Overview
The 2025 Kia Palisade brings subtle design updates and meaningful improvements where they count — refinement, comfort, and tech. With a refreshed exterior, new hybrid powertrain, and an interior that rivals premium SUVs, Kia’s flagship three-row delivers big value with little compromise.
From the entry EX to the top Calligraphy Night Edition, the Palisade lineup offers something for every family — and the hybrid system now makes it both powerful and efficient.
Design and Styling
Kia has leaned into bold geometry for 2025. The new Palisade looks more squared-off, confident, and substantial than before, yet it avoids feeling oversized.
Exterior Highlights
- LED headlights and taillights with new daytime running signature
- Revised grille and bumper design
- Concealed rear wiper under the spoiler
- 20-inch alloy wheels (on Calligraphy and X-Pro trims)
- Flush roof rails and chrome side trim for a clean profile
From most angles, it feels mature and upscale — less dramatic than Hyundai’s SUVs, but more cohesive. The proportions are balanced, giving it strong road presence without unnecessary flash.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside, and the Palisade feels genuinely luxurious for its price. The Calligraphy trim stands out with quilted Nappa leather, ambient lighting, and soft-touch materials across every surface.
Cabin Highlights
- 12.3-inch dual displays (infotainment + driver cluster)
- Physical buttons for climate and key shortcuts
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Heated and ventilated front and second-row seats
- Available second-row captain’s chairs with one-touch recline
- Premium audio and dual-zone climate control
The centre console features a useful UVC sanitizer compartment, wireless charger, and a new rotary gear selector. Even small touches, like the soft padding along door panels and the minimalist four-dot steering emblem, show attention to detail.
Space and Practicality
The Palisade excels at space management.
Passenger Space
- Three-row layout with adult-friendly second and third rows
- Power-folding third row with heating option (on Calligraphy)
- Reclining second-row captain’s chairs with extended footrests
- Multiple USB-C ports and rear AC vents for every row
Cargo Capacity
- 509 litres with all seats up
- 1,297 litres with third row folded
- 2,447 litres with all rear seats down
It’s a family SUV that easily swallows luggage, sports gear, and the occasional IKEA run without sacrificing comfort.
Technology and Features
Kia has overhauled the Palisade’s tech interface for 2025.
- 12.3-inch touchscreen with faster response
- Digital rearview mirror
- 360° camera system with blind-spot video feed
- Head-up display
- Integrated dash cam and voice memo recorder
- SmartSense 3.0 safety suite with adaptive cruise, lane keeping, and driver attention assist
The new infotainment interface feels intuitive and snappy, while the combination of digital and physical controls keeps operation easy during driving.
Powertrain and Performance
Kia now offers the Palisade with two options:
- 3.8L V6 petrol – 291 hp / 355 Nm
- 2.5L turbo-hybrid – 320 hp combined / 500 Nm
The hybrid is the standout choice. It’s smoother, quieter, and more efficient, achieving over 30 mpg (≈7.5 L/100 km) in mixed driving — impressive for a large SUV.
The V6 remains smooth and powerful but is thirstier, averaging about 22 mpg (≈10.5 L/100 km).
Ride comfort is outstanding across both engines. The suspension tuning absorbs bumps gracefully, and the cabin stays hushed even on rough surfaces. The steering is light but direct, making the Palisade feel smaller than it is.
Safety and Driver Assistance
All trims come with Kia Drive Wise, including:
- Forward collision avoidance
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise with lane centering
- Safe exit assist (alerts if a door opens into traffic)
- 10 airbags including front centre airbag
Top trims add a 360° parking view, remote smart parking, and auto high-beam assist.
Ride and Handling
The Palisade leans comfort-first, and that’s exactly what most buyers want. It glides over bad roads without float, remains composed in corners, and stays impressively quiet at highway speeds.
The X-Pro version adds light off-road ability with all-terrain tyres and a towing mode — capable of pulling up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg).
For city and highway duty, the Palisade’s refined ride and serene cabin are class-leading.
Verdict
The 2025 Kia Palisade continues to be one of the best large SUVs for families. It blends comfort, premium materials, and advanced tech with excellent value. The hybrid option makes it smarter to own, and the quiet, plush ride gives it an edge over rivals.
Pros ✅
- Excellent interior quality and comfort
- Smooth hybrid powertrain
- Spacious third row and big cargo area
- Intuitive infotainment and safety tech
Cons ❌
- Styling may be too bold for some
- V6 engine feels dated next to hybrid
- Third-row seat height slightly low
Final Word:
The Kia Palisade 2025 proves that practicality and luxury can coexist. It’s spacious, smart, and comfortable — easily one of the most well-rounded SUVs on the market today.
Pravin is a tech enthusiast and Salesforce developer with deep expertise in AI, mobile gadgets, coding, and automotive technology. At CarzCorner, he shares practical insights and research-driven content on the latest tech and innovations shaping our world.