DecodedCars2020 Hyundai Palisade
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 3.8L 6-cyl
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 7
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 196.1 in
- Curb weight
- 4,145–4,314 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints541 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 135 for similar models — most often about the engine.
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade is a standard SUV offered with a 3.8L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 196 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,314 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 26 highway), 13% better than the 2020 standard SUV average of 19.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 541 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
Trims, performance & features
Engine–3.8L
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating7 seats · 3 rows
Trims
LimitedSEL w/ Premium PkgSEL w/ Convenience Pkg
Safety & driver-assist features
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
Built in: Ulsan, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2020 Palisade configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 196.1 in | 78 in | 68.9 in | 114.2 in | 66.9 / 66.9 in | 4,314 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 196.1 in | 78 in | 68.9 in | 114.2 in | 66.9 / 66.9 in | 4,145 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palisade FWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +13% | $3,050 | 406 |
| Palisade AWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | +12% | $3,200 | 426 |
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.5 MPG2020 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Hyundai Palisade SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.3% |
| 2020 Hyundai Palisade SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.9% |
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Similar 2020 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Hyundai Palisade (this car) | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Ford Explorer | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 35 |
| 2020 Toyota Highlander | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2020 Kia Telluride | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
Recalls (5)
Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain · Jan 22, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V034000 · 568,576 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Palisade vehicles. The side curtain air bags for third-row occupants may deploy improperly in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
- Risk
- Improper side curtain air bag deployment increases the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will install a protective film over the rear window and remove padding, as necessary free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed beginning March 13, 2026. Final remedy owner letters will be mailed in phases, beginning in June 2026 and expected to continue through December 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 292. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 24, 2026.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Buckle Assembly · Sep 11, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V607000 · 568,580 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Palisade vehicles. The seat belt buckles in the driver, passenger, and second-row window seats may fail to latch.
- Risk
- Seat belt buckles that fail to latch may not properly restrain occupants in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Passengers are advised to insert the belt firmly into the buckle with a quick and direct motion, pulling on the belt to confirm the seat belt is fully secured, until the recall remedy is performed. Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle assemblies, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed beginning October 23, 2025. Final remedy owner letters will be mailed in phases, beginning in June 2026 and expected to continue through December 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 283. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 13, 2025.
Trailer Hitches · Aug 18, 2022 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 22V633000 · 244,980 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- 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.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor · Aug 15, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V627000 · 122,949 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Palisade vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.
- Risk
- Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Nov 7, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V802000 · 11,217 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Damaged side curtain air bags may not inflate properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2020 Hyundai Palisade is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
541Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
13Involved a crash
7Involved a fire
16Injuries reported
4,500 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Hyundai Palisade buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 133 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Visibility/Wiper — 115 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Suspension — 60 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 4,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Hyundai Palisade. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Palisade years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Palisade | 34 | – | Not rated | 0 | 5 |
| 2026 Palisade | 34 | – | Not rated | 3 | 135 |
| 2025 Palisade | 22 | 196.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 254 |
| 2024 Palisade | 22 | 196.5 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 397 |
| 2023 Palisade | 22 | 196.5 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 408 |
| 2022 Palisade | 22 | 196.1 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 316 |
| 2021 Palisade | 22 | 196.1 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 447 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →