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2025 Car Mileage with the Best Gas MileageTop Alternatives to the Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is an outstanding SUV but when you have to look for alternatives this is the list for you with several other excellent options.
These alternatives are worthy of consideration.
Since its introduction in 2018, the Hyundai Palisade has set a new high bar in the crowded SUV market. It’s won awards from organizations like the IIHS, the NHTSA, and J.D. Power. Very few other vehicles can boast that sort of record in such a short span of time. Ultimately though, the Palisade may not be an option for you, or maybe you would like to shop for some comparable vehicles. Here are seven of the best alternatives on the market today.
Hyundai Santa Fe
The easiest alternative to find remains in the Hyundai family. It’s the all-new Santa Fe and it also boasts three rows and a 277 hp engine. Front-wheel drive is standard, but AWD is available just like in the Palisade. The technology package is outstanding too with a pair of 12.3-inch screens. One does duty as the infotainment system and the other as the gauge cluster. They’re full of features, quick to respond, and easy to use.
Those who like the upscale cabin of the Palisade will love the Santa Fe too. It’s very high class and elegantly simple. The seats, door cards, and center console all feel as though they should be in a vehicle that costs much more than the Santa Fe. Finally, it comes with the same 10-year powertrain warranty, five-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, and three years of free maintenance that the Palisade does.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
For those who know that they’ll go off-road regularly, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is worthy of consideration. It comes as a two-row or three-row SUV too which means that buyers can get what they specifically want. In addition, it’s available with one of the most luxurious interiors this side of something from a true luxury brand. Buyers can even add a front passenger infotainment system and a magnificent 19-speaker McIntosh sound system should they so choose.
Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning are all standard too. The Grand Cherokee comes with a 293 hp V6 and rear-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive is, of course, available as is a hybrid drivetrain that achieves up to 23 mpg combined with 26 miles of all-electric range. On top of all these positives, the Grand Cherokee scored five stars in crash tests with the NHTSA.
Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is sort of the dark horse here. It’s probably the least advanced in this group but it still has some features that make it stand out in our eyes. First, the Pilot does not offer a hybrid powertrain. While that means it’ll get worse fuel economy than some rivals it’ll also be more likely to be problem-free. Second, the standard 3.5-liter V6 and 10-speed automatic is a simple and dutiful combination that offers linear performance. The Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds. It also has a super straightforward interior that Honda fans love.
Kia Carnival
Sure, this might be a minivan but frankly, it’s more practical than every other car on this list by some margin. First, it’s incredibly luxurious in the mid and upper trim levels. Second, it’s available with either a 242 hp hybrid engine or a 287 hp gas-only engine. The hybrid has a target mpg of 32 combined and the gas-only engine gets 22 mpg combined.
Those figures are as good or better than several SUVs and finally, the Carnival has more of what most people actually want, namely, space. The cabin is huge and fits six or more people without issue. The trunk offers 40 cubic feet of cargo space. Again, nothing here comes close. Many automakers sell cars based on what you can do, the Kia Carnival offers the features for what most people will do.
Mazda CX-90
If a good driving experience is high on your list, then the Mazda CX-90 is really the only choice here. It’s the sharpest from behind the wheel and still covers the important bases of comfort, luxury, and technology. It uses a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.3-liter engine to make 280 or 340 horsepower depending on the trim. A hybrid with 323 horsepower and 26 miles of all-electric range is also available. The mild hybrid gets up to 24 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway which is great considering just how fun this SUV is to drive.
Toyota Grand Highlander
The new Grand Highlander runs on the same updated 2.4-liter drivetrain that many other new Toyota models use. It’s good for 265 horsepower in non-hybrid guise or 362 horsepower when paired with a small battery and electric motor. Both do well in the Grand Highlander which also boasts a spacious third row, an upscale interior, and the option to get a bench or captain’s chairs in the second row. Toyota also offers two years or 25,000 miles of free maintenance.
Kia Telluride
No list of Palisade alternatives could be complete without the Kia Telluride. In fact, it’s by far the closest to the Hyundai since it shares the same platform and drivetrain. Think of it as the slightly sportier version of the Palisade though as it gets more aggressive styling and better feedback from the steering wheel. It comes with three rows of seats, a pair of 12.3-inch screens, onboard Wi-Fi, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. A 10-speaker sound system, a 110-volt household-style power outlet, and a wireless charger are also on the menu for those who want them.
