Most of the metal oxides (e.g., SnO2) are developed as promising anode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries due to their high theoretical capacities. However, the irreversible conversion of Sn to SnO2 during cycling highly reduces the lithium storage capacity of SnO2. Herein Pd-doped graphene-SnO2 nanocomposite is prepared by a modified electroless plating method and exhibits outstanding electrochemical performance including high reversible capacity, excellent cycling stability and rate capability. We believe that Pd doping can prevent the aggregation of SnO2 nanoparticles (∼2.5nm) on the graphene, improve the electronic conductivity of graphene-SnO2 and importantly, promote the conversion reaction between SnO2 and Sn during cycling. Catalyst doping in metal oxides may offer a new approach to realize high-performance electrodes for next-generation lithium ion batteries.