21 MPG combined won’t win the 2020 Hyundai Palisade AWD any fuel economy awards, but it’s an acceptable number for what it is: a comfortable, spacious, and well-equipped family hauler designed to tackle school drop-offs, weekend soccer tournaments, and long road trips without breaking the bank. Palisade buyers prioritize practicality and value, and while they might appreciate better fuel efficiency, they’re ultimately trading a few MPG for the space and capability this large SUV provides.

City and highway performance

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade AWD earns an EPA-estimated 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects the realities of stop-and-go traffic, where the Palisade’s weight and 3.8L V6 engine work a bit harder. The highway figure is more achievable during steady-state cruising. These are estimates, and individual driving habits will significantly impact the actual MPG you experience. A heavier foot will result in lower numbers, while a more gentle approach can yield results closer to, or even slightly exceeding, the EPA’s ratings.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Hyundai Palisade AWD at $2,100. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and assumes the use of regular unleaded gasoline at the national average price. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on how much you drive, where you drive, and the price of gas in your area. $2,100 provides a reasonable benchmark for budgeting. Buyers should also remember that this covers only the cost of fuel; regular maintenance, insurance, and other ownership expenses will add to the overall cost of running this vehicle.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates are useful guidelines, but owner experiences suggest that real-world MPG can vary. Many drivers report averaging around 17-18 MPG in mixed driving conditions, while highway-focused trips can push that number closer to the EPA’s 24 MPG rating. Payload also has an impact. Loading the Palisade up with passengers and cargo will drop the fuel economy compared to driving it empty. The All-Wheel Drive system itself contributes to slightly lower MPG compared to the front-wheel drive version because it requires additional energy to operate.

How it compares

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade’s fuel economy is competitive within its class. The Kia Telluride, which shares its platform and powertrain with the Palisade, posts similar numbers. The Honda Pilot, another popular three-row SUV, achieves around 20 MPG combined in AWD guise. The Toyota Highlander, while offering a hybrid variant with significantly better MPG, gets around 21 MPG combined with its V6 engine and AWD. A Ford Explorer with the base 2.3L EcoBoost engine is rated at 23 MPG combined, but opting for the more powerful 3.0L EcoBoost drops that number considerably. For buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency, the Highlander Hybrid is the standout choice, but at a premium price. Even when strictly considering non-hybrid, all-wheel drive rivals, the PALISADE MPG across all years is acceptable.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The Palisade is a large vehicle, and sudden bursts of speed or hard braking require more energy. Gently easing into the throttle and anticipating traffic conditions will help you conserve fuel. Think of it as driving smoothly, not slowly; maintaining momentum is key.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and negatively impacting fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. A simple tire pressure gauge is a worthwhile investment.

Minimize idling time. Letting the engine idle for extended periods consumes fuel without moving the vehicle. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, so you won’t damage anything by doing so.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed on the highway can improve fuel economy. Cruise control helps regulate throttle inputs, preventing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. Resist the urge to constantly speed up and slow down; smooth, consistent speed is most efficient.

Maintain your vehicle. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and air filter replacements, can help keep your engine running efficiently. A clean engine and properly functioning systems consume less fuel. Refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended maintenance schedule for all Hyundai fuel economy data.