Hyundai Palisade Fuel Efficiency and Tank Capacity: A Comprehensive Guide
The Hyundai Palisade is a popular large SUV known for its spacious interior, luxurious features, and capable performance. For many potential buyers, fuel efficiency and range are important considerations when choosing a vehicle of this size. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the fuel tank capacity, fuel economy ratings, and real-world efficiency of the Hyundai Palisade across its various configurations and model years.
Fuel Tank Capacity
All Hyundai Palisade models, regardless of engine or drivetrain configuration, come equipped with a 71-liter (18.8-gallon) fuel tank. This generous fuel capacity helps provide a good driving range between fill-ups, which is especially important for a large family SUV that may be used for road trips and long-distance travel.
Engine Options and Fuel Types
The Hyundai Palisade is offered with two engine options, depending on the market:
- 3.8L V6 gasoline engine (standard in North America)
- 2.2L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine (available in some international markets)
The gasoline V6 engine requires a minimum of 91 RON regular unleaded fuel. The diesel engine, where available, uses diesel fuel.
Fuel Efficiency Ratings
Let’s examine the official fuel economy ratings for the Hyundai Palisade across its various configurations:
2024 Hyundai Palisade (North American Specifications)
| Configuration | City (mpg) | Highway (mpg) | Combined (mpg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L V6 FWD | 19 | 26 | 22 |
| 3.8L V6 AWD | 19 | 24 | 21 |
These EPA ratings translate to the following in kilometers per liter (km/L):
| Configuration | City (km/L) | Highway (km/L) | Combined (km/L) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L V6 FWD | 8.1 | 11.1 | 9.4 |
| 3.8L V6 AWD | 8.1 | 10.2 | 8.9 |
International Markets (Diesel Engine)
In markets where the 2.2L diesel engine is available, fuel efficiency ratings are generally better:
| Configuration | Combined (L/100km) | Combined (km/L) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.2L Diesel AWD | 7.3 | 13.7 |
Real-World Fuel Efficiency
While official fuel economy ratings provide a standardized comparison, real-world efficiency can vary based on driving conditions, habits, and other factors. Here’s what some independent tests and owner reports have found:
Highway Efficiency Test
Car and Driver magazine conducted a 200-mile highway fuel economy test with an all-wheel-drive Palisade SEL model. They achieved 23 mpg (9.8 km/L), which is slightly below the EPA highway rating of 24 mpg for AWD models.
Owner-Reported Efficiency
Fuelly.com, a website where owners can track their vehicle’s fuel economy, shows the following averages for the Hyundai Palisade (as of September 2024):
- 2020-2024 models (combined): 20.1 mpg (8.6 km/L)
- AWD models: 19.7 mpg (8.4 km/L)
- FWD models: 20.8 mpg (8.8 km/L)
These real-world figures are slightly lower than the EPA estimates, which is common for large SUVs, especially when used in mixed driving conditions.
Factors Affecting Fuel Efficiency
Several factors can impact the fuel efficiency of the Hyundai Palisade:
Drivetrain
As seen in the official ratings, all-wheel-drive models typically consume slightly more fuel than their front-wheel-drive counterparts. This is due to the additional weight and mechanical complexity of the AWD system.
Driving Conditions
City driving with frequent stops and starts will generally result in lower fuel efficiency compared to steady highway cruising. Traffic congestion, hilly terrain, and extreme temperatures can also negatively impact fuel economy.
Driving Habits
Aggressive acceleration, high-speed driving, and frequent use of climate control can all reduce fuel efficiency. Conversely, smooth acceleration, maintaining steady speeds, and using cruise control on highways can help maximize efficiency.
Vehicle Load
The Palisade is a large SUV capable of carrying up to eight passengers and their cargo. Heavier loads will increase fuel consumption, especially in stop-and-go traffic or hilly areas.
Maintenance
Proper vehicle maintenance, including regular oil changes, tire rotations, and keeping tires properly inflated, can help maintain optimal fuel efficiency.
Fuel Efficiency Features
The Hyundai Palisade incorporates several features to help improve fuel efficiency:
Idle Stop and Go (ISG)
This system automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop (e.g., at traffic lights) and restarts it when the brake pedal is released. This helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions in urban driving conditions.
Drive Mode Select
The Palisade offers multiple drive modes, including an Eco mode that adjusts throttle response and transmission shift points to prioritize fuel efficiency.
Aerodynamic Design
Despite its large size, the Palisade features aerodynamic elements like a sculpted body and underbody covers to reduce drag and improve efficiency at highway speeds.
Driving Range
Given the Palisade’s 71-liter (18.8-gallon) fuel tank, we can estimate the theoretical driving range based on the EPA combined fuel economy ratings:
| Configuration | Combined MPG | Estimated Range (miles) | Estimated Range (km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L V6 FWD | 22 | 414 | 666 |
| 3.8L V6 AWD | 21 | 395 | 636 |
For the diesel model (where available), using the 13.7 km/L combined rating, the estimated range would be approximately 973 km (604 miles).
It’s important to note that these are theoretical maximum ranges. In real-world driving, it’s advisable to refuel well before the tank is completely empty.
Comparison to Competitors
To put the Hyundai Palisade’s fuel efficiency into perspective, let’s compare it to some of its main competitors in the large SUV segment:
| Model | Engine | Drivetrain | Combined MPG | Combined km/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Palisade | 3.8L V6 | FWD | 22 | 9.4 |
| Kia Telluride | 3.8L V6 | FWD | 23 | 9.8 |
| Honda Pilot | 3.5L V6 | FWD | 22 | 9.4 |
| Toyota Highlander | 2.4L Turbo I4 | FWD | 25 | 10.6 |
| Ford Explorer | 2.3L Turbo I4 | RWD | 24 | 10.2 |
As we can see, the Hyundai Palisade’s fuel efficiency is competitive within its class, especially considering its powerful V6 engine and spacious interior.
Tips for Maximizing Fuel Efficiency
If you’re looking to get the most out of every tank of fuel in your Hyundai Palisade, consider these tips:
- Use the Eco drive mode for everyday driving
- Accelerate gently and maintain steady speeds
- Use cruise control on highways when conditions allow
- Avoid excessive idling
- Keep tires properly inflated
- Remove unnecessary weight from the vehicle
- Plan trips to combine multiple errands
- Use the Idle Stop and Go feature in city driving
- Perform regular maintenance as recommended by Hyundai
The Hyundai Palisade offers competitive fuel efficiency for its class, with EPA-estimated ratings of up to 22 mpg (9.4 km/L) combined for front-wheel-drive models. Its 71-liter (18.8-gallon) fuel tank provides a good driving range, making it suitable for both daily commutes and longer road trips.