At first glance, much seems the same in this Pathfinder vs Palisade comparison. Both family SUVs offer comfortable seating for a big family and a suite of modern features. But when you take a closer look, the Hyundai Palisade emerges as the more refined and well-rounded choice.

Here’s what you should know, whether you are casually browsing or seriously shopping for a new 3-row SUV for your family.  

A Premium Experience in the Palisade

In the Palisade 3-row SUV, you'll be greeted by an interior that exudes quality and sophistication. Soft-touch materials and thoughtful design elements create a truly premium experience. In contrast, the Pathfinder's cabin feels more mainstream, with a greater reliance on hard plastics and a less inspiring design.

The Palisade's commitment to comfort extends to its spacious second-row seats, which offer generous legroom and a relaxing experience for passengers of all sizes. The Pathfinder's second row, while adequate, doesn't match the Palisade's level of comfort or spaciousness. There’s a difference of 7 inches of 2nd-row legroom.  

Equally important, there’s a difference of 3 inches of 3rd row legroom, making the Palisade a much better choice for growing families.  

Performance and Drivability

Under the hood, both SUVs pack a 3.5L V6 engine, but the Palisade's powertrain delivers a more refined and responsive performance. With 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, the Palisade provides ample power for merging, passing, and tackling hills with ease. Its 8-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and seamlessly, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The Pathfinder offers slightly less horsepower and slightly less torque. Plus its 9-speed automatic transmission can feel a bit hesitant at times. Some reviewers have also noted that the Pathfinder's engine can feel strained under heavy loads.  

In terms of ride quality, the Palisade takes the lead once again. Its suspension soaks up bumps and dips with ease, providing a smooth and comfortable ride for all passengers. The Pathfinder, on the other hand, can feel a bit more truck-like, especially on rough roads.  

Room for the Whole Family (and their Gear)

When it comes to hauling passengers and cargo, both the Palisade and Pathfinder offer plenty of space. However, the Palisade holds a slight advantage in passenger volume and second-row legroom. Behind the third row, the Palisade provides 18 cubic feet of cargo space, compared to 16.6 cubic feet in the Pathfinder.

The Palisade also boasts a clever hidden storage compartment under the cargo floor, perfect for stashing valuables or keeping things organized. Whether you're packing for a family road trip or hauling groceries, the Palisade offers the versatility you need.  

You can find out about SUV loans and leases with Earnhardt Hyundai financing offers.  

Technology and Safety: Staying Connected and Protected

Both the Palisade and Pathfinder offer a comprehensive suite of technology and safety features to enhance your driving experience. Standard features in both models include touchscreen infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and multiple USB ports.

However, the Palisade pulls ahead with its available advanced technology features. The Palisade offers an impressive 12.3-inch touchscreen display, a head-up display that projects vital information onto the windshield, and a surround-view monitor that provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle's surroundings. These features enhance convenience, safety, and the overall driving experience.  

In terms of safety, both SUVs come standard with a wide array of driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Palisade stands out with its available Blind-View Monitor, which displays a live video feed of the vehicle's blind spots in the instrument cluster. This innovative feature enhances safety and provides added peace of mind on the road.  

The Verdict: Palisade Takes the Crown

While both the Hyundai Palisade and Nissan Pathfinder are capable three-row SUVs, the Palisade ultimately delivers a more refined, comfortable, and feature-rich experience. From its premium interior and smooth ride to its advanced technology and spacious cabin, the Palisade excels in nearly every category.

Ready to experience the Hyundai Palisade for yourself? Visit our dealership today for a test drive and discover why this exceptional SUV is setting a new standard in its class!

Schedule a test drive today.