By Veeno Dewan
There are few changes to Hyundai’s flagship Palisade luxury orientated SUV. It has always been a high value, nicely equipped family vehicle at a competitive price. New touches for 2024 include automatic climate control in the front and rear cabin as standard across the trim range and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon featuring an in-car intercom for the rear passenger as standard on both Urban and Ultimate models. Entry-level models are well equipped with a large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen instead of the previous models eight-inch