2025 Hyundai Palisade Review | Spacious 7-Seater SUV for Families

In a market where families demand comfort, practicality, and technology, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade has become a serious contender. It’s a 7-seater SUV designed not only to carry the kids to school but also to handle long weekend getaways, outback drives, and everyday commutes with ease. With Australia’s growing appetite for large SUVs, Hyundai has positioned the Palisade as a luxury-leaning yet family-friendly option that competes with heavyweights like the Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-90, Toyota Kluger, and Nissan Pathfinder.

So, how does the 2025 Palisade shape up for Aussie families? Let’s dive into the design, comfort, performance, features, and ownership experience in detail.

Exterior Design: A Bold, Upscale Look

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade carries forward its bold design language that has been a defining factor since its first launch. The refreshed styling brings a commanding road presence:

• Front fascia: A wider cascading grille with chrome details gives it a premium SUV look. Slimmer LED headlights and daytime running lights enhance its modern appeal.
• Profile: Strong character lines and squared-off wheel arches give it a rugged stance while maintaining elegance.
• Wheels: Depending on the trim, Australians can expect alloy wheels ranging from 18 to 20 inches, with sportier designs for the top Highlander trim.
• Rear: Vertical tail lights and a wider stance at the back provide balance to its muscular front.

For families, this SUV’s design isn’t just about looks – the taller stance and wide doors make entry and exit easier, especially when loading child seats or luggage.

Interior Comfort: Designed for Families

Step inside the 2025 Palisade, and you’ll find why it’s often compared to luxury SUVs costing tens of thousands more. Hyundai has clearly targeted families who want a blend of space, comfort, and technology.

Seating and Space

• 7 or 8-seat layout: Available in both 7-seater (with captain’s chairs) and 8-seater configurations, catering to different family needs.
• Premium materials: Even the entry trims get soft-touch materials, while higher trims feature Nappa leather upholstery.
• Third row usability: Unlike many rivals, the Palisade offers genuine third-row comfort, suitable for teenagers and even adults on short trips.

Storage and Practicality

• Large boot space with the third row folded, making it road-trip ready.
• Plenty of cubby spaces, cupholders, and clever storage compartments.
• Hands-free smart power tailgate for easy grocery or luggage loading.

Infotainment and Technology

In 2025, technology isn’t a luxury—it’s an expectation. Hyundai delivers with one of the best-in-class tech packages:

• 12.3-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster for a modern cockpit feel.
• Wi-Fi hotspot and multiple USB-C ports across all rows.
• Premium sound system (Harman Kardon in higher trims) for immersive audio.
• Voice recognition that responds naturally to commands.
• Remote start and controls through Hyundai’s Bluelink app, handy for pre-cooling the cabin on hot summer days.

For families juggling kids and daily routines, this tech makes every journey smoother and more connected.

Safety: A Family-First SUV

Hyundai has packed the 2025 Palisade with safety features that rival premium brands. With ANCAP safety ratings expected at 5 stars, the SUV offers peace of mind for parents.

Key safety features include:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection.
• Blind Spot View Monitor with live video feed.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Safe Exit Assist (perfect for busy school zones).
• Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go traffic handling.
• Lane-keeping assist and driver attention monitoring.
• 9 airbags covering all three rows.

This makes the Palisade one of the safest family SUVs in the Australian market.

Engine and Performance

The Australian version of the 2025 Hyundai Palisade is expected to continue offering two engine options:

• 3.8L V6 petrol engine delivering strong power for highway cruising and overtaking.
• 2.2L turbo-diesel (AWD) that suits long-distance touring and towing.

Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Families who frequently travel outside cities will appreciate the diesel’s fuel economy and torque, while urban buyers may lean toward the petrol V6 for smoothness.

Ride Quality

Hyundai has tuned the suspension for Australian roads, ensuring a comfortable balance between city drives and rural highway stretches. Noise insulation is excellent, with minimal road and wind noise entering the cabin.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency remains a crucial factor for Australian families dealing with rising petrol prices.

• Petrol V6: Around 10.7L/100km combined.
• Diesel AWD: Approximately 7.5L/100km combined, making it the smarter choice for long-distance drivers.

While not the most fuel-efficient SUV in its class, the Palisade strikes a good balance between size, performance, and economy.

Family-Friendly Features

Hyundai has added several thoughtful touches aimed directly at family buyers:

• Quiet Mode: Allows parents to lower the volume in the back rows while keeping music up front.
• Driver Talk intercom system: Lets the driver speak to kids in the third row without raising their voice.
• Rear Seat Reminder: Alerts parents to check the back seat – a crucial safety feature.
• Tri-zone climate control with rear vents for all passengers.

These features prove Hyundai has listened to what families actually need in daily life.

Ownership, Warranty & Value

One of Hyundai’s biggest strengths in Australia is its ownership package:

• 5-year unlimited km warranty (expected to continue in 2025).
• Lifetime service plan with transparent capped-price servicing.
• 12-months roadside assistance (extendable with each service).

Compared to rivals like Toyota and Mazda, Hyundai remains highly competitive in aftersales support, making the Palisade a cost-effective long-term choice.

Comparisons: How Does It Stack Up?

• Toyota Kluger: The Palisade offers more tech and interior space, though Toyota edges ahead with hybrid options.
• Mazda CX-90: The Mazda feels more premium and sportier, but the Palisade wins on practicality and family-oriented features.
• Kia Telluride: Very similar DNA (since Kia and Hyundai are sister brands), but the Palisade leans more toward luxury appeal.
• Nissan Pathfinder: The Pathfinder offers competitive space but lacks some of Hyundai’s latest technology and refinement.

For families, the Palisade often emerges as the better all-rounder.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the 2025 Hyundai Palisade?

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is a serious family SUV that blends style, comfort, technology, and safety in a way few rivals can match at its price point. While it may not be the cheapest or the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market, it offers an impressive combination of features tailored for modern Australian families.

If you need a reliable, spacious, and tech-packed 7-seater SUV, the Palisade should absolutely be on your shortlist. It ticks almost every box for a family buyer—whether that’s school runs, road trips, or towing a camper for a holiday adventure.