2020 Hyundai Palisade SL — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
SUV

2020 Hyundai Palisade SL

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $42,614–$49,987
Fuel Economy 19 MPG
Seating 8 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,763/yr

Key Specifications — 2020 Hyundai Palisade SL

Seating Capacity8 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$42,614–$49,987

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

About the 2020 Hyundai Palisade SL

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade SL is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 8.0/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.8/10, while Performance 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. Reliability stands out at 8.5/10. The Palisade SL nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. On safety, it scores 8.8/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

With 7.4/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. At 7.5/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.

Priced from $42,614–$49,987, 19 MPG, seating 8, the Hyundai Palisade SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. At 7.7/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. 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.

Verdict: Nothing about the 2020 Hyundai Palisade SL will scare a sensible buyer off. It scores consistently across the board, and it does what a good suv should — quietly and competently.

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 SL 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 $42,614 starting price is about 18% above the segment's median of $36,079.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $50k →

Which Palisade SL Year Should You Buy?

Across the Palisade SL 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$49,877 Read review →
2024 8.2/10$48,425 Read review →
2023 8.1/10$46,971 Read review →
2022 8.1/10$45,519 Read review →
2021 8.0/10$44,066 Read review →
2020 (this review) 8.0/10$42,614

Pros & Cons — 2020 Hyundai Palisade SL

✓ 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
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
  • 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
  • Fuel economy at 19 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

Common Questions — 2020 Hyundai Palisade SL

Is the 2020 Hyundai Palisade SL reliable?

We rate the 2020 Hyundai Palisade SL's reliability 8.5/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.

Is the 2020 Hyundai Palisade SL worth buying?

It scores 8.0/10 overall, ranking #180 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 93% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.

How much does the 2020 Hyundai Palisade SL cost?

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade SL starts at $42,614 and ranges up to $49,987 across trims (MSRP when new). At 19 MPG, expect roughly $2,763/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Owner Essentials — Hyundai Palisade SL

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

Get the Monthly Reliability Report

Once a month: which brands moved up or down our reliability rankings, new recalls worth knowing, and the smartest-money model years. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

More Hyundai Reviews

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