2021 Hyundai Palisade

From low-cost sedans to three-row EV SUVs, Hyundai has a model for almost every kind of customer. Most new Hyundai vehicles are stylish, functional, and competitively priced, but the brand overall ranks around the middle in Consumer Reports’ Reliability and Owner Satisfaction ratings. Individual models and years vary widely, with some standouts and a few laggards. The core Hyundai lineup includes low-cost subcompacts like the Elantra, and midsized sedans like the Sonata. SUVs include the subcompact Kona and compact Tucson, plus the midsize Santa Fe and larger Palisade, both of which offer three-row seating. Many models are available as hybrids or plug-in hybrids. In our testing, most Hyundai models benefit from a hybrid drivetrain, which adds power and smoothness in addition to improving fuel economy. Hyundai’s EVs are some of the best values among electric cars. The Ioniq models are high-tech, well designed, and can charge quite rapidly at public DC fast charging stations.

The 2020 Palisade three-row midsized SUV can seat seven or eight people, depending on whether the second row is a bench or two separate seats. It shares many components with the Kia Telluride, including its smooth 291-hp, 3.8-liter V6 that's paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The roomy cabin is very quiet. The Palisade rides comfortably, but handling is not particularly nimble. The interior is filled with thoughtful details. It benefits from simple controls, except for the unintuitive push-button gear selector and the faraway touch screen for the infotainment system. Several advanced safety systems come standard, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assistance, driver monitoring, and rear occupant alert. Updates for 2021 include the new top-shelf Calligraphy trim, which includes various interior and exterior styling cues, and special 20-inch wheels. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity is also new, and LED headlamps are now standard. For 2022, blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning are standard on all trims.