In just a few years, the Hyundai Palisade has carved a name for itself as one of the most desirable large SUVs in Australia. Initially positioned as Hyundai’s flagship SUV above the Santa Fe, the Palisade has quickly become a go-to choice for families who want space, comfort, and premium features without stretching into the price brackets of luxury European brands.
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade builds on this momentum with refreshed styling, new technologies, enhanced safety features, and refined drivetrains tailored to the needs of Australian buyers. Available in both seven-seat and eight-seat configurations, the Palisade is pitched as the perfect blend of practicality and luxury—ideal for growing families, road-trip enthusiasts, and buyers who need a commanding yet refined SUV.
In this review, we’ll explore the Palisade’s design, features, performance, practicality, pricing, and how it compares to rivals in Australia.
Exterior Design – Bold, Premium, and Commanding
The Palisade’s design has always been bold, and the 2025 model refines that formula even further. It features a broad, squared-off stance with a striking grille that spans across the nose. The LED headlights are now sleeker and integrated with vertical daytime running lights, lending the SUV a futuristic yet classy presence on the road.
The side profile emphasizes its size, with clean body lines, large alloy wheels (up to 20-inch designs available on higher trims), and chrome accents that hint at a luxury SUV aesthetic. At the rear, the LED tail-lamp design is sharper, and a new bumper layout provides a more rugged look while still maintaining sophistication.
Buyers in Australia can choose from a range of exterior colours—classic whites and greys remain popular, but Hyundai also introduces deeper shades like Rainforest Green and Sierra Burgundy, which add personality.
The Palisade doesn’t try to hide its bulk—it embraces it, and for many families, that commanding road presence is part of its appeal.
Interior Design – Luxury That Rivals Premium Brands
Step inside the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and you’ll immediately notice Hyundai’s push toward luxury. The cabin has been completely reimagined with higher-grade materials, ambient lighting, and a driver-focused cockpit that wouldn’t look out of place in a European SUV costing twice as much.
Soft-touch materials line the dashboard and door trims, while quilted Nappa leather seats are available in upper trims. Buyers can choose configurations for seven or eight seats, with captain’s chairs in the second row available for those who prefer a more upmarket, lounge-like layout.
The centrepiece of the cabin is a massive 12.3-inch infotainment display, paired with a fully digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with wireless phone charging and multiple USB-C ports for all passengers. A panoramic sunroof is also available, flooding the cabin with natural light.
Hyundai has clearly paid attention to small details, too. The centre console has a bridge-style design with deep storage underneath, while the climate control system offers three-zone functionality. Rear passengers even get separate digital controls, a rare feature in this segment.
Space and Practicality – Built for Families
If there’s one area where the Palisade truly shines, it’s space. Measuring over five metres in length, the Palisade comfortably accommodates seven or eight passengers, making it one of the most family-friendly SUVs on the Australian market.
The first two rows offer generous headroom and legroom, while the third row is surprisingly usable for adults on shorter trips and perfectly suited for children and teens. Importantly, access to the third row is made easier with one-touch folding second-row seats.
Cargo capacity is impressive. With all seats in use, you still get a practical boot, enough for groceries or a few bags. Fold down the third row, and the Palisade transforms into a cavernous space capable of swallowing bikes, camping gear, or luggage for long road trips. With all rear seats down, the space rivals some small vans.
Families will also appreciate thoughtful touches such as multiple cup holders, under-floor storage, and rear sunshades to keep kids comfortable on sunny days.
Technology and Infotainment – Cutting Edge
Hyundai has invested heavily in making the Palisade one of the most tech-savvy SUVs in its class. The large 12.3-inch infotainment screen features crisp graphics and responsive touch controls. The system includes satellite navigation with live traffic updates, voice recognition, and seamless smartphone integration.
Higher trims also include premium audio systems developed by Harman Kardon, delivering rich, immersive sound for long drives. The rear-seat entertainment package, available as an option, transforms the Palisade into a mobile cinema for kids on road trips.
A standout new feature for 2025 is Hyundai’s Digital Key 2.0, which allows owners to unlock and start the Palisade using their smartphone or smartwatch. Over-the-air software updates are now supported, meaning Hyundai can roll out improvements without requiring dealership visits.
Safety – Designed with Families in Mind
As a family SUV, safety is non-negotiable, and Hyundai delivers in spades. The 2025 Palisade comes equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, an advanced suite of driver-assistance technologies. Standard safety features include:
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection
Blind-Spot View Monitor (with live camera feed in the instrument cluster)
Lane-Keep Assist and Lane-Following Assist
Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go capability
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance
Surround-View Camera with 3D monitoring
Safe Exit Assist, preventing doors from opening into oncoming traffic
The Palisade is expected to continue its strong ANCAP safety rating, making it a top pick for parents prioritising peace of mind.
Performance and Driving Experience – Smooth and Confident
Under the bonnet, the Palisade 2025 continues to offer two engine choices for Australia:
3.8-litre V6 petrol: Producing around 217kW and 355Nm, this engine delivers smooth, confident power for urban and highway driving. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and is available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
2.2-litre turbo-diesel: Producing 147kW and 440Nm, this engine remains the choice for long-distance touring and towing. Its torque-rich nature makes it ideal for Aussie families who need to haul caravans or boats.
The ride quality is refined, with suspension tuned specifically for Australian roads. Hyundai has struck a fine balance between comfort and handling, ensuring that even with a full load of passengers, the Palisade feels composed and stable. Noise insulation has also been improved, making the cabin whisper-quiet on highways.
Fuel economy is respectable for a large SUV, with the diesel returning the best figures at around 7.5L/100km.
Luxury and Premium Touches – The Small Details That Matter
While practicality is a given in a family SUV, what sets the Palisade apart is its luxury-inspired detailing. Ambient lighting, ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, and premium cabin finishes elevate the driving experience.
The second-row captain’s chairs in higher trims feel like business-class seating, complete with armrests and recline functions. Even the third row isn’t neglected, with cupholders, USB ports, and dedicated air vents.
This attention to detail makes the Palisade 2025 stand out, especially for families who don’t want to compromise on comfort or style.
Pricing and Value in Australia
Hyundai positions the Palisade as a premium offering in its SUV lineup, but compared to luxury rivals, it remains excellent value. Australian pricing is expected to start around $65,000 for base models and stretch to around $85,000 for fully loaded Highlander trims.
While this isn’t cheap, it’s significantly more affordable than similarly sized SUVs from BMW, Audi, or Volvo. Factor in Hyundai’s 5-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, capped-price servicing, and roadside assistance, and the Palisade becomes a compelling long-term ownership prospect.
Rivals in the Market – How Does It Compare?
The Palisade competes in a crowded segment, with notable rivals including:
Toyota Kluger – Offers hybrid powertrain options but lacks the same luxury touches.
Mazda CX-9 / CX-90 – Stylish and premium but smaller in third-row usability compared to the Palisade.
Kia Telluride – Shares much with the Palisade but isn’t officially sold in Australia.
Nissan Pathfinder – Recently updated, but Hyundai edges ahead in interior design and features.
Among these, the Palisade stands out for its blend of practicality, tech, and near-luxury ambience.
Ownership, Running Costs, and Reliability
Hyundai has a strong reputation for reliability in Australia, and the Palisade benefits from that pedigree. Regular servicing costs are kept reasonable with Hyundai’s capped-price program. The diesel variant, while slightly more expensive upfront, tends to deliver lower running costs for high-mileage families.
Insurance premiums are competitive within its class, and Hyundai’s safety reputation ensures it remains a solid choice for families conscious about long-term ownership costs.
Final Verdict – Why the 2025 Hyundai Palisade Is a Game Changer
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is more than just a large SUV—it’s Hyundai’s statement of intent in the premium segment. It brings together the space Australian families need, the safety they demand, and the luxury touches they often crave but can’t always justify paying European prices for.
From school runs to cross-country adventures, the Palisade feels equally at home. It’s not the cheapest SUV in its category, but for those who value comfort, technology, and long-term peace of mind, it strikes an exceptional balance.
Hyundai has proven that you don’t need a European badge to get a premium SUV experience—and the Palisade 2025 might just be the best example of that yet.
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
