Okay, so I’ve been driving a lot lately, like, a LOT a lot. And I’ve got a big family, so I really needed to figure out which Hyundai SUV was gonna be the best fit for us, especially when it comes to third-row seating. I did some digging and driving, and here’s what I’ve found out.

First off, I checked out the Hyundai PALISADE. This thing is HUGE. I mean, seriously spacious. I took my whole family for a test drive, and all of the kids fit comfortably, even in that back row. And you can get it with seating for 8. The ride was super smooth, too. But then I was thinking, do we really need something THAT big? Maybe not all the time.
Driving Experience with PALISADE
- Test Drive: Went to the local dealership and took it for a spin.
- Seating: Easily fit everyone in, even the teenagers in the third row.
- Ride Quality: Super smooth, felt like a luxury car almost.
- Power: 291 hp engine, felt pretty powerful when accelerating.
- Fuel Efficiency: They showed me some good numbers, I was pleasantly surprised.
So, then I looked at the Hyundai SANTA FE. It’s a bit smaller than the PALISADE, but it still has that third row, which is cool. It’s probably better for, like, when you only need the extra seats sometimes, you know? I drove this one too, and it was also a nice ride. Not as roomy, of course, but still pretty good. It felt more like an everyday kind of SUV.
Driving Experience with SANTA FE
- Test Drive: Also went to the dealership to try this one out.
- Seating: Third row was a bit tighter, but still usable.
- Ride Quality: Comfortable, but not as luxurious as the PALISADE.
- Size: Definitely felt smaller and easier to maneuver.
- Fuel Efficiency: Pretty decent, they told me.
I also heard about this other one called the Hyundai ALCAZAR. It seems to be their more luxury option, with all the bells and whistles. Seating for six or seven. Didn’t get a chance to drive it, but it looks fancy. Could be a good option if you’re into that kind of thing.
Exploring ALCAZAR
- Research: Looked it up online, saw some pictures and specs.
- Luxury: Seemed to have a lot of premium features, nice interior.
- Seating: Not as many seats as the PALISADE, but still a third-row option.
And of course, they keep talking about the Hyundai Tucson as their best-selling SUV. I guess it’s popular, but there’s no third row, so it wasn’t really what I was looking for.
After all this, I’m leaning towards the PALISADE. It’s just so roomy and comfortable, and with the big family, that’s what I need. It’s like, why cram everyone in when you can have space to breathe, right? Anyway, that’s my little adventure with Hyundai’s third-row SUVs. Hope this helps anyone else out there who’s trying to make the same decision!
At last, I finally bought a used 2023 Hyundai Palisade, it’s really cool and comfortable. Everyone can sit inside with happiness!