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2020 Hyundai Palisade Review: Unreliable Year For The Popular Midsize SUV

Rating: 4.68
Based on 100 Owner Reviews β–Ά
Eugene S | March 31, 2025
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade marked Hyundai's entry into the competitive mid-size three-row SUV segment. This family-friendly SUV, available in model years starting in 2020, boasts a spacious interior and a comfortable ride. Key trims include SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy. The original pricing ranged from approximately $32,000 to $47,000. Its blend of value, features, and upscale styling made it an instant hit, offering a compelling alternative to established rivals.
The Good

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade offers a smooth and capable performance, a comfortable and spacious interior, and a stylish design. For practical buyers, it presents excellent value and a strong warranty. Emotionally, its upscale feel and family-friendly features make it a desirable choice, providing a sense of security and comfort.

The Bad

Some 2020 Hyundai Palisade models have experienced issues with the transmission and a potential for oil consumption. The infotainment system, while feature-rich, can occasionally be slow to respond. Also, some owners have reported issues with the auto start/stop system. Potential buyers should check the vehicle history and maintenance records carefully.

2020 Hyundai Palisade: Quick Overview

  • Engine: 3.8L V6
  • Horsepower: 291 hp @ 6000 rpm
  • Torque: 262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
  • Fuel Economy (FWD): 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined (EPA estimates)
  • Fuel Economy (AWD): 19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined (EPA estimates)
  • 0-60 mph: Approximately 7.6 seconds
  • Towing Capacity: Up to 5,000 lbs (with trailer brakes)
  • Trim-Level Features:
    • SE: 18-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, forward collision avoidance assist, lane keeping assist.
    • SEL: Adds blind-spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, leather upholstery, heated front seats, power driver's seat, sunroof, second-row captain's chairs (optional).
    • Limited: Adds dual sunroofs, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, 10.25-inch touchscreen display, Harman Kardon audio system, surround view monitor, blind-spot view monitor, power folding third-row seats.
    • Calligraphy: Adds unique exterior and interior trim, quilted leather door panels, premium leather seating surfaces, microfiber headliner, and exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels.

2020 Hyundai Palisade Specifications

Vehicle Information
Year 2020
Make Hyundai
Model Palisade
Trim -
Style -
Type Wagon
Category Standard Sport Utility Vehicle Medium Truck
Manufacturing Details
Made In South Korea
Manufacturing City ULSAN
Dimensions
Doors 4-Door
Curb Weight -
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 6000 pounds
Overall Height -
Overall Length -
Overall Width -
Wheelbase Length -
Standard Seating 7
Engine & Performance
Engine GDI LAMBDA II
Engine Size 3.8L
Engine Cylinders 6
Transmission transmission: Automatic
Transmission Type Automatic
Transmission Speeds 8-Speed
Drivetrain Four-Wheel Drive
Additional Features
Anti-Brake System Standard
Steering Type -
Pricing
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) -
Invoice Price -
Delivery Charges -

Vehicle History Report

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Market Price
Analysis

What Problems Does the 2020 Hyundai Palisade Have?

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade has had a few frequently reported problems. Some owners have experienced transmission issues, including rough shifting or hesitation. There have also been reports of excessive oil consumption in some engines. The auto start/stop system has been known to malfunction in certain cases.
Recalls for the 2020 Palisade have addressed concerns such as potential issues with the trailer hitch wiring harness and the possibility of windshield damage. It's important to check the vehicle's VIN for any outstanding recalls.
Long-term reliability is still being assessed, but some concerns have been raised regarding the long-term durability of the transmission and potential engine issues. While Hyundai's warranty offers some peace of mind, potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and carefully inspect the vehicle's maintenance history before purchasing. Consulting online forums and consumer reports can provide further insights into owner experiences.

How long will the 2020 Hyundai Palisade last?

