Hyundai Palisade Years: A Complete Guide to Every Model Year

If we are shopping for a three-row SUV, comparing Hyundai Palisade years makes far more sense than simply asking whether the Palisade is a good vehicle. A model name only tells us part of the story. The year can determine the styling, technology, trim choices, known recalls, standard safety equipment, and even whether we are buying the original Palisade or an entirely redesigned generation.

The Hyundai Palisade entered the North American market as a 2020 model, quickly establishing itself as Hyundai's flagship three-row family SUV. The original formula was fairly simple: give buyers lots of room, a strong V6, an upscale interior, and enough features to make considerably more expensive SUVs feel a little nervous.

That formula remained largely intact through 2025, although Hyundai continuously polished it. The 2023 model brought the most important refresh of the first generation, while the 2026 Hyundai Palisade launched a completely redesigned second generation with larger dimensions, a new look, more available technology, and new powertrain choices.

So which Hyundai Palisade year deserves a place in our driveway? Let's go through the timeline year by year.

What Years Was the Hyundai Palisade Made?

For North American buyers, the Hyundai Palisade model-year timeline currently looks like this:

• 2020: First model year
• 2021: Calligraphy trim introduced
• 2022: Additional standard safety equipment
• 2023: Major first-generation facelift
• 2024: Minor upgrades and Calligraphy Night Edition
• 2025: Final year of the first generation
• 2026: All-new second-generation Palisade

In other words, there are two major chapters in the Palisade story.

First-Generation Hyundai Palisade: 2020-2025

The first-generation Palisade established the vehicle's identity. It combined three rows of seating with a 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard on many configurations, while Hyundai's HTRAC all-wheel-drive system was available.

During these years, Hyundai added trims and equipment rather than repeatedly reinventing the vehicle.

The biggest turning point came for 2023 when the Palisade received refreshed exterior styling, an updated dashboard, a larger infotainment display, and the new XRT trim.

Second-Generation Hyundai Palisade: 2026 Onward

For the 2026 model year, Hyundai essentially wiped the whiteboard clean and started again.

The second-generation Palisade grew in overall length and wheelbase, received dramatically boxier styling, and adopted a more contemporary cabin. It also expanded the family beyond the traditional gasoline V6 configuration with a hybrid option.

That makes 2026 much more than another annual update. It represents a genuine generational dividing line.

Hyundai Palisade Years at a Glance

When we reduce the lineup to its biggest changes, the progression becomes easy to understand.

There is no single universally "best" year. A 2026 owner seeking cutting-edge technology has different priorities from someone shopping for a depreciated three-year-old family SUV.

That distinction matters.

2020 Hyundai Palisade: Where It All Started

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade was Hyundai's fresh answer to the growing market for large three-row crossovers.

It arrived with a surprisingly premium cabin, seating for seven or eight depending on configuration, a long list of safety features, and the 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 that would remain the heart of the first generation.

Why the 2020 Palisade Was Important

The Palisade immediately changed expectations surrounding Hyundai's large SUVs. Previous Hyundai family crossovers could feel value-oriented first and premium second. The Palisade reversed that relationship.

The cabin had the atmosphere of an expensive hotel lobby without demanding luxury-brand money.

Storage solutions were clever, second-row space was generous, and higher trims could be loaded with equipment.

But we should remember one basic principle of used-car shopping: the first year of an all-new vehicle often carries more uncertainty than the years following it.

Should We Buy a 2020 Hyundai Palisade?

A well-maintained 2020 Palisade can still make sense when the price is attractive.

However, we would carefully verify its recall history and maintenance records. Some 2020 and 2021 Palisades were included in a windshield-wiper recall, for example, and subsequent recalls and service campaigns have affected broader groups of first-generation vehicles.

The age of the vehicle now matters too. By 2026, a 2020 Palisade may have accumulated considerable mileage regardless of how good the original design was.

2021 Hyundai Palisade: The Calligraphy Arrives

The 2021 Palisade did not radically change the mechanical formula, but Hyundai made the lineup more interesting by introducing one of the vehicle's most recognizable trim names: Calligraphy.

Calligraphy sat above the Limited and pushed the Palisade deeper into near-luxury territory.

