What to Know Before Buying a Used Hyundai Palisade

Looking for a spacious, modern three-row SUV that fits the demands of daily family life? The first-generation Hyundai Palisade, sold across the 2020–2025 model years, has earned a reputation as one of the strongest used three-row SUVs on the market. Before you sign anything, it helps to understand how this midsize SUV balances long-term value, interior versatility, and everyday drivability.

A used Palisade is popular because it delivers standard three-row seating, a deep roster of driver-assist safety technology, and relaxed road-trip manners. Every first-generation model uses the same naturally aspirated V6, so power delivery is smooth and predictable whether you’re merging onto the freeway or loading up for a weekend away.

One thing worth understanding before you buy is how Hyundai’s warranty transfers to a second owner. The 5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited (bumper-to-bumper) Warranty carries over to subsequent owners for whatever term remains, measured from the original in-service date. The headline 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, however, applies to the original owner only — for a second or later owner it becomes a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. If full powertrain coverage matters to you, a Hyundai Certified Pre-Owned Palisade restores the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain protection along with a 173-point inspection. Ask our team which coverage applies to any specific vehicle you’re considering.

This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.

Common Problems to Look For in a Used Palisade

The Palisade earns above-average owner reliability scores, but a few early-model complaints are worth keeping in mind while you shop.

The most widely reported early issue was a chemical or musty odor coming from the headrests, noted mainly on 2020–2021 vehicles. Hyundai issued a technical service bulletin covering the headrest-odor condition. When you test-drive an early model, pay attention to cabin odor after the vehicle has been sitting in the sun.

Some owners of early models also reported wind or whistling noise at highway speeds, which Hyundai addressed through service bulletins. Take any Palisade you’re considering onto the freeway and listen for unusual wind noise around the doors and mirrors.

Finally, certain 2020–2022 models equipped with a genuine Hyundai accessory tow hitch were included in a safety recall (NHTSA 22V-633 / Hyundai Recall 235): the tow hitch harness module could develop an electrical short if moisture reached it, creating a fire risk. Ask our team to confirm that this recall was completed on any tow-hitch-equipped Palisade you’re evaluating.

Engine, Performance & Efficiency

Every first-generation Palisade runs the same 3.8-liter Lambda II GDI V6, producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque through a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. It’s tuned for linear acceleration and relaxed highway cruising rather than outright sportiness — exactly what most three-row buyers want.

Front-wheel drive is standard, and the available HTRAC all-wheel-drive system can be added on any trim; it distributes torque between the front and rear axles to add confidence in rain or on slippery surfaces. Properly equipped with trailer brakes, the Palisade can tow up to 5,000 pounds — enough for a small camper, a utility trailer, or recreational gear.

EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.

Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.

First-Generation Trim Levels Explained

The first-generation lineup runs from practical family utility to near-luxury refinement, so used buyers can match a configuration to their budget and priorities.

• SE — The base trim is a practical entry point with standard eight-passenger seating, cloth upholstery, and Hyundai’s full active-safety suite.
• SEL — For many shoppers the sweet spot of the used market. It adds second-row captain’s chairs (reducing seating to seven), a power driver’s seat, and additional comfort features. Many used SEL examples also carry the Convenience or Premium option packages, which add features like larger wheels, a sunroof, and a power liftgate.
• XRT — Added in the 2023 refresh, the XRT is a rugged-appearance package based on the SEL, with black exterior accents, a unique grille, and black-finish wheels.
• Limited — Steps up to leather-trimmed seats, ventilated front and second-row seats, a dual-pane sunroof, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
• Calligraphy — The top trim, with quilted Nappa leather, a synthetic-suede headliner, and exclusive styling. Later Calligraphy models (from the 2023 refresh onward) also added a digital rearview mirror.

If you’re weighing a used first-gen model against the current one, it’s worth reviewing how the current trims and pricing compare on the redesigned model.

Test-Drive Inspection Checklist

A systematic walk-around and test drive will help you buy with confidence. Use this checklist:

• Climate control: Run the A/C at full blast and confirm cool air reaches the second and third rows — especially important during warm Southern California summers.
• Technology: Cycle through the infotainment menus, connect your phone to confirm Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and check the backup camera and available 360-degree surround-view system. For a sense of how the latest interior and technology has evolved, see the current-model overview.
• Seats: Fold and unfold the second and third rows; if the vehicle has power-folding rear seats, confirm the motors operate smoothly.
• Wind noise: On the freeway, listen for whistling or rushing air around the doors, which can indicate worn weatherstripping.

Used Palisade Buying FAQs

Which used Hyundai Palisade model years are considered the most reliable?

All first-generation years perform well, and the 2022–2025 models are a popular pick, since Hyundai had addressed the early headrest-odor complaints by then. As with any used vehicle, confirm the service history and check for any open recalls before you buy.

Does a used Palisade have enough cargo space for family road trips?

Yes. The Palisade offers 18 cubic feet behind the third row, about 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 86.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded — plenty for luggage, sports gear, or groceries.

Is HTRAC all-wheel drive standard on used Palisade models?

No. Front-wheel drive is standard, and HTRAC all-wheel drive was an available option on any trim. Verify the drivetrain badging or ask our team to confirm a specific vehicle’s configuration.

How can I check whether a used Palisade has open safety recalls?

Enter the vehicle’s 17-digit VIN into the official NHTSA recall lookup tool. Our team also performs a safety check on every pre-owned vehicle in our inventory and resolves open recalls before a car is listed for sale.

Find a Used Palisade at Ontario Hyundai

A used Hyundai Palisade delivers a premium cabin, dependable V6 performance, and a deep set of driver-assist safety features — a strong combination for a growing family. Our team is here to make the process transparent and low-pressure, whether you want to take a test drive or simply have questions.

Browse our used inventory online or stop by our showroom to see the Palisade in person. Considering the newer model instead? You can also explore the redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade. For personalized help, call us at 888-653-8231 or visit us at 1307 Kettering Dr, Ontario, CA 91761.

Disclosures

EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.

Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.

This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.