21 MPG combined is what you can expect from the 2023 Hyundai Palisade AWD 3.8L 6-cyl, a family hauler that focuses on space, comfort, and available all-weather capability rather than the best fuel economy in its class. This isn’t a small crossover pretending to be a three-row SUV; the Palisade is a genuinely roomy vehicle, and its gas mileage should be considered with that in mind.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Palisade gets 19 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city number is largely a result of stop-and-go traffic and the engine needing to move the car’s weight from a standstill. The highway number, though, shows how relaxed the Palisade is when cruising. The smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission (S8) helps keep the engine at its most efficient on the highway, which helps it achieve that 25 MPG rating. Drivers who often take long highway trips will probably see numbers close to this estimate, while those who mainly drive in cities will likely be closer to the 19 MPG.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Hyundai Palisade AWD 3.8L 6-cyl will be $2,100. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Remember this is just an estimate, your actual fuel costs will change based on your driving habits, the type of driving you do, and the price of gasoline where you live. Someone who drives much less than 15,000 miles a year will definitely spend less, and someone who only makes short trips in the city will spend more. However, the $2,100 provides a standard to compare this car to its competitors.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standardized test, but real-world fuel economy can be different. Owners report a wide range of numbers, but driving style has a big impact. Driving fast, braking hard often, and idling for a long time will lower fuel economy a lot. Drivers who are smoother and more careful can often meet or even do a little better than the EPA estimates. The weight you carry also affects fuel economy; always carrying a full load of people and stuff will certainly reduce your MPG.

How it compares

The Palisade is in a very competitive class. The Toyota Highlander, with its V6, gets about 24 MPG combined in AWD. The Honda Pilot, another popular choice, gets similar numbers, usually around 22 MPG combined with AWD. The Ford Explorer, especially with its turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine in rear-wheel drive, can sometimes get slightly better mileage than the Palisade. But, when it has its V6 and AWD, its fuel economy is also around 21 MPG, very similar to the Palisade. These comparisons are important to someone considering the Palisade. They are often families or people who need a lot of space, but they also know what it’s like to own a large SUV. They might not be looking for the best gas mileage, but are making a practical choice, balancing what they need with what they think is an acceptable cost. You can find all Hyundai fuel economy data here, to help you decide.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerating gently is important for getting good gas mileage in the Palisade. The 3.8L V6 has a lot of power, but using it carefully will reduce fuel consumption. Don’t push the gas pedal all the way down unless you really need to.

Watch the traffic and keep a steady speed when you can.

Regular maintenance is also important. Make sure the tires have the right amount of air, as this makes it easier for the car to roll. Keep up with oil changes and air filter replacements. A well-maintained engine runs better.

Don’t idle the engine. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn it off. Modern cars are made to restart fast, and avoiding idling can save a lot of gas. This is especially true in areas where idling in school pick-up lines is common.

Don’t carry extra weight. The Palisade is already a big vehicle, so don’t weigh it down with things you don’t need. Take out anything from the trunk or roof rack that you don’t use often. Every pound adds up and affects gas mileage.

Use cruise control on the highway to keep a consistent speed and avoid speeding up and slowing down for no reason. This works best on flat roads. But, be careful of changing traffic and adjust your speed as needed. Compare the PALISADE MPG across all years to make sure you’re buying the most fuel-efficient model year.