Hyundai Palisade

Importing a used Hyundai Palisade from the USA

The Hyundai Palisade was designed with the North American market squarely in mind: a large, three-row family SUV with a smooth V6, a plush cabin and equipment levels that embarrassed pricier rivals. It was never a mainstream sight on European roads, which is exactly why importing a used one is appealing to buyers who want genuine seven- or eight-seat space with an upmarket feel. As an independent broker for used US vehicles, USCar Trader sources clean Palisades across the States and manages export, ocean freight, customs and German approval on your behalf.

Generations at a glance

The first-generation Palisade (2020-2024, code LX2) launched as Hyundai's flagship SUV, sitting above the Santa Fe. It arrived with bold styling, a quiet cabin and a long features list, and received a comprehensive facelift for the 2023 model year that reworked the grille, lighting and interior technology. A more luxurious Calligraphy grade was added to top the range. The second generation (2025 onward, LX3) grew larger still and introduced hybrid options, but the vast majority of used import candidates today are first-generation cars. Palisades are built at Hyundai's Ulsan plant in Korea, which is the key fact for the import-duty assessment.

Powertrain lineup

The first-generation Palisade used a single engine across the range: the 3.8-litre Lambda II V6, producing around 291 hp and 262 lb-ft, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with Hyundai's HTRAC all-wheel-drive system optional and widely specified in northern states. There is no turbo four or diesel in the US first-generation car, which keeps the line-up simple: a naturally aspirated V6 that prioritises refinement and smoothness over outright pace. Drive-mode selection and, on AWD cars, a snow mode round out the driveline.

Trims in the US market

The Palisade is a five-door, three-row SUV offered as a seven- or eight-seater depending on whether second-row captain's chairs are fitted. US trims ran from SE and SEL through Limited and the top Calligraphy. Higher grades bring quilted Nappa leather, ventilated first- and second-row seats, a panoramic roof, a premium audio system, a head-up display and the full Hyundai SmartSense driver-assistance suite. Because American buyers favour loaded family SUVs, many import candidates arrive in Limited or Calligraphy specification.

The used market stateside

The Palisade sold strongly from launch, so supply of used cars is healthy and geographically wide. Realistic import candidates span the 2020-2023 range, with the 2023 facelift being a natural target for buyers who want the latest styling and technology. Inspect winter-belt cars for underbody corrosion and check that captain's-chair or bench configuration matches your needs. As a popular family car, many examples come with full dealer service histories.

Who should import one

A used Palisade suits a family that wants big three-row space, a comfortable long-distance cruiser and a high equipment level without the badge premium of German luxury SUVs. It is also a smart import for anyone who specifically wants a V6-powered, eight-seat American-spec car that Hyundai never offered widely in Europe.

Key specifications

How reliable is it?

The 3.8-litre V6 and eight-speed automatic form a well-proven, low-drama powertrain, and overall Palisade reliability is regarded as strong. A few points deserve attention. Some early cars generated reports of a cold-start engine tick; check the service record and listen on a cold start. There were recall campaigns on certain model years, including one relating to a tow-hitch harness that could pose a fire risk and an ABS/electronic control module concern, so confirm all safety campaigns have been completed. Owners have occasionally noted windscreen-wiper and infotainment quirks addressed by software updates. As with any large family SUV, inspect the second- and third-row mechanisms, the panoramic roof drains and the tyres for even wear.

What US models do differently

US Palisades use mph speedometers, US-beam headlights and no factory rear fog lamp, all routine TUEV conversion items. Infotainment ships with US navigation maps and radio bands, which are adjusted during preparation. Feature content typically exceeds anything Hyundai offered in Europe, since the Palisade was primarily a North American and Korean product.

Seven steps to your import

Select the specific car; run a VIN and origin check to confirm the Ulsan build; pay securely via escrow; arrange inland transport and ocean freight to a European port such as Bremerhaven; clear customs on arrival; complete the German TUEV individual approval (Einzelabnahme) with any required modifications; then register the car with your local authority. USCar Trader coordinates each stage and keeps you informed.

Customs, taxes and costs explained

Bottom line: what matters is the factory shown by the VIN – proven US origin unlocks 0% duty. The 19% import VAT always applies.

Two separate charges apply. Import duty first: the Palisade carries a neutral origin flag, meaning the rate depends on where the specific car was actually built. Because first-generation Palisades are built in Ulsan, Korea, they generally do not have provable US origin and are therefore charged the standard third-country passenger-car duty rather than the 0% rate. The 0% EU import duty under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 (in force since 1 July 2026, direct transport, until 31 December 2029) applies only where US origin is provable by VIN and plant code, so it is not something to assume for a Korean-built Palisade. Second, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) is always payable on every import, regardless of origin. USCar Trader adds no margin and passes freight, duty and VAT through as they fall.

German TÜV and registration

Expect to retrofit a rear fog lamp, verify the headlight beam pattern and document the mph odometer for the individual approval. Once TUEV issues the paperwork the car is registered normally and receives German plates.

The buyer checklist

Questions and answers

Can I import a used Hyundai Palisade from the USA?

Yes. USCar Trader brokers used US-market Palisades and handles freight, customs and the German TUEV process end to end.

Does the Palisade qualify for 0% import duty?

Generally no, because first-generation Palisades are built in Korea. The 0% rate applies only where US origin is provable by VIN and plant code; a Korean-built car pays the standard duty.

Does the 19% import VAT always apply?

Yes. The German Einfuhrumsatzsteuer of 19% is due on every import regardless of origin.

What engine does the Palisade have?

The first-generation US car uses a 3.8-litre V6 with about 291 hp and an eight-speed automatic.

Is the Palisade reliable?

Yes, broadly. Confirm completed recalls and check for the early cold-start tick.

How many seats does it have?

Seven or eight, depending on whether second-row captain's chairs or a bench are fitted.

Do I need lighting changes for TUEV?

Usually a rear fog lamp retrofit and a headlight check, both standard import items.

How long does the import take?

Typically several weeks from purchase to German registration, largely driven by ocean freight.

Browse the full Hyundai in the Carhub, compare the related Hyundai Santa Fe and Hyundai Tucson, or view current Palisade listings to get started.