It brought distinctive wheels and exterior detailing alongside richer interior materials such as quilted trim and a suede-like headliner. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also became standard on applicable configurations.

Why the 2021 Calligraphy Matters

This trim demonstrated what Hyundai had figured out exceptionally well: some buyers wanted luxury-car ambience without the ownership costs or badge of a traditional luxury manufacturer.

A Calligraphy could deliver that sensation remarkably convincingly.

For used shoppers, that means a 2021 Calligraphy may represent substantial equipment for the money today.

Is 2021 Better Than 2020?

We generally prefer it when pricing and condition are similar.

Hyundai had an additional production year behind it, feature packaging improved, and the Calligraphy broadened the lineup.

However, 2021 vehicles still belong to the earlier phase of first-generation production, so recall completion remains something we would confirm by VIN.

2022 Hyundai Palisade: A Sweet Spot Before the Facelift

The 2022 model can be easy to overlook because it sits between the Calligraphy's introduction and the significant 2023 redesign.

That might actually work in its favor.

Hyundai expanded standard safety equipment, including blind-spot monitoring on the base SE according to model-year summaries.

The core mechanical package remained familiar.

Why Consider a 2022 Palisade?

A 2022 Palisade can offer a compelling balance between depreciation and maturity.

It is newer than the original 2020-2021 examples but may cost noticeably less than a facelifted 2023 or 2024 version.

Think of it as the final draft before Hyundai redesigned the cover.

If appearance and the latest dashboard are not major priorities, the 2022 may offer much of what makes a Palisade desirable without the premium that later years sometimes command.

2023 Hyundai Palisade: The Big First-Generation Refresh

If one model year divides the first-generation Palisade into "early" and "late" versions, it is 2023.

Hyundai redesigned the front end, updated the instrument panel, introduced a high-resolution 12-inch infotainment display, and added the rugged-looking XRT trim to the lineup.

Those changes gave the Palisade a more modern appearance without abandoning the proven first-generation platform and drivetrain.

Why the 2023 Palisade Stands Out

This is often where used SUV shoppers should start their comparison.

We get newer styling and upgraded technology while remaining several years removed from the 2026 redesign.

That creates an attractive position on the depreciation curve.

The 2023 Palisade is old enough to appear in meaningful numbers on the used market yet modern enough that most buyers will not feel as though they have purchased yesterday's technology.

What Is the Hyundai Palisade XRT?

The XRT gave the Palisade a tougher personality.

Rather than turning the vehicle into a hardcore off-road SUV, Hyundai primarily used the trim to introduce more adventurous visual cues.

It was essentially the Palisade wearing hiking boots.

For buyers who like darker exterior elements and a more rugged appearance but still spend most of their time on pavement, the XRT can be appealing.

Is the 2023 Palisade the Best Used Year?

It is certainly one of our strongest candidates.

There is one important caveat: individual vehicle history always outranks model-year reputation.

A meticulously maintained 2022 with complete records may be a wiser purchase than a neglected 2023 with accident history.

Year matters, but condition matters more.

2024 Hyundai Palisade: Refining the Refresh

By 2024, Hyundai was no longer trying to reinvent the first-generation Palisade.

It was polishing an already mature package.

The model retained the 2023 styling and interior improvements while adding changes such as the Calligraphy Night Edition and expanded connected-service offerings.

Who Should Buy a 2024 Palisade?

The 2024 model makes sense for shoppers who want a relatively young used Palisade while avoiding the purchase price of the redesigned generation.

We particularly like the logic for families planning to keep the SUV for several years.

A 2024 vehicle should still feel contemporary deep into the decade, especially in a higher trim with the larger screens, premium interior materials, driver-assistance features, and surround-view technology.

2025 Hyundai Palisade: The Final First-Generation Year

The 2025 model occupies a fascinating position.

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It was the last chapter of the original Palisade before Hyundai introduced the all-new second generation for 2026.

Late-production vehicles can be attractive because manufacturers have had years to refine manufacturing processes, equipment packages, software, and smaller details.

Why the 2025 Palisade Could Be a Smart Long-Term Buy

Some buyers automatically chase the newest redesign.

We don't always need to.

