2020 Hyundai Palisade S — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2020 Hyundai Palisade S

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $37,697–$44,219
Fuel Economy 19 MPG
Seating 8 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,763/yr

Key Specifications — 2020 Hyundai Palisade S

Seating Capacity8 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$37,697–$44,219

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2020 Hyundai Palisade S

Our scoring places the 2020 Hyundai Palisade S at 8.0/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.8/10, while Technology at 7.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 8.5/10, reliability is one of this suv's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The 8.8/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.

Performance scores 7.4/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.4/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.

Priced from $37,697–$44,219, 19 MPG, seating 8, the Hyundai Palisade S sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 7.9/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Our take: The 2020 Hyundai Palisade S is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade S ranks #180 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 93% of the segment. Its 8.0/10 overall score is 0.6 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $37,697 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $36,079.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which Palisade S Year Should You Buy?

Across the Palisade S model years we've scored, the 2020 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 8.1/10$44,122 Read review →
2024 8.2/10$42,837 Read review →
2023 8.1/10$41,551 Read review →
2022 8.1/10$40,267 Read review →
2021 8.0/10$38,981 Read review →
2020 (this review) 8.0/10$37,697

Pros & Cons — 2020 Hyundai Palisade S

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Fuel economy at 19 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

More Hyundai Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Hyundai models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.