When evaluating the 2022 Hyundai Palisade for its practicality, one of the most immediate questions drivers have is about the spare tire. The short answer is no; the 2022 Palisade does not come equipped with a traditional full-size or compact spare tire. Instead, Hyundai opted to streamline the cargo area and reduce vehicle weight by excluding the tire entirely, relying on other solutions for managing a flat tire situation.
Standard Equipment and Tire Repair Kits
Understanding what the 2022 Palisade lacks requires looking at what it does include. Hyundai provides a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that alerts drivers to low pressure, and the vehicle comes standard with a Tire Repair Kit. This kit typically contains a can of tire sealant and an air compressor, allowing drivers to temporarily seal small punctures and reinflate the tire to a safe speed for driving to a repair shop.
What is in the Tire Repair Kit?
The specific items found in the 2022 Palisade's repair kit are designed for emergency use only. The sealant can is meant to be injected into the tire to cover the puncture, while the compressor provides just enough air pressure to get the vehicle moving. It is crucial for drivers to understand that this is not a permanent fix; it is a safety measure to reach a professional tire center for a proper inspection and repair or replacement.
Reasoning Behind the Design Choice
Hyundai's decision to exclude the spare tire is part of a broader industry trend aimed at improving fuel efficiency and maximizing space. By eliminating the weight of a full-sized tire and the hardware required to mount it, the Palisade benefits from a slight increase in fuel economy and a more usable cargo area. The compact design of the Palisade's third row and high seating position means that every cubic foot of space is valuable for passengers and luggage.
Recommendations for Safety
While the built-in repair kit is a convenient backup, automotive experts strongly advise drivers to supplement the stock equipment. A flat tire sealant kit is not always compatible with all tire types, and the compact compressor provided may struggle to inflate a larger tire fully. For peace of mind, purchasing a temporary "donut" spare tire is a highly recommended aftermarket addition for the Palisade.
Installing a Aftermarket Spare
If you choose to equip your 2022 Palisade with a physical spare, you will need to purchase one separately and ensure you have the correct mounting solution. Due to the SUV's size, a full-size spare requires significant cargo space, often necessitating the removal of the floor well in the cargo area. A temporary mini spare is a more practical option, taking up less room while still offering the security of a factory-standard tire.
Comparing to Competitors
Looking at the three-row SUV segment, the Palisade's approach to the spare tire issue aligns with many of its rivals. Competitors like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot also frequently omit the spare tire in favor of repair kits, pushing buyers towards the aftermarket for a full spare. This standardization indicates that the industry has largely accepted the trade-off between having a ready-to-use spare and optimizing interior volume.