A final-year vehicle offers the advantage of familiarity. Mechanics understand it. Parts have been in circulation for years. Common issues are better documented. Owners have produced years of real-world feedback.

In that sense, a 2025 Palisade is the finished recipe, while the redesigned 2026 starts a new one.

That doesn't guarantee better reliability, of course. It simply reduces some of the uncertainty that accompanies an entirely new generation.

2026 Hyundai Palisade: The Second Generation Begins

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is the biggest change in the SUV's history.

The second generation brings a longer wheelbase, greater overall dimensions, substantially revised styling, a redesigned cabin, and expanded powertrain possibilities.

The vehicle grew approximately 2.5 inches in overall length, while its wheelbase increased about 2.7 inches according to instrumented automotive coverage.

It looks noticeably more upright too.

Where the original Palisade flowed with softer lines, the 2026 model looks as though someone handed the designers a ruler and told them to make it bolder.

2026 Palisade Interior Changes

Inside, the transformation is equally obvious.

The dashboard adopts wide digital displays, cleaner horizontal lines, improved materials, and the sort of minimalist presentation that has become common in modern premium SUVs.

Higher trims continue the Palisade tradition of punching above the Hyundai badge's traditional price class.

The Calligraphy in particular can blur the boundary between mainstream and luxury SUVs.

2026 Hyundai Palisade Engine

The standard gasoline version moved away from the previous 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 to a 3.5-liter V6 producing about 287 horsepower in the U.S.-market configuration reviewed by automotive publications.

A hybrid also joined the lineup, giving fuel-conscious family buyers an option the first-generation Palisade never offered.

2026 XRT Pro

Another notable addition is the XRT Pro.

Unlike the earlier XRT's largely visual emphasis, XRT Pro takes the rugged theme further with equipment intended to provide additional capability away from pavement.

It still isn't trying to become a Jeep Wrangler.

That isn't the point.

Instead, it makes the family-oriented Palisade more suitable for buyers whose weekends occasionally involve dirt roads, campsites, snow, or rougher terrain.

Which Hyundai Palisade Years Are Best?

If we were narrowing the entire lineup into broad buying categories, our shortlist would look something like this.

Best Value Used Palisade: 2022

The 2022 model is worth watching because it combines the established first-generation mechanical package with potentially attractive used pricing.

Buyers unconcerned with the refreshed styling can find considerable SUV for the money.

Best Overall Used Palisade: 2023-2024

For many shoppers, the 2023 and 2024 vehicles hit the sweet spot.

They include the facelift and newer cabin technology without carrying the same price or first-year uncertainty of a brand-new generation.

Best Mature First-Generation Palisade: 2025

If we specifically want the original generation, the 2025 deserves serious consideration.

It gives us the later design and features in the final production year.

Best Palisade for Technology: 2026

No earlier Palisade can match the redesigned 2026 for sheer newness.

It offers the latest cabin architecture, additional space, updated technology, hybrid availability, and the newest interpretation of Hyundai's styling language.

Are There Hyundai Palisade Years to Avoid?

We would be careful with the phrase "years to avoid."

Internet automotive advice often treats entire model years like spoiled milk: one complaint appears, and suddenly thousands of vehicles are supposedly unusable.

Reality is more nuanced.

Earlier 2020 and 2021 Palisades deserve additional scrutiny because they represent the initial production years, and certain early vehicles were involved in recalls such as the windshield-wiper campaign. Later 2021-2023 vehicles were also covered by a subsequent wiper recall addressing related concerns.

That does not mean every 2020, 2021, or 2022 Palisade is problematic.

It means we should check more carefully.

Recall History Matters More Than Internet Reputation

Before buying any used Palisade, we would run the VIN through the appropriate government recall database for the country in which the vehicle is registered.

This matters because recalls can span multiple years.

For example, later safety actions have covered broad groups of 2020-2025 Palisades for issues involving components such as seat-belt buckles and side-curtain airbags.

Therefore, buying a "better year" does not eliminate the need for a VIN-specific check.

What Should We Check Before Buying a Used Palisade?

The badge on the tailgate tells us what the vehicle is.

The service history tells us how it has lived.

