The 2023 Hyundai Palisade emerges as a standout family SUV that ticks many boxes for modern families. Its stylish exterior, comfortable interior, and comprehensive safety tech make it a top choice for those in search of a spacious and versatile vehicle.
Despite the limitation of a front-wheel-drive configuration for the petrol V6 variant, the Palisade shines in various areas, including its spaciousness, thoughtful features, and impressive driving performance.
In this detailed review, we will explore its features, performance, and why it stands out in the crowded SUV market. So, buckle up, and let’s dive into the world of the Hyundai Palisade.
Exterior: A Fresh and Stylish Facelift
The 2023 Hyundai Palisade makes a striking first impression with its updated exterior design. It’s available in nine colors, and each one, except white, comes with a slight price premium. Two unique colors are reserved for the top-tier Highlander model. What’s immediately noticeable about the Palisade is its bold and modern front grille. The blacked-out Hyundai logo, coupled with sleek LED headlights, gives it a sophisticated and somewhat sinister appearance.
The 20-inch alloy wheels provide an eye-catching contrast with a machine finish on the outside and a graphite look on the inside. The front-wheel-drive configuration is the only option for the petrol V6 version, which is a bit disappointing for those hoping for all-wheel drive. Still, the Palisade manages to maintain an elegant, yet rugged, overall look. With roof rails, privacy glass, and a well-placed indicator on the wing mirrors, it’s clear that Hyundai has paid attention to the details in the Palisade’s exterior design.
Interior: Comfort and Technology
Step inside the Hyundai Palisade, and you’ll find a well-appointed interior that exudes comfort and class. The cabin is thoughtfully designed, featuring soft-touch materials on the dashboard, even in the base model. It’s a refreshing touch, as it doesn’t feel like a compromise on quality. While there’s some piano black trim around the display, which adds a touch of luxury, it could be prone to smudging.
In terms of practicality, the Palisade offers ample connectivity options. With a wireless phone charger, multiple USB ports, and a 12-volt outlet, you’ll never run out of options to keep your devices powered. The center console provides additional storage space along with more USB ports and a 12-volt outlet. This abundance of connectivity options ensures that your family’s tech needs are well-catered for.
The infotainment system in the 2023 Hyundai Palisade is impressive. It boasts two 12.3-inch displays – one for infotainment and the other for critical car information. The screens are high-resolution and responsive. You’ll find in-built satellite navigation, as well as Hyundai’s Blue Link system, which enables remote connectivity and SOS calls.
However, it’s worth noting that the Palisade falls short when it comes to smartphone mirroring, as it requires a cable for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which may not sit well with some users.
The Palisade’s sound system, a 12-speaker Infinity-branded setup, is impressive, delivering great audio quality. It also offers several unique features, such as Passenger Talk, Quiet Mode, and the ability to control climate zones for the second and third rows. This provides a convenient and comfortable environment for all passengers.
In terms of seating, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade offers a range of adjustments for the driver’s seat, including lumbar support, while the passenger seat is manually adjustable. The seats are comfortable and supportive, ensuring a pleasant experience during long drives. The steering wheel is adjustable for both tilt and reach, making it easy for drivers to find their ideal driving position.
Safety Tech: Advanced and Comprehensive
Hyundai has equipped the Palisade with an impressive array of safety features. The vehicle comes with autonomous emergency braking, which includes Junction Assist for added safety during turns. There’s an auto-dimming rearview mirror, blind-spot monitoring, radar cruise control, and a lane-centering function. The 2023 Hyundai Palisade also offers both front and rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a reverse-view camera.
The infotainment system provides a high-resolution display that is easy to navigate. It includes a range of features like Passenger Talk, Quiet Mode, and the ability to control climate zones for the second and third rows. While it lacks auto wipers, the Palisade’s infotainment system offers extensive functionality and easy access to settings.
Practicality: Spacious and Versatile
One of the standout features of the Hyundai Palisade is its exceptional interior space. The second row offers generous legroom, toe room, and headroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for passengers. This row is also adjustable, allowing for increased legroom in the third row.
The 2023 Hyundai Palisade is available in both seven and eight-seat configurations, providing flexibility for different family sizes and needs. The third row is surprisingly accommodating, making it suitable for adults as well as children. The Palisade includes ISOFIX points and top tether points, making it easy to secure child seats.
Storage is ample throughout the cabin, with a wireless phone charger, USB ports, and 12-volt outlets. The Palisade also offers several convenient storage spaces, including door pockets, a spacious center console, and a glove box. Cup holders are abundant, with 16 in total.
In terms of cargo space, the Palisade impresses with its versatility. With the third row in place, it provides just over 300 liters of capacity. The flat load floor and underfloor storage enhance usability. Folding the third row expands the space to just under 1300 liters, making it suitable for larger cargo.
On the Road: A Smooth and Powerful Ride
The 2023 Hyundai Palisade is powered by a 3.8-liter naturally aspirated petrol V6 engine that delivers just over 200 kilowatts of power and more than 350-newton meters of torque. This engine offers smooth and enjoyable performance, with an eight-speed torque converter transmission that ensures responsive acceleration.
However, it’s worth noting that the petrol V6 Palisade is available only in a front-wheel-drive configuration. While this setup is efficient, it can result in traction challenges, especially in wet conditions. An all-wheel-drive option for the petrol V6 would be a welcomed addition to the lineup.
The Palisade’s ride quality is impressive, thanks to Hyundai’s thoughtful tuning. It offers a comfortable and smooth ride, making it suitable for both city driving and highway cruising. The suspension system excels at absorbing bumps, ensuring a pleasant experience for occupants, even with a full load of passengers.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade achieves a combined fuel consumption rating of 10.7 liters per 100 kilometers. Real-world testing yielded a result of 11.4 liters per 100 kilometers, which is respectable for a vehicle of this size and performance.
The Palisade’s impressive acceleration, with a 0-100 km/h time of 7.5 seconds, showcases the power and efficiency of the V6 engine. Its handling is surprisingly nimble, offering good control and road-holding capabilities. While it may not be a sports car, the Palisade provides an engaging driving experience, especially for a family-sized SUV.
How much does a fully equipped 2023 Hyundai Palisade cost?
The updated three-row SUV now has a starting price of $36,245, while the new rugged-looking XRT version has a starting price of $41,545. Across the board, all-wheel drive is a $1900 option. The base SE variant of the revised 2023 Hyundai Palisade costs $36,245 USD. The fully equipped Calligraphy AWD costs $52,095 and has some new option