With proper maintenance, a 2020 Hyundai Palisade could reasonably be expected to reach 150,000-200,000 miles or 10-13 years of service. Regular oil changes, timely transmission servicing, and addressing any mechanical issues promptly are crucial. Long-term durability concerns revolve around potential transmission wear and tear, as well as potential oil consumption issues in some engines. Properly maintained vehicles will likely outlast those with neglected maintenance schedules. Watch for rust, especially in areas with harsh winters.
Positive Owner Reviews
Bill H.
Love our SEL. Perfect for long road trips with the family, and we've had a few of those. Gear shifter takes a trip or two to get used to, but otherwise, everything else is intuitive. Couldn't be happier with our family mobile.
CJ
I bought my 2020 Palisade limited all wheel drive brand new and LOVE IT. I had a 2017 Santa Fe and hated to get rid of it but so glad I did. The Palisade handles and rides great and the interior room is awesome. Even though it is mainly just me and hubby, we love the size!
Dance mom
Very comfortable. Plenty of room for people and belongings. Super stylish. Incredible features. Phone charger on every seat. Folding seats to accommodate large items. Highly recommended.
Negative Owner Reviews
Steve
The dealer and Hyundai should be ashamed of themselves. Specifically bought a car with heated seats for back problems. Noticed on first day we had it they didn't heat up, they said we were right but there was nothing they could do and basically too bad. When I pay for this option and it doesn't work, fix it. But they said they don't know how. Mad beyond words.
Cara
Terrible purchase!! Will never buy a Hyuandi again. It has air leaks that they will not fix. ΓƒΒ’Γ’β€šΒ¬Γ…β€œRoad noiseΓƒΒ’Γ’β€šΒ¬Γ‚Β nothing they can do. It didn't happen until I had driven it a little over a month and continually gets worse.

What Technology & Safety Features are Included?

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade boasts a suite of impressive tech and safety features. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, forward collision avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims offer a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, a surround-view monitor, and a blind-spot view monitor.
Driver-assistance features include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, and safe exit assist. Optional features on higher trims include a head-up display and a power-folding third row.
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade received excellent crash-test ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). NHTSA awarded it a 5-star overall safety rating. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+, demonstrating its commitment to safety.

What Colors Options are Available?

Exterior Colors
Hyper White
Beckets Black
Sierra Burgundy
Moonlight Cloud
Rainforest
Lagoon Silver
Mahogany Brown
Hyper White
Graphite Gray
Interior Colors
Beige Leather
Black Leather
Sierra Burgundy Leather
Burgundy Nappa Leather
Black Cloth
Gray Cloth
Beige Cloth
Black Nappa Leather
Gray Nappa Leather
Beige Nappa Leather
Titan Gray Leather

2020 Hyundai Palisade Prices and Market Value

When new, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade ranged from around $32,000 for the base SE trim to approximately $47,000 for the top-tier Calligraphy. Current used market prices vary based on mileage, condition, and trim level, but typically range from $25,000 to $38,000. Depreciation has been moderate, influenced by the overall demand for SUVs and the Palisade's reputation for value. Factors affecting resale value include maintenance history, accident reports, and the presence of desirable features like AWD and premium audio systems. Lower mileage and pristine condition command higher prices.

2020 Hyundai Palisade Cost of Ownership

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade generally falls within the average range for insurance costs for its class. Fuel costs are moderate, depending on driving habits and whether it's a FWD or AWD model. Routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotations, is reasonably priced. However, potential repairs, especially those related to the transmission or engine issues, can be more costly. Overall, the Palisade is moderately economical to own, but budgeting for potential repairs is advisable.

2020 Hyundai Palisade Fuel Efficiency

Fuel Type Gasoline
Fuel Capacity -
City Mileage 19 miles/gallon
Highway Mileage 24 miles/gallon

2020 Hyundai Palisade Safety Rating

NHTSA
Overall Rating
Overall Frontal Star Rating
Side Overall Star Rating
Overall Rollover Star Rating
Combined Front Seat Rating
Combined Rear Seat Rating
Overall Frontal Star Rating
Frontal Barrier Star Ratings Not Tested
Overall Side Star Rating
Side Barrier Star Ratings
Side Pole Star Rating
Combined Side Barrier And Side Pole Star Ratings Not Tested
Rollover Resistance Star Rating

