Maintaining the 2022 Hyundai Palisade with its robust 3.8-liter Lambda II engine requires more than just adhering to standard maintenance intervals; it demands the use of premium lubricants capable of withstanding the stresses of daily driving, towing, and extreme temperatures. The Palisade is a large crossover SUV designed for comfort and capability, but its complex powertrain and transfer case benefit significantly from the superior performance of 100% synthetic fluids. Proper lubrication ensures optimal engine protection, reduces wear on critical transmission components, and helps maintain the vehicle’s impressive fuel economy and towing capacity over thousands of miles.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The ultimate protection for the 2022 Palisade, offering up to 25,000 miles of engine defense against horsepower loss and wear.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – An excellent choice for drivers seeking 20,000 miles of protection with enhanced cleaning power to keep the engine running smoothly.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A reliable, API-licensed option designed to outperform conventional oils while meeting the specific needs of this Hyundai engine.
- AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specifically formulated for engines with over 75,000 miles, this oil features boosted detergents and anti-wear additives to reduce sludge and extend engine life.
- WIX Oil Filter – This premium filter pairs perfectly with the AMSOIL motor oils, offering improved media that outperforms OEM-branded filters to capture contaminants effectively.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands heavy towing and elevated temperatures while providing reserve protection for the Palisade’s eight-speed automatic transmission.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A top-tier alternative that protects against wear and maintains fluid efficiency in demanding driving conditions.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – An ethylene glycol 50/50 pre-mix that protects all cooling system metals and lasts up to 150,000 miles or five years.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated option requiring mixing with water, designed to greatly surpass corrosion standards and offer extended service life up to 150,000 miles.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Provides advanced protection for the transfer case and rear differential, controlling thermal runaway and reducing operating temperatures.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Ensures excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with a stable viscosity across a wide temperature range.
- AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive – Restores up to 14% horsepower and cleans GDI fuel injectors to 100% flow rate, helping to prevent carbon buildup and pre-ignition knock.
Engine Oil Specifications and Maintenance
The heart of the 2022 Hyundai Palisade is its 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine, known internally by Hyundai as the Lambda II. This powertrain delivers a smooth and responsive driving experience, but like any high-performance engine, it requires oil that can maintain viscosity under high heat and resist the formation of deposits during stop-and-go traffic. The manufacturer recommends a 5W-30 viscosity grade for optimal performance in all temperatures. When performing an oil change, it is critical to note that the total fluid capacity, including the filter replacement, is 6.9 quarts. Filling to this exact level ensures that the engine is properly lubricated without overfilling, which can lead to foaming and reduced oil pressure. The oil drain plug torque specification is 29 ft/lbs, and it is best practice to replace the drain plug gasket with every service to prevent leaks.
Choosing the right AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 stands out as the premier choice for owners who want maximum protection. It offers 75% more engine protection against horsepower loss and wear compared to industry standards, making it ideal for drivers who frequently tow trailers, carry heavy loads, or commute in stop-and-go city traffic. This synthetic oil is guaranteed for up to 25,000 miles or one year, significantly extending the time between maintenance visits compared to conventional alternatives. For those seeking a balance of performance and value, the AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 provides 20,000 miles of protection and features 37% more cleaning power to help keep the engine running smoother and longer. It is also engineered to protect against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI), a phenomenon that can cause severe damage in modern turbocharged and high-load engines.
For vehicles with significant mileage, the AMSOIL 5W-30 High-Mileage Motor Oil is the recommended solution. Designed for engines with over 75,000 miles, it contains a unique chemistry with enhanced anti-wear additives and a boosted detergent package. This formulation reduces sludge by 67%, which is crucial for older engines that may have accumulated deposits over time. The oil helps clean the engine while sealing gaskets to minimize oil consumption, ensuring the Palisade runs efficiently well into its later years. Paired with the WIX Oil Filter, which features premium media for superior filtration, these oils provide a comprehensive defense against wear, ensuring the engine’s longevity and reliability.
Transmission and Drivetrain Protection
The 2022 Hyundai Palisade comes equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission (A8LF1) that relies on specialized fluid to shift smoothly and manage the torque generated by the 3.8L V6. The transmission system requires specific fluid for proper operation, and using a high-quality synthetic fluid can prevent the sludge, wear, and temperature-related issues that often lead to costly repairs. The total fill capacity for the eight-speed automatic transmission is 7.4 quarts. While the standard service interval may suggest a change earlier, AMSOIL’s synthetic formulations are designed to last much longer while maintaining their performance characteristics.
