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2020 Hyundai Palisade: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade is an all-new model and its first U.S. model year, replacing the Santa Fe XL as Hyundai’s three-row flagship SUV. Its roomier, dedicated three-row design is the headline change.
About the 2020 Hyundai Palisade
1st generation (2020-2025), first year / all-new launch
Hyundai positions the Palisade as a family-first flagship SUV: bigger, more comfortable, and more upscale than the Santa Fe XL it effectively replaces. The pitch centers on true three-row usefulness, easy access to the back seats, strong safety technology, a quiet cabin, and a more premium feel than many mainstream rivals. Its core appeal is giving families a roomy, polished, tech-rich SUV without moving into a luxury brand.
The SE is the straightforward family model, with eight seats, easy third-row access, an 8-inch touchscreen, and standard driver-assistance features. The SEL adds everyday comforts such as heated front seats, remote start, and automatic climate control. The Limited has the most upscale cabin, with Nappa leather, ventilated front and second-row seats, a digital instrument display, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera.
What changed, by category
Structural
The Palisade debuts as Hyundai’s dedicated three-row flagship SUV, replacing the Santa Fe XL with a roomier design and seating for seven or eight.
Powertrain
Every 2020 Palisade uses a 3.8-liter V6 paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Every trim has driver-assistance features that include forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping and lane-centering support, and adaptive cruise control.
Tech
An 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard across the lineup.
2020 Hyundai Palisade specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, GDI, 3.8 Liter | V6, GDI, 3.8 Liter | V6, GDI, 3.8 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 291 hp | 291 hp | 291 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 86.4 cu-ft | 86.4 cu-ft | 86.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.4 in | 31.4 in | 31.4 in |
| Seats | 8 | 8 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||
| Hill Descent Control | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| 360 Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| LED Tail Lights | |||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Dual Power Rear Seats | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Rear Window Shades | |||
| Reclining Rear Seats | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Third Row Seat | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
Is 2020 the first year of the Hyundai Palisade?
Yes. The 2020 model is the Palisade’s first U.S. model year and the start of its first generation. It replaces the Santa Fe XL as Hyundai’s three-row flagship SUV.
How many people does the 2020 Hyundai Palisade seat?
The 2020 Palisade seats seven or eight people, depending on the trim and second-row layout. The SE has an eight-passenger layout, while the Limited’s second-row captain’s chairs create a seven-passenger cabin.
What engine does the 2020 Hyundai Palisade have?
Every 2020 Palisade has a 3.8-liter V6 and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain is used across the SE, SEL, and Limited trims.
What safety features are standard on the 2020 Hyundai Palisade?
Every 2020 Palisade has forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping and lane-centering support, and adaptive cruise control. The SE also includes pedestrian detection with its forward collision system.
Does the 2020 Hyundai Palisade have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on every 2020 Palisade through an 8-inch touchscreen.
2020 Hyundai Palisade Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Hyundai Palisade.
4.3
2020 Hyundai Palisade
(415 reviews)
“For the price the Hyundai palisade is an exceptional vehicle. And the warrantee Hyundai offers made the vehicle more appealing than other vehicles and it's class. I do find the engine noisy and the transmission does not shift smoothly.”
“I purchased my Hyundai Palisade because it is big and roomy with a lot of features that I like and use often. It's a big vehicle that handles well and I feel complete in control, cornering, stopping, acceleration. The exterior and interior design convey class and confidence much like an extension of my persona. I will buy another Palisade this year so that I have two.”