The New Hyundai Palisade Is Turning Heads Everywhere

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is generating serious buzz across Canada. With its bold new design, cutting-edge features, and confident performance, Canadians are taking notice of Hyundai’s latest SUV upgrade. Whether you're navigating urban streets or heading out on a weekend escape, the Palisade delivers a perfect mix of family-friendly practicality and upscale comfort — ready for everything from snowy commutes to summer road trips. In this article, we take a closer look at what makes the 2025 Palisade one of the most exciting SUV choices for Canadian drivers this year.

The New Hyundai Palisade Is Turning Heads Everywhere Image by Franz W. from Pixabay

What Makes the Palisade Car Stand Out?

The Palisade distinguishes itself through a combination of bold styling and practical functionality that addresses the needs of larger families and those seeking generous cargo capacity without sacrificing comfort. Its commanding presence begins with a distinctive front fascia featuring a broad, cascading grille flanked by vertically stacked LED headlights that create an unmistakable signature look on the road. Inside, the Palisade offers genuinely usable three-row seating with adult-friendly accommodations even in the third row—a rarity in this segment.

Material quality represents another standout aspect of the Palisade. Soft-touch surfaces abound throughout the cabin, with available premium Nappa leather upholstery and real wood trim providing an upscale ambiance that rivals luxury brands. The thoughtfully designed console features convenient storage solutions, including a floating bridge design that creates additional space beneath for larger items. This attention to practicality extends to the second row, where available captain’s chairs include convenient one-touch access to the third row—a small but significant feature for families with children.

How Does the Brand New Palisade SUV Perform?

Powering the Palisade is a refined 3.8-liter V6 engine that generates 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivers smooth acceleration and adequate passing power, even when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. The transmission shifts seamlessly between gears, keeping the engine in its optimal power band without hunting for the right ratio during varying driving conditions.

Ride quality remains a key performance highlight, with the suspension system expertly balancing comfort and handling. The Palisade absorbs road imperfections without transmitting harshness into the cabin, while maintaining sufficient body control through corners. The available HTRAC all-wheel-drive system enhances traction in inclement weather and light off-road situations, with multiple drive modes (including Snow, Mud, and Sand) that adjust power delivery based on conditions. Noise suppression technology, including acoustic glass and enhanced insulation, results in a remarkably quiet interior even at highway speeds—a characteristic typically associated with premium brands.

What Features Highlight Hyundai’s New Design Philosophy?

Hyundai’s evolving “Sensuous Sportiness” design language reaches its fullest expression in the Palisade. This philosophy blends emotional appeal with practical functionality, creating vehicles that are visually striking while remaining purposeful. The Palisade embodies this approach with its vertical lighting elements, bold character lines, and distinctive silhouette that conveys strength without appearing overly aggressive or truck-like.

Inside, Hyundai’s design team has embraced a horizontal layout that emphasizes the cabin’s width and spaciousness. The available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster flows seamlessly into the central infotainment display, creating a cohesive and modern cockpit environment. Thoughtful details abound, such as the shift-by-wire transmission controls that replace a traditional shifter with intuitive buttons, freeing up console space. The available dual-pane sunroof extends nearly the entire length of the cabin, flooding all three rows with natural light and enhancing the sense of openness—a clear expression of Hyundai’s commitment to creating welcoming interior environments.

How Does the Palisade Compare to Other SUVs in Its Class?

When positioned against competitors like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Kia Telluride, the Palisade holds distinct advantages in several areas. Interior space stands out immediately, with the Palisade offering among the most generous third-row accommodations and cargo capacity in its class. The Palisade provides 18 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and an impressive 86.4 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

Technology integration represents another area where the Palisade excels compared to many competitors. Its infotainment system features one of the most intuitive interfaces in the segment, with responsive touch inputs and logical menu structures. The available Driver Talk in-car intercom system—which allows front-seat occupants to communicate clearly with third-row passengers through the vehicle’s speakers—offers practical functionality that many competing models lack.

SUV Model Base Price Range (CAD) 3rd Row Legroom Max Cargo Space Standard Warranty
Hyundai Palisade $45,000 - $57,000 31.4 inches 86.4 cu ft 5-year/100,000 km
Toyota Highlander $44,000 - $58,000 27.7 inches 84.3 cu ft 3-year/60,000 km
Honda Pilot $46,000 - $59,000 29.2 inches 83.9 cu ft 3-year/60,000 km
Ford Explorer $47,000 - $65,000 32.2 inches 87.8 cu ft 3-year/60,000 km
Kia Telluride $46,000 - $56,000 31.4 inches 87.0 cu ft 5-year/100,000 km

Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.

What Safety Features Are Included in the New Palisade?

Safety represents a cornerstone of the Palisade’s appeal, with an impressive array of standard and available features designed to protect occupants and prevent accidents. Every Palisade comes equipped with Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of safety technologies, including forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability.

The Palisade enhances family safety with innovative features like the standard rear occupant alert system that reminds drivers to check the back seat before exiting the vehicle—potentially preventing tragic hot-car incidents. Available safety technologies include blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, which not only warns of vehicles in blind spots but can apply corrective steering if necessary; safe exit assist, which temporarily prevents rear doors from opening if approaching traffic is detected; and a surround-view monitor that provides a 360-degree perspective during low-speed maneuvers.

Structural safety hasn’t been overlooked, with the Palisade’s body utilizing advanced high-strength steel and strategically placed reinforcements to create a rigid safety cell around occupants. These passive safety features work in concert with the seven standard airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, to provide comprehensive protection in the event of a collision.

The Hyundai Palisade represents a thoughtful balance of style, functionality, and value that explains its growing popularity. By combining premium features with practical design elements, Hyundai has created a compelling option for families and individuals seeking a versatile, comfortable vehicle with genuine three-row utility. As competition in the midsize SUV segment continues to intensify, the Palisade’s comprehensive package of amenities, safety features, and refined driving dynamics ensures it remains a standout choice worthy of consideration.