mounting recall status; Tow hitch harness recall status and hitch wiring condition; Seat belt buckle recall status; Third row curtain airbag recall status; Windshield wiper operation; Oil change records; Transmission shift quality; AWD operation if equipped; Second and third row seat folding operation; Tires and brakes; Maintenance history.
Known issues and what to check
- Tow Hitch Harness Fire-Risk Recall (2020-2022) (2020–2022)
NHTSA campaign 22V-633 covers 2020-2022 Palisades with a factory or dealer-accessory tow hitch harness. Debris and moisture can build up on the harness module and cause a short circuit, creating a fire risk even when the vehicle is parked. Hyundai advised affected owners to park outside until the remedy was completed.
What to do: Confirm the tow-hitch harness recall is completed before buying any 2020-2022 Palisade with a hitch. - Seat Belt Buckle and Third-Row Curtain Airbag Recalls (2020–2025)
Two campaigns cover large portions of the first generation: 25V-607 (front and second-row window-seat belt buckles may fail to latch) and 26V-034 (third-row side curtain airbags may deploy improperly). 2020 models also had an earlier curtain-airbag mounting-bolt recall (19V-802).
What to do: Test each seat belt buckle and verify recall completion by VIN before purchase. - Windshield Wiper Motor Recalls (2020-2023) (2020–2023)
Campaign 22V-627 covers certain 2020-2021 Palisades whose wiper motor may become inoperative, and 23V-180 covers certain 2021-2023 models whose wipers may operate intermittently or stop when snow or ice builds up.
What to do: Test the wipers at every speed and confirm recall remedies by VIN. - Oil Pump Controller and Brake Booster Recalls (2023–2025)
Some later first-generation Palisades were recalled for powertrain or brake items: 23V-526 (Idle Stop & Go electric oil pump controller, certain 2023-2024 models), 25V-291 (electric oil pump controller seal, certain 2025 models), and 23V-415 (brake booster diaphragm that can reduce power brake assist, certain 2023 models).
What to do: Run the VIN and road test in stop-and-go traffic before buying a 2023-2025 Palisade. - 2026 Power-Folding Seat and Third-Row Buckle Recalls (2026)
Campaign 26V-160 covers 2026 Palisade and Palisade Hybrid Limited and Calligraphy models whose power-folding second- and third-row seats may fail to detect a person and keep moving; Hyundai issued a stop-sale and a software remedy. Campaign 26V-169 covers damaged wiring in the third-row driver-side seat belt buckle on the same trims.
What to do: On a 2026 Limited or Calligraphy, confirm both remedies are done before delivery. - V6 Oil Service and 8-Speed Automatic Check (2020–2026)
The Palisade's V6 engines and 8-speed automatic are generally conventional, but as with any heavy three-row SUV used for family hauling or towing, regular oil changes and smooth shifting are the key things to confirm. Towing history matters for transmission and brake wear.
What to do: Ask for oil-change records and whether the vehicle towed regularly. - First- vs Second-Generation and Hybrid Disambiguation (2020–2026)
2020-2025 Palisades all use the 3.8L V6. The 2026 redesign uses a different 3.5L V6 or a 2.5L turbo hybrid, with a different transmission on the hybrid, so specs, mpg and recall data from one generation should not be applied to the other.
What to do: Confirm the year, engine and seating configuration before comparing prices.
Recalls
Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, trim, equipment such as a tow hitch, and VIN. Check the VIN for current open recalls and completed remedies before purchase.
Similar vehicles to consider
- Kia Telluride
- Toyota Grand Highlander
- Toyota Highlander
- Honda Pilot
- Chevrolet Traverse
- Ford Explorer
- Mazda CX-90
- Volkswagen Atlas
- Subaru Ascent
- Hyundai Santa Fe
Questions this guide answers
- What engine does this Palisade have?
- What changed in the 2023 Palisade facelift?
- How is the 2026 Palisade different from earlier years?
- Is there a Palisade Hybrid, and what mpg does it get?
- Has the tow-hitch harness recall been done on this Palisade?
- Does this Palisade seat seven or eight?
- What should I inspect on a used Palisade?
- How does the Palisade compare with the Kia Telluride?
- What recalls should I check by VIN?
- What similar vehicles should I consider?