2020 Hyundai Palisade Recalls & Defects

AIR Bags:side/Window
Recall date 2019-11-07
Recall no. 19v802000
Source NHTSA
Summary Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) IS Recalling Certain 2020 Palisade Vehicles. THE Mounting Bolts Used TO Secure THE Side Curtain AIR Bags MAY Damage THE Side Curtain AIR Bags During Deployment.
Consequence Damaged Side Curtain AIR Bags MAY NOT Inflate Properly IN THE Event OF A Crash, Increasing THE Risk OF Injury.
Remedy Hyundai Will Notify Owners, and Dealers Will Install A Protective Cover ON THE Mounting Bolts, Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began December 20, 2019. Owners MAY Contact Hyundai Customer Service AT 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's Number FOR This Recall IS 186.
Notes Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Visibility:windshield Wiper/Washer:motor
Recall date 2022-08-15
Recall no. 22v627000
Source NHTSA
Summary Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) IS Recalling Certain 2020-2021 Palisade Vehicles. THE Windshield Wiper Motor MAY Become Inoperative, Causing THE Wipers TO Fail.
Consequence Windshield Wiper Failure CAN Reduce Visibility, Increasing THE Risk OF A Crash.
Remedy Dealers Will Replace THE Driver-Side Windshield Wiper Arm, Free OF Charge. Owner Notification Letters Were Mailed December 13, 2022. Owners MAY Contact Hyundai Customer Service AT 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's Number FOR This Recall IS 233.
Notes Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.nhtsa.gov.
Trailer Hitches
Recall date 2022-08-18
Recall no. 22v633000
Source NHTSA
Summary Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) IS Recalling 2020-2022 Palisade Vehicles Potentially Equipped With A TOW Hitch Harness Installed AS Original Equipment, or Purchased AS AN Accessory Through A Hyundai Dealership. Debris and Moisture Accumulation ON THE TOW Hitch Harness Module Printed Circuit Board (Pcb) MAY Cause AN Electrical Short, Which CAN Result IN A Fire.
Consequence A Fire While Parked or Driving CAN Increase THE Risk OF Injury.
Remedy Owners ARE Advised TO Park Outside and Away From Structures Until THE Recall Repair IS Complete. Dealers Will Install A NEW Fuse and Wire Extension Kit, AS Necessary, Free OF Charge. Owner Notification Letters Were Mailed MAY 18, 2023. Owners MAY Contact Hyundai Customer Service AT 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's Number FOR This Recall IS 235.
Notes Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.nhtsa.gov.

2020 Hyundai Palisade Insurance

Insurance for a 2020 Hyundai Palisade is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Wagon with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.

How Does the 2020 Hyundai Palisade Compare to Other Wagon?

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade competes with the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer. In terms of performance, it's comparable to most in its class, though the Explorer offers more powerful engine options. Feature-wise, the Palisade is well-equipped, often offering more features for the price than the Highlander or Pilot. Reliability is a mixed bag; the Highlander and Pilot have stronger reputations, while the Telluride shares many components with the Palisade. Price-wise, the Palisade offers excellent value, undercutting many competitors.

The Kia Telluride is a very similar alternative, offering nearly identical features and performance. The Honda Pilot provides a more established reliability record, while the Toyota Highlander is known for its fuel efficiency and resale value. The Ford Explorer, particularly newer models, offers a sportier driving experience. If reliability is a primary concern, the Highlander or Pilot might be better choices. If value and features are paramount, the Palisade (or Telluride) are strong contenders.

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10 2023 Audi A4 allroad (0.0β˜…)
11 2023 Hyundai Kona N (0.0β˜…)
12 2023 Nissan ARIYA (5.0β˜…)
813 2020 Hyundai Palisade (5.0β˜…)

Final Verdict: Is the 2020 Hyundai Palisade a Good Wagon?

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade is ideal for families seeking a spacious, well-equipped, and stylish three-row SUV at a competitive price. It's worth buying, especially as a used vehicle, if a thorough pre-purchase inspection is conducted to check for potential transmission or engine issues. Opting for a higher trim level like the SEL or Limited offers a compelling blend of features and value. Considering a certified pre-owned model provides added peace of mind with an extended warranty. However, buyers prioritizing long-term reliability above all else might want to consider alternatives like the Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander.

2020 Hyundai Palisade Owner Reviews

4.68
Overall rating
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Bill H. on May 13, 2023

Three years and counting, no issues.