For the transmission, the AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Automatic Transmission Fluid is the top recommendation. It is engineered to withstand the rigors of heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain. This fluid remains fluid in sub-zero temperatures and provides reserve protection during heavy use and abuse, ensuring smooth shifting regardless of the driving conditions. For owners looking for a slightly more budget-friendly option that still offers superior protection, the AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient Automatic Transmission Fluid is an excellent alternative. It protects against wear and maintains the efficiency of the transmission system, helping to maximize the fuel economy of the Palisade.
The drivetrain also includes a transfer case and a rear differential that require protection. The transfer case, where available, requires a fluid change every 100,000 miles, with a capacity of 1.5 pints. The torque specifications for the drain and fill plugs are 29-43 ft/lbs, and new gaskets should be installed on both plugs to ensure a tight seal. Similarly, the rear differential requires 1.5 pints of fluid. Both the transfer case and the rear differential can benefit from the AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube. This lube contains friction modifiers for limited-slip applications and helps control thermal runaway, which can be a significant issue under heavy load. It also protects against rust and corrosion, reducing operating temperatures and extending the life of seals and equipment.
Cooling and Brake Systems
Maintaining the correct cooling system capacity is essential for the 2022 Hyundai Palisade, especially in hot weather or when towing. The cooling system capacity is 9.4 quarts. AMSOIL offers two excellent options for this application: the AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant, which is a 50/50 ethylene glycol pre-mix ready to use, and the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant, which is a concentrated formula that requires mixing with distilled or high-quality water. Both products are engineered to exceed original equipment manufacturer requirements and offer protection for up to 150,000 miles or five years. They are phosphate-, nitrate-, nitrite-, silicate-, borate-, and amine-free, ensuring compatibility with all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses without causing corrosion.
Braking performance is critical for a vehicle as large and heavy as the Palisade. The brake system requires a fluid that meets FMVSS116 DOT-4 standards. The AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid provides excellent responsiveness for ABS and traction-control systems. Its stable viscosity over a wide temperature range ensures consistent pedal feel and stopping power, even during repeated hard braking or in extreme cold. By using this synthetic brake fluid, owners can avoid the boil-off and vapor lock issues associated with conventional glycol-based fluids, ensuring safer and more reliable braking performance throughout the vehicle’s life.
About the 2022 Hyundai Palisade
The 2022 Hyundai Palisade represents a significant milestone in the crossover SUV segment, offering a level of refinement, space, and capability that was previously reserved for higher-priced luxury brands. Introduced by Hyundai to compete directly with the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer, the Palisade quickly carved out a reputation as one of the most comfortable and family-friendly vehicles in its class. It is built on the same platform as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Telluride, sharing a robust architecture designed for safety and durability. The vehicle is primarily powered by the 3.8-liter Lambda II V6 engine, which delivers a strong 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for merging onto highways and hauling passengers or cargo with ease.
One of the defining characteristics of the Palisade is its spacious interior, which is designed to accommodate three rows of seating comfortably. The second-row captain’s chairs in many trims offer a premium feel, and the third row is surprisingly usable for adults on shorter trips. The vehicle’s driving character is defined by a smooth, quiet ride, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and extensive sound deadening. This makes it an ideal choice for long road trips and daily commutes where comfort is a priority. The Palisade also comes with a sophisticated suite of safety features, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, reflecting Hyundai’s commitment to modern safety standards.
Despite its reliability, the Palisade, like any complex machine, can benefit from proactive maintenance to avoid common issues that can arise over time. One potential problem is the accumulation of carbon deposits in the Direct Injection (GDI) fuel system, which can lead to rough idling and reduced fuel efficiency. Regular use of a high-quality fuel additive like AMSOIL P.i. can help prevent this buildup. Another area of concern is the engine’s oil consumption, which some owners may notice as the vehicle accumulates high mileage. Switching to a high-mileage synthetic motor oil can help reduce oil consumption by improving the seal of aging piston rings and valve guides. Additionally, the transmission fluid can degrade over time, leading to harsh shifting or delayed engagement. Using a high-quality synthetic transmission fluid can mitigate these issues and extend the life of the transmission components. Finally, owners in colder climates may notice reduced brake fluid performance or boiling points in extreme conditions, which can be solved by switching to a synthetic DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluid that maintains its viscosity and boiling point across a wider temperature range.
By utilizing premium synthetic lubricants, Palisade owners can ensure their vehicle performs at its best, maintaining its smooth ride and powerful acceleration for years to come. Whether you are towing a trailer through a hot summer or commuting through a cold winter, the right fluids provide the peace of mind that comes with knowing your vehicle is fully protected.