22 MPG combined is the headline for the 2025 Hyundai Palisade FWD 3.8L V6. This figure places it within expectations for a large, comfortable three-row family hauler emphasizing value and refinement. This isn’t a vehicle chasing hybrid numbers, nor does it attempt to disguise its substantial size with a small engine. Instead, it offers a proven powertrain designed for quiet operation and accessible power, attributes its core buyers prioritize.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates the 2025 Palisade FWD at 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. While these numbers might not impress everyone, they represent a practical reality for the families and suburban commuters who choose this SUV. City driving, with its frequent stops and starts, taxes any large naturally aspirated V6, and 19 MPG is a respectable showing. It’s enough for daily school runs, grocery trips, and stop-and-go commutes without causing range anxiety. The 26 MPG highway figure is where the Palisade performs well for its intended purpose. Long road trips with a full complement of passengers and cargo are what this vehicle is made for, and a mid-20s highway rating means fewer stops at the pump. This allows families to travel long distances between refills. The Palisade’s smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission helps here, by carefully selecting the optimal gear to keep revs low and efficiency high when cruising. This combination of engine and transmission is engineered for durability and predictable performance.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2025 Hyundai Palisade FWD at $2,000. This is important information for prospective owners, giving a clear, tangible projection of running costs beyond the purchase price. This $2,000 figure is based on an assumption of 15,000 miles driven per year, split between city and highway driving, using readily available national average fuel prices. For a household managing a budget, this provides a transparent expectation. It confirms that while the Palisade isn’t a hyper-miler, its fuel expenses are manageable for a vehicle of its size and capability. Owners understand that hauling seven or eight people in comfort, with ample cargo space, requires a certain level of fuel consumption, and $2,000 annually is often deemed a fair trade-off for the utility and experience the Palisade delivers. This is not surprising for anyone in the market for a full-size, non-hybrid three-row SUV.

Real-world expectations

Experienced Palisade owners will agree that these EPA figures are largely achievable, provided driving habits are reasonable. The 2025 Palisade, like its predecessors, rarely surprises with wildly fluctuating MPG figures; it’s a consistent performer. Drivers who spend a significant amount of time in heavy urban congestion might see closer to 18 MPG, particularly if they drive aggressively. Conversely, those with predominantly highway commutes or who frequently embark on long, steady-state road trips will find 26 MPG a realistic target, sometimes even exceeding it slightly under ideal conditions. Palisade buyers have a pragmatic approach. They know they need space, safety, and a comfortable ride. The 3.8L V6 provides ample power for merging onto freeways or passing slower traffic, even when fully loaded, without feeling strained. Occasional spirited acceleration might dip efficiency, but the Palisade encourages a more relaxed, confident driving style, which naturally promotes closer adherence to the EPA’s numbers. The absence of a turbocharger means a predictable power delivery and fewer variables affecting fuel consumption compared to some smaller, boosted engines.

How it compares

The 2025 Palisade FWD’s 22 MPG combined rating positions it competitively within its segment, especially when considering its value and standard equipment. Let’s look at some key rivals. The Honda Pilot, for example, equipped with its 3.5L V6 and 10-speed automatic, manages an identical 22 MPG combined (19 city/27 highway) in its FWD configurations. This parity shows that the Palisade is keeping pace with a segment benchmark. The Kia Telluride, mechanically similar to the Palisade with the same powertrain, naturally mirrors these figures. The front-wheel-drive Toyota Highlander with its 2.4L turbo-four achieves a slightly better 25 MPG combined (22 city/29 highway). However, that Highlander often starts at a higher price for comparable features and some buyers might prefer the linear power delivery of the Palisade’s V6 over a smaller, forced-induction engine in a vehicle of this size. On the more premium end, a base FWD Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo delivers 24 MPG combined (20 city/28 highway). The Palisade buyer typically prioritizes overall value, a spacious and well-appointed interior, and the peace of mind of a reliable V6. They acknowledge that a kilowatt-hour of electricity or a complex hybrid system might yield better numbers, but they’re not willing to stomach the higher purchase price or potential long-term maintenance complexities often associated with those technologies in a three-row SUV. For all Hyundai fuel economy data, you can see how the brand balances performance and efficiency across its lineup. For more specific details on this model, all the PALISADE MPG across all years is available here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Maintaining consistent tire pressure is fundamental for any vehicle, but particularly so for a larger SUV like the Palisade. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and directly impacting your 19 city/26 highway MPG figures; check them monthly.

For Palisade owners, observing the posted speed limits on the highway and avoiding rapid acceleration will yield tangible fuel savings. The naturally aspirated 3.8L V6 is designed for smooth, predictable power delivery, and aggressive driving directly counteracts its efficiency goals.

Regular maintenance, especially timely oil changes and air filter replacements, ensures the 3.8L V6 can breathe and operate at peak efficiency. A clogged air filter or old oil forces the engine to burn more fuel to generate the same power.

Using cruise control on flat, open highway stretches is a simple yet effective way to maintain a steady speed and optimize the 26 MPG highway rating. The Palisade’s adaptive cruise control is particularly adept at this, smoothly adjusting to traffic flow.

When planning road trips, pack efficiently and avoid carrying unnecessary weight. The Palisade has generous cargo capacity, but every extra pound increases the energy required to move the vehicle, incrementally reducing your overall fuel economy.