Owner Feedback and Recommendations for Improvement – 2026 Hyundai Pali
Dear Hyundai Motor America Team,
First, I would like to congratulate Hyundai on the development of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid.
My family and I are very pleased with our vehicle. It is exceptionally comfortable, spacious, attractive, and enjoyable to drive. We genuinely love our Palisade, and I believe Hyundai has created an excellent family SUV.
However, as an owner who appreciates the brand, I would like to share several observations and recommendations that I believe could make this vehicle even more competitive and improve the overall Hyundai ownership experience.
1. Third-Row Seating Comfort
Although the Palisade offers a spacious and comfortable interior, I believe the third row needs significant ergonomic improvement.
For passengers taller than approximately 1.50 meters (4 feet 11 inches), the seating position can become uncomfortable, particularly because the floor height forces passengers to keep their knees elevated and their legs excessively bent.
The problem is not simply legroom, but the relationship between seat height, floor position, and knee angle.
I strongly recommend redesigning the third-row seating geometry to allow passengers to maintain a more natural and relaxed leg position, especially during longer journeys.
If Hyundai successfully addresses this issue, I believe the Palisade could become one of the best family SUVs on the market.
2. Hybrid Powertrain Performance and Electric Motor Torque
The current hybrid powertrain performs well, but I believe there is considerable room for improvement.
Considering the Palisade's size, weight, and premium positioning, I would like to see a more powerful electric motor capable of delivering substantially greater torque, especially during acceleration, overtaking, and driving with a fully loaded vehicle.
In my opinion, a combined power output exceeding 400 horsepower would be a desirable target for a future Palisade Hybrid.
Several Chinese automotive manufacturers are making impressive advances in electrification, electric motor performance, and high-torque hybrid powertrains. I believe Hyundai should aim to remain ahead of these competitors rather than allow them to establish the benchmark in this segment.
3. Larger Hybrid Battery and Greater Electric Driving Capability
Another important improvement would be increasing the capacity of the hybrid battery.
A larger battery, combined with an appropriately designed hybrid system, could allow the vehicle to operate using electric power more frequently and for longer periods, particularly in urban driving conditions.
This could help reduce fuel consumption, improve efficiency, and provide a quieter driving experience.
I would welcome a future Palisade Hybrid with significantly greater electric driving capability while preserving the practicality and convenience of a family SUV.
4. Standard 110–120V Household Power Outlets
I strongly believe that household-style 110–120V electrical outlets should be standard equipment across the Hyundai vehicle lineup, particularly in family SUVs.
These outlets would be extremely useful for charging laptops, operating small electronic devices, and supporting family activities, road trips, camping, and emergency situations.
Given the growing importance of vehicle electrification, this feature should become a standard convenience rather than something available only on selected versions.
5. Dealership Sales Practices and Customer Experience — My Greatest Concern
While I genuinely appreciate the vehicle itself, my greatest dissatisfaction involves the dealership purchasing experience.
In my personal experience, visiting dealerships has often been extremely frustrating and unpleasant.
I have encountered situations in which pricing, financing terms, additional charges, and negotiations created confusion and made me feel that I was being taken advantage of financially.
Unfortunately, these experiences have significantly reduced my trust in the traditional dealership sales model.
I believe many customers approach dealerships with considerable anxiety and suspicion because they fear hidden charges, unnecessary add-ons, aggressive negotiations, and unexpected increases in the final purchase price.
This is a serious problem because an excellent vehicle can lose potential customers simply because of the way it is sold.
I strongly encourage Hyundai Motor America to establish more effective oversight of its authorized dealerships, promote transparent pricing, and implement stronger consumer protections.
Customers should feel respected, informed, and confident when purchasing a Hyundai vehicle, rather than pressured or confused.
In my opinion, improving the purchasing process could significantly increase customer satisfaction, brand loyalty, and potentially vehicle sales.
6. Direct Online Vehicle Purchasing and Home Delivery
One of my strongest recommendations is for Hyundai to develop a more transparent and convenient online purchasing system.
Ideally, customers should be able to:
Select their preferred vehicle, trim, color, and options directly through Hyundai's official website.
View a transparent, fixed purchase price without unexpected dealership markups or unnecessary charges.
Review financing or leasing terms clearly before committing to a purchase.
Complete the purchasing process online without stressful negotiations.
Pay a reasonable, predetermined home-delivery fee, perhaps approximately $1,000, where appropriate.
Receive the vehicle directly at their residence.
I understand that Hyundai must operate within applicable laws and existing dealership agreements. However, I believe the company should explore every available opportunity to simplify the process and ensure that customers pay a fair and transparent price.
A factory-guided online purchasing experience, with clearly disclosed fees and minimal dealership involvement, could transform the way customers perceive the brand.
I personally believe that a transparent purchasing model could attract substantially more buyers who currently hesitate to visit traditional dealerships.
7. Independent Customer Complaint and Dealership Accountability System
I strongly recommend that Hyundai Motor America establish a centralized, independent customer complaint system specifically designed to address dealership sales practices.
Customers should have a direct channel to Hyundai's corporate offices where they can report misleading pricing, undisclosed fees, unwanted products or services, aggressive sales tactics, and potentially deceptive financing practices.
Such a system should provide:
A formal complaint registration process with a tracking number.
The ability to submit sales contracts, financing documents, advertisements, and other supporting evidence.
An impartial corporate review of complaints involving authorized dealerships.
Clear deadlines for responses and complaint resolution.
Appropriate corrective measures when violations of Hyundai's standards are confirmed.
Protection against retaliation for customers who submit legitimate complaints.
Hyundai should also consider evaluating dealerships based on transparency, ethical conduct, and customer satisfaction rather than focusing primarily on sales volume.
I believe this would strengthen public confidence in the Hyundai brand and demonstrate that the company places customer trust above questionable sales practices.
Final Thoughts
I want to emphasize that these recommendations come from someone who genuinely likes the Hyundai Palisade Hybrid.
My family and I are very happy with the vehicle, and I recognize the engineering, design, and innovation Hyundai has invested in its development.
Nevertheless, I believe Hyundai has an opportunity to build an even better SUV by improving third-row ergonomics, increasing electric power and torque, enhancing battery capacity, and expanding practical electrical features.
Most importantly, I believe Hyundai should reconsider the customer experience associated with purchasing its vehicles.
A great vehicle deserves an equally great purchasing experience.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my feedback. I sincerely hope these observations reach the appropriate product development, engineering, and customer experience teams at Hyundai Motor America.
Sincerely,
Marcos Jomarron
Owner – 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
Florida, USA
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