Before committing to any used Hyundai Palisade, we would inspect:

• Recall completion: Confirm all VIN-specific safety recalls have been addressed.
• Maintenance records: Look for consistent oil changes and scheduled servicing.
• Transmission behavior: Test for smooth engagement and shifting during both cold and warm operation.
• Suspension noises: Drive across broken pavement and listen for clunks or rattles.
• Air-conditioning performance: Test front and rear climate zones thoroughly.
• Electronic equipment: Try cameras, infotainment, USB ports, power seats, liftgate, sensors, and driver-assistance systems.
• Seat-belt operation: Check every seating position rather than only the driver's belt.
• Tires: Uneven wear can hint at alignment or suspension concerns.
• AWD system: If equipped, verify that no drivetrain warnings appear.
• Accident history: A clean-looking SUV may still hide previous structural or water damage.
• Pre-purchase inspection: Have an independent technician examine the vehicle before money changes hands.

A ten-minute walk around the dealership lot is not a proper used-car inspection.

Hyundai Palisade Years and Reliability

Reliability discussions need context.

The first-generation Palisade uses a conventional naturally aspirated V6 rather than an unusually complicated performance-oriented drivetrain. That simplicity can be reassuring, but no modern three-row SUV is mechanically primitive.

There are computers controlling everything from the transmission to the tailgate.

The Palisade also contains a substantial amount of convenience technology, especially in Limited and Calligraphy versions.

More equipment means more things worth testing before purchase.

Early Versus Late First-Generation Models

When two vehicles have similar mileage and condition, we generally favor later first-generation examples.

Why?

Because 2023-2025 models combine the mature platform with the updated styling and cabin.

However, mileage can overturn that preference quickly.

A 2021 Calligraphy with 35,000 well-documented highway miles may be far more attractive than a 2024 that has already traveled 100,000 hard miles.

Never let the calendar overpower common sense.

Hyundai Palisade Years and Depreciation

Depreciation is where older Palisades become interesting.

The first owner typically absorbs the steepest portion of a new vehicle's value loss. As newer generations arrive, older designs often become cheaper even though their fundamental usefulness remains unchanged.

A 2022 Palisade does not suddenly lose its third row because a 2026 model has a prettier dashboard.

That's why shopping one generation behind can work beautifully for value-oriented buyers.

Does the 2026 Redesign Make Older Palisades Better Deals?

Potentially, yes.

Whenever a redesigned vehicle enters showrooms, some owners trade the outgoing version for the new one. That can increase used inventory and place downward pressure on older-model prices.

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The 2023-2025 Palisades may therefore become particularly interesting as second-generation inventory expands.

Which Palisade Year Is Best for Families?

Most Palisade years work well for family duty because that mission has always been central to the vehicle.

But our priorities should determine the year.

Parents seeking affordable transportation might prefer a 2021 or 2022.

Families wanting upgraded screens and styling should look strongly at 2023-2025.

Buyers interested in maximum modernity, more interior room, or hybrid availability should start with the redesigned 2026.

Seven Seats Versus Eight Seats

Don't assume every Palisade has identical seating.

Configurations vary by trim, with some versions using a second-row bench for eight-passenger capacity and others replacing it with captain's chairs for seven.

Captain's chairs make third-row access easier and give second-row passengers more personal space.

The bench provides an extra seat.

Neither arrangement is automatically superior.

A family with three young children might value eight seats. A household with two teenagers may happily sacrifice one seat for captain's chairs.

Should We Buy an Older Calligraphy or a Newer Lower Trim?

This is one of the most interesting Palisade buying dilemmas.

Suppose the budget gives us a choice between an older Calligraphy and a newer SE or SEL.

Which one wins?

The answer depends on what we value.

An older Calligraphy may offer ventilated seats, premium upholstery, larger displays, upgraded audio, advanced cameras, and more elaborate interior materials.

A newer lower trim gives us fewer years of use, potentially more remaining warranty coverage, and sometimes updated standard safety equipment.

Choose the Older Calligraphy If...

We prioritize comfort, luxury features, premium materials, and equipment per dollar.

Choose the Newer Lower Trim If...

We prioritize age, simplicity, newer manufacturing, and potentially lower long-term mileage.

There is no wrong answer here.

It's like choosing between a fully renovated older apartment and a smaller brand-new one. The better choice depends on what makes everyday life easier.

