Hyundai Palisade: The Class Benchmark Third Row
One of the most genuinely usable third rows in the class, with the equipment and price advantage typical of the brand.
Written and reviewed by Nicholas Velez, Founder, Car Dogs · Updated August 29, 2026
The Palisade and its Kia Telluride cousin are widely regarded as the benchmark for a three-row SUV that adults can actually ride in, not just an occasional-use bench squeezed into a two-row body. For families who fill all three rows regularly, that's the whole decision.
Who it fits
- Families who regularly carry six or seven people and need the third row to actually work, not just exist.
- Buyers cross-shopping the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander who want the roomiest third row in the group.
Palisade versus Telluride
The two are close mechanical cousins with different styling and dealer networks. Cross-shop both — the better deal on a given day, or a preferred styling direction, is a reasonable tiebreaker.
What to inspect on a used one
- Third-row and cargo-area wear, which reveals how hard family life was on the vehicle.
- Confirm the transferred warranty coverage for the specific VIN.
- Tow hitch wear if used for towing, and ask what it pulled.
- Open recalls for the specific VIN through NHTSA.
Alternatives worth pricing
- Kia Telluride — nearly identical underneath, worth comparing on price and styling.
- Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot — stronger resale, generally a tighter third row.
Hauling a full family on Inland Empire freeways
A fully loaded Palisade on a long I-15 or 10 drive still feels composed, which matters when all three rows and the cargo area are in use. Summer heat puts real load on the AC and cooling system with a full cabin, so confirm both are in good condition on any used example.
Running costs and when to walk away
- Maintenance costs are reasonable for a three-row this size, and turbocharged trims benefit from consistent oil-change intervals.
- Walk away from a Palisade with unclear warranty transfer terms, worn-out third-row upholstery that doesn't match the odometer, or missing service records.
The short version
If the third row needs to work every week, the Palisade (or its Telluride cousin) is the class benchmark. Confirm warranty transfer terms and check the third row's condition before buying used.
Common questions
- Palisade or Telluride?
- They share most of their mechanical underpinnings. The decision usually comes down to styling preference, dealer proximity and whichever one you can get a better deal on.
- Is the Palisade's third row really that much better?
- It's consistently rated among the roomiest in the class for adult passengers. Still, sit in the seating position you'd actually use before buying — comfort is personal.
- Is the Palisade good for long Inland Empire family trips?
- Yes — it stays composed with all three rows and cargo loaded on long freeway drives. Confirm AC and cooling system condition on any used example given the regional heat.
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