Love our SEL. Perfect for long road trips with the family, and we've had a few of those. Gear shifter takes a trip or two to get used to, but otherwise, everything else is intuitive. Couldn't be happier with our family mobile.

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Don't Buy a Palisade on April 14, 2023

Don't buy a Palisade!

Bought a 2020 Limited with 25k miles. I would very strongly recommend to anyone to NEVER buy a 2020 Palisade. I had SO many problems and it was constantly in the shop. Every time it rained, the engine stuttered, the entire vehicle shook and the check engine light blinked and then stayed on. It would do this until I got it home and it dried out, then the next day it was fine. It went to the dealership 3x with this problem... they could never find anything wrong (insert eye roll). The entire car would shake. The dealer replaced one of the 6 coils but that didn't fix the problem. It's terribly annoying to have a 50k vehicle that can't be driven in the rain! The dealer kept it for a week and drove it several times but couldn't get a read on the computer so they didn't do anything to fix it. The back hatch pumps needed to be replaced and I couldn't access the back because it only opened with the electric pumps. It took 6 weeks to get the parts and another 2 weeks to get an appointment to get it fixed. The ride gradually got worse and I heard noise of suspension in the rear, but when I took it in, they said it was all fine. At 45k miles, the wheels started to loose the silver coating. Painted wheels on their top line Palisade (insert eye roll here). It looked nice with all the bells and whistles, but it was very evident that this vehicle would not last over the years.

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CJ on April 29, 2022

Perfect for us

I bought my 2020 Palisade limited all wheel drive brand new and LOVE IT. I had a 2017 Santa Fe and hated to get rid of it but so glad I did. The Palisade handles and rides great and the interior room is awesome. Even though it is mainly just me and hubby, we love the size!

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Dance mom on May 13, 2021

Most reliable car i have owned

Very comfortable. Plenty of room for people and belongings. Super stylish. Incredible features. Phone charger on every seat. Folding seats to accommodate large items. Highly recommended.

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RJ Lucero on April 15, 2021

My Favorite Vehicle Purchase Ever!!!

The Palisade has far exceeded my expectations. The 3rd row seating is spacious enough for an adult to travel in comfort. The Palisade SEL is loaded with all the bells and whistles you would find in a luxury vehicle for a fraction of the price.

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DP on April 14, 2021

Nice looking SUV for the money

I love the car but it makes a load wisling noise on the passenger window They keep saying there is a recall, but nothing yet after almost a year.

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HollyPhilly on April 1, 2021

Perfect SUV!

Was previously in a BMW 3GT and was looking for a roomier vehicle. I never thought I would leave BMW, but when I test drove the Hyundai Palisade Limited, I was so very impressed by the quality, amount of standard features, the fact that it takes regular gas, the warranty, and the average annual cost of service. It truly is a perfect suv!

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Carla on March 24, 2021

Classy Suv

We are vey pleased with our purchase! Was back and forth between the Telluride and the Palisade. Palisade is by far the winner. Very Classy!

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Janeb on March 16, 2021

My new favorite SUV

I never thought I'd love an SUV as much as I loved my 4-Runner. I was wrong. My Palisade has everything my 4-Runner had, and then some. Heated & ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, sumptuous interior, electronic everything, and it handles snow and ice like a champ. It's a luxury SUV at an affordable price.

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EllenGA on March 10, 2021

The best car I've driven out did Mercedes c230

Comfort, leg room, seats, USB ports you name it this vehicle has it all. Out standing much better than our Mercedes C230 we had for years.

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Eugene S

Eugene is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. As a writer at VINCheck.info, he brings deep industry insight and a passion for cars, helping readers make smart, informed decisions. Eugene has written hundreds of used car reviews and is known for breaking down complex automotive topics into clear, actionable advice. Over the years, he has driven and worked on a wide range of vehiclesβ€”starting with tuning street cars in his early days and eventually focusing on performance upgrades and reliability improvements. Today, he specializes in evaluating used vehicles through the lens of real-world ownership and enthusiast needs. A longtime fan of Porsche, Eugene especially appreciates vehicles that blend durability with driving enjoyment.