First Generation Versus Second Generation Palisade

Now we reach the biggest Hyundai Palisade years comparison of all.

Why Choose the 2020-2025 Palisade?

The original model offers several advantages:

It has been on the road long enough for buyers and technicians to understand it.

Used inventory is plentiful.

Depreciation has reduced purchase prices.

The 3.8-liter V6 and eight-speed automatic remained consistent across the generation.

Later versions still look modern.

Why Choose the 2026 Palisade?

The redesigned model gives us:

A larger body and wheelbase.

A more modern interior.

Updated styling.

Newer driver-assistance and convenience technology.

A revised gasoline powertrain.

Hybrid availability.

More serious XRT Pro capability.

The biggest disadvantage is obvious: price.

New technology smells wonderful, but depreciation eventually sends the bill.

What Is the Best Hyundai Palisade Year to Buy in 2026?

For the typical used buyer, we would start with 2023 and 2024.

Those years capture the significant first-generation facelift while allowing someone else to absorb part of the original depreciation.

If budget is tighter, 2022 deserves attention.

If we want the most polished version of the original platform and don't mind paying more, 2025 is compelling.

And if the goal is to own the newest, most advanced Palisade available rather than maximize used-car value, 2026 is the obvious destination.

The decision can therefore be simplified:

Value: 2022.

Used-car sweet spot: 2023-2024.

Best late first-generation choice: 2025.

Newest technology: 2026.

Final Thoughts on Hyundai Palisade Years

The history of the Hyundai Palisade is relatively short, but plenty changed between its 2020 debut and the second-generation 2026 model.

The earliest Palisades established the recipe: spacious interior, strong V6, attractive pricing, abundant technology, and near-premium comfort.

The 2021 model added the Calligraphy.

The 2022 refined the equipment list.

The 2023 facelift sharpened the SUV's appearance and modernized the cabin.

The 2024 and 2025 models polished that formula further.

Then the 2026 Palisade turned the page with an entirely new generation.

If we are shopping used, the 2023-2025 Palisade years arguably represent the most appealing territory because they combine the established first-generation mechanical platform with its newer design and technology. The 2022 can offer excellent value, while well-maintained 2020-2021 examples shouldn't automatically be dismissed simply because they are older.

The smartest purchase ultimately isn't the model year that receives the loudest praise online.

It's the Palisade with the right price, specifications, service history, mileage, recall status, and condition.

A vehicle year is the chapter heading. The individual vehicle's history is the actual story.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hyundai Palisade Years

1. What year did the Hyundai Palisade first come out?

The Hyundai Palisade debuted in North America for the 2020 model year. It replaced the Santa Fe XL as Hyundai's large three-row family SUV and introduced the basic formula that continued through the first generation: three-row seating, a 3.8-liter V6, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and available all-wheel drive.

2. What are the best Hyundai Palisade years to buy used?

The 2023, 2024, and 2025 Hyundai Palisade models are especially appealing used choices because they feature the refreshed first-generation styling and updated interior. The 2023-2024 models may offer an especially attractive balance between age, equipment, and depreciation, while the 2025 is the final and most mature model year of the first generation.

3. What Hyundai Palisade years should we be careful buying?

We would inspect 2020 and 2021 models particularly carefully because they are the earliest production years, but we would not automatically avoid them. Check maintenance history, accident records, mileage, and VIN-specific recall completion. Recalls have also affected later first-generation Palisades, which is why the individual VIN matters more than blanket model-year labels.

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4. What year did the Hyundai Palisade change body styles?

The Palisade underwent a significant facelift for 2023, but that was not an entirely new generation. The full body-style and generation change occurred for 2026, when Hyundai launched the second-generation Palisade with a longer wheelbase, larger dimensions, redesigned interior, updated styling, and new powertrain choices.

5. Is the 2026 Hyundai Palisade better than earlier years?

The 2026 Palisade is more advanced, but "better" depends on our priorities. It offers the newest styling, technology, additional interior space, and hybrid availability. However, 2023-2025 first-generation models can provide better used-car value and have the advantage of a well-established platform. Buyers focused on technology may prefer the 2026, while value-conscious shoppers should compare late first-generation models.

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