Palisade is the largest model in Hyundai’s SUV range. At a smidgen under five metres, it’s around the same size and price as competitors such as Toyota Kluger and Mazda CX-9.
Launched in late 2020 it was given an upgrade in May 2022 with updated exterior and interior design elements, improved safety and tech features.
Palisade comes in two equipment levels, Elite and Highlander, each with the choice of 3.8-litre petrol FWD or 2.2-litre diesel AWD. Prices range from $65,900 for the Elite petrol 2WD to $79,900 for our test vehicle, the Highlander diesel AWD.
STYLING
Not only is Palisade a large vehicle but it has styling that accentuates its bulk, starting from the front with a huge version of the parametric grille that’s being progressively rolled out across the Hyundai range.
The grille is flanked by vertically stacked triple LED headlights, together with similarly shaped taillights, that emphasise the height of the Palisade.
The Highlander variant that we tested came with exclusive design touches, including a satin chrome finish for the grille with matching badge and skid plate finishes. There are hidden-type turn signals, body-coloured cladding and exclusive 20-inch wheels with a 15-spoke turbine design.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The 3.8-litre petrol V6 generates 217 KW of power at 6000 rpm and 5200 NM of torque with standard unleaded fuel. The 2.2-litre CRDI diesel has less power (147 kW at 3800 rpm) but extra torque (440 NM between 1750 and 2750 revs).
Both have a recently updated eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
The diesel AWD uses an active on-demand HTRAC system.
INTERIOR
Inside, Palisade comes with a full-width front air vent and a great-looking and feeling
four-spoke steering wheel capped off in Highlander with a two-tone finish.
A floating centre console angles up to merge with the dashboard, with a large space below for out-of-sight storage as well as a USB-C and 12V sockets. There’s plenty of additional storage space at the rear of the centre console with two adjustable drink holders and another pair of USB and 12V jacks.
Palisade comes with two seating options, the more conventional 3-3-2 eight-seat family-focused arrangement or an executive 3-2-2 seven-seater with a pair of individual captain chairs in the middle row.
SAFETY
All variants come with seven airbags including one between the front seats, full-length curtain ‘bags, and lap-sash safety belts for all occupants rather than the normal lap-only belt in the centre-rear spot.
Other advanced safety features come with the Hyundai SmartSense system and include Blind Spot View and Collision-Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Forward and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Following and Lane Keeping Assist, and Safe Exit Assist.
DRIVING
Initially, the large dimensions can be a bit intimidating when you first get into the Palisade but the various assistance features together with its high driving position and excellent visibility help to quickly overcome these concerns.
Also, with its comparatively tight turning circle of 11.8 metres it can handle the average shopping centre with room to spare although the backside tends to jut out.
While other eight-seat SUVs are based on a heavy-duty four-wheel-drive ‘ladder frame’ chassis, the Hyundai Palisade is built like a car.
That means its centre of gravity is lower and steering and suspension should be more like the average passenger vehicle. Travelling in stop-start city low-speed conditions, this is the case.
Out on the motorway the Palisade cruises smoothly and quietly with little clue that it is powered by a diesel. Most of our time was spent with either one or two occupants on board but it felt that it would have no trouble coping with the maximum eight people.
The steering is well-weighted and gives good feedback.
Combined cycle fuel consumption is listed at 10.7 litres per 100 kilometres with the petrol engine and 7.3 L/100km from the diesel. We averaged 8.7 L/100km during our test.
SUMMING UP
Hyundai Palisade is an impressive vehicle that combines the practicality of an SUV while coming close to being car-like in the way it drives.
It’s reasonably priced and comes with plenty of safety and tech equipment.
Palisade comes with Hyundai’s standard five-year, unlimited warranty. Bluelink is also free for the same five-year period but incurs a charge from then onwards.
