21 MPG combined for the 2025 Hyundai Palisade AWD 3.8L 6-cyl places it squarely in the middle of the large, family-oriented three-row SUV segment. This figure represents a sensible compromise between capability, comfort, and operating cost for its target buyer. This isn’t a vehicle striving for class-leading efficiency, nor is it a gas-guzzler of old. It’s a spacious, well-appointed hauler designed for daily family duties and long-distance road trips; its fuel economy reflects its mission as a dependable workhorse that doesn’t demand constant stops at the pump.

City and highway performance

The Palisade’s 19 MPG in city driving is a realistic expectation for a vehicle of its size, equipment, and a 3.8L V6 engine with all-wheel drive. Stop-and-go traffic, frequent acceleration from lights, and low-speed maneuvering inherently punish larger vehicles, and the Palisade is no exception. However, 19 MPG is by no means an outlier; it’s a competitive figure that aligns with many of its direct rivals. On the highway, the Palisade performs well, achieving 24 MPG. This indicates the 8-speed automatic transmission is adept at finding the right gear for cruising efficiency, allowing the V6 to settle into its sweet spot. For families embarking on multi-state vacations, the highway figure is particularly relevant, promising fewer interruptions for refueling and more uninterrupted miles.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA’s estimated annual fuel cost for the 2025 Hyundai Palisade AWD 3.8L 6-cyl is $2,100 per year. This figure is derived by assuming 15,000 miles of driving per year, with 45% of those miles in city conditions and 55% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. It serves as a useful benchmark for budgeting and understanding the ongoing operational expenses of owning this vehicle. While individual driving habits and local fuel prices will cause actual costs to vary, the $2,100 estimate provides a solid financial anchor for prospective buyers. For detailed data on this model and other Hyundai vehicles, check out all Hyundai fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

In real-world driving scenarios, owners of the 2025 Palisade AWD 3.8L 6-cyl will likely find the EPA estimates to be quite achievable. Drivers who prioritize gentle acceleration and anticipate traffic will regularly hit or even slightly exceed the posted MPG figures. Conversely, those with a heavy right foot, who frequently carry a full complement of passengers and cargo, or who regularly navigate steep inclines, will see their mileage dip closer to the lower end of the range. The 3.8L V6 is a proven, naturally aspirated engine, meaning its performance and efficiency are less subject to the dramatic swings seen in some turbocharged counterparts depending on driving style. For a deeper dive into the Palisade’s performance over its model history, explore PALISADE MPG across all years.

How it compares

The Palisade’s 21 MPG combined positions it well within its fiercely competitive segment. Consider its primary rivals: the Honda Pilot is often found with a 3.5L V6, and in AWD configurations, typically delivers 19 MPG city, 25 MPG highway, and 21 MPG combined. The Toyota Grand Highlander with its standard 2.4L turbo, in AWD, clocks in around 20 MPG city, 26 MPG highway, and 22 MPG combined. The Subaru Ascent, exclusively AWD, with its 2.4L turbo engine, typically gets 19 MPG city, 25 MPG highway, and 21 MPG combined. Each of these vehicles offers a similar power output and passenger capacity. The Palisade’s fuel economy is directly competitive with these mainstays, offering a virtually identical fuel efficiency profile to the Pilot and Ascent, and only slightly trailing the Grand Highlander’s conventional powertrain. The buyer of a Palisade prioritizes its refined interior, strong warranty, and distinctive styling as much as its fuel efficiency. This makes the 21 MPG a perfectly acceptable figure given its overall package.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Maintaining proper tire inflation is important for any vehicle, but particularly for a three-row SUV like the Palisade. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the 3.8L V6 to work harder to maintain speed, directly impacting your highway and city MPG figures. Check your tire pressures monthly, ensuring they meet the manufacturer’s recommended specifications, usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s door jamb.

For Palisade owners, mastering smooth acceleration and braking techniques can significantly improve real-world fuel economy. The 3.8L V6 has ample power, but rapid starts and sudden stops waste fuel. Practice gently accelerating from a standstill and anticipate traffic conditions to avoid unnecessary braking, allowing the vehicle to coast to a stop when possible, thereby reducing fuel consumption in urban environments.

The Palisade’s 8-speed automatic transmission is designed for efficiency, but it still benefits from careful driving. Use cruise control on highway stretches to maintain a consistent speed, allowing the transmission to stay in its most efficient gear for extended periods. This prevents speed fluctuations that cause the engine to exert more energy, directly contributing to the 24 MPG highway rating.

Minimizing excess weight and aerodynamic drag plays a role, especially for those venturing on road trips. Remove roof racks, cargo carriers, or any unnecessary items from the vehicle when they are not in use. Even small changes in weight and aerodynamic profile can cumulatively affect the Palisade’s fuel efficiency, making a measurable difference over hundreds of miles.