Three Things to Know When Buying a Used Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade burst onto the scene in 2020 to give drivers an enticing new option in the three-row segment. The midsize crossover trades on its spacious interior, tech-forward design, and premium features, and has quickly earned a reputation as one of the best values in its class with countless awards to its name. The second-gen Palisade made its debut for 2026, but there are still plenty of pre-owned first-gen models to choose from on the used market.

While some buyers might be wary of a pre-owned vehicle, it’s hard to go wrong when selecting a used Hyundai Palisade for sale. Since the SUV has only been on the market for a few years, every model features a range of modern comforts, conveniences, and infotainment technologies, not to mention a cutting-edge design that’s anything but dated. Join us as we review three things that every driver should know when shopping for a used Palisade.

#1 – It’s Practical and Tech-Forward

Hyundai has equipped the Palisade with a potent V6 engine that ensures you’ll never be hurting for power. The 3.8-liter engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and provides more than enough muscle to move the midsize SUV down the road with 291 hp on tap. The crossover is typically equipped with front-wheel drive, but it also features an all-wheel drive powertrain that’s ideal for challenging road conditions and light off-road use.

Pure power isn’t typically the be-all and end-all in the midsize segment, but the Palisade’s brawny engine does enhance the SUV’s utility by allowing it to tow as much as 5,000 lbs. Hyundai has clearly made towing capacity a priority when designing the first-generation Palisade, which comes with some heavy-duty towing technology, including an enhanced transmission cooler, trailer pre-wiring, and a sway control feature that’ll keep your cargo from impacting the SUV’s stability. The Palisade also earns a few points for its efficiency, getting an EPA-estimated 26 MPG on the highway for most model years.

A pre-owned Palisade is also a standout from a technology perspective, with the SUV offering most of the modern features drivers have come to expect from a contemporary model. Models from 2020 to 2022 come with either an eight-inch or 10.25-inch infotainment screen, while 2023 through 2025 models have a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, a wireless charging pad, a 115-volt household-style outlet, and numerous USB ports that will allow every rider to keep their favorite devices all juiced up and ready to go, the Palisade’s tech resume is tough to beat.

The entry-level SE trim is refreshingly well-equipped, but the Limited trim kicks things up a notch with its leather upholstery, ventilated front and rear seats, Harman Kardon audio system, and customizable ambient lighting. Drivers seeking a borderline luxury experience should keep an eye out for a pre-owned Palisade Calligraphy. Introduced for the 2021 model year, the Calligraphy comes with a long list of premium features, such as an exclusive grille design and welcome lighting.

When it comes to safety tech, the Palisade’s arsenal of driver-assist features allowed the SUV to earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick every year the first generation was on the market. Used models include features such as forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. Optional add-ons and trim-specific tech range from front and rear parking sensors and a unique blind-spot camera to a 360-degree camera system that makes it easier to park the three-row SUV.

#2 – It’s Spacious

The Palisade’s three-row design makes the SUV a great option for those seeking a roomy vehicle that offers plenty of space for the whole family. The Palisade occupies the larger end of the midsize segment with seating for up to eight passengers. It is actually Hyundai’s largest model to date, but it’s the way the automaker has configured the SUV’s seating that really sets the Palisade apart in the competitive crossover class.

It’s not difficult to squeeze three rows of seating into a midsize model, but ensuring those seats are comfortable and able to accommodate full-grown adults is another story altogether. This is especially true of the third row, which, all too often, is treated as something of an afterthought. Hyundai prioritized third-row comfort when crafting the Palisade, offering generous dimensions designed for larger adults and growing teens.

A quick look at the Palisade’s third-row legroom really helps to illustrate the point. With 31.4 inches of space to stretch out and relax, the Palisade easily outpaces the 28 inches of the three-row Toyota Highlander. The story is largely the same when it comes to third-row headroom, with the Palisade besting many competitors. The third row can be easily accessed using a one-touch button feature on the second row of seating, which means that no circus-like contortions are required to access the back seat.

This sort of real estate makes the Hyundai a practical choice as a go-to family vehicle, and the brand even allows drivers to customize the SUV to fit the needs of families of all sizes. The Limited and Calligraphy trims offer second-row captain’s chairs that replace the bench seat found in the standard model, providing the sort of separation that can be crucial to maintaining harmony among siblings on longer road trips or during after-school errands.

That brings us to the Palisade’s cargo room, which, once again, is pretty competitive for its class. First-generation models provide 18 cu.ft. of storage behind the third row and have a maximum cargo capacity of 86.4 cu.ft. available. This sort of storage space can make all the difference when trying to stow luggage, groceries, sports equipment, and other crucial cargo.

The trunk even includes a built-in underfloor storage area that serves two unique roles. The hidden cubby can not only be used to protect your valuables from prying eyes; it’s also perfect for wet, muddy items like bathing suits or hiking boots that would otherwise make a real mess in the cabin. Throw in an optional hands-free liftgate as part of the Convenience package, and it’s clear that the Palisades was designed with the needs of busy, active families in mind.

#3 – It’s High-Value

When you’re buying a used vehicle, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment. While drivers tend to focus on performance specs, comfort and convenience features, and safety tech, it’s also important to look down the road and consider how a vehicle might fare over the long run. What might seem like a good deal on the day of sale could start to lose its value over time when you factor in fuel, maintenance, and repair costs. However, buyers can always shop with confidence when browsing Hyundai Montgomery’s selection of quality pre-owned Palisade models.

This three-row SUV is routinely cited as one of the best values in the midsize segment, with critics praising the Palisade’s quality, reliability, and resale value. This should give drivers plenty of confidence when they hit the road in their Palisade, and while unexpected repairs do happen, they’re a lot less likely when you’re behind the wheel of the Palisade. The model trends well below average in terms of repair and maintenance costs and has a strong record of avoiding major repairs. Finally, there’s the Palisade’s resale value. A reliable vehicle is always going to fetch a better price on the pre-owned market, and the Palisade is no exception.

The automaker’s new vehicles are covered by a generous five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty that few brands can match, and a pre-owned Palisade can offer just as much peace of mind. Used car shoppers can still take advantage of any remaining time or mileage on the original limited warranty, and given the length of that warranty, there is likely to be considerable coverage remaining.

It’s All Right Here at Hyundai Montgomery

It’s hard to ignore the allure of a pre-owned Hyundai Palisade when you’re in the market for a midsize SUV. The three-row model manages to deliver a premium driving experience without the premium price, offering a wide range of standard features that allow drivers to access important comfort, convenience, and safety features while staying firmly within their budget. Add in the Palisade’s reputation for reliability and high resale value, and it’s not difficult to see why the SUV has become such a popular option in just a few short years.

Between its ample seating and cargo space, considerable towing power, contemporary tech, and Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty program, the Palisade is about as versatile and value-packed as they come. We offer a full selection of both new and used Palisade models here at Hyundai Montgomery, ranging from the economical SE to high-end options like the Limited and Calligraphy trims, featuring a luxurious, leather-clad interior. Eager to learn more? Stop by today and learn how easily a pre-owned Hyundai Palisade can improve your everyday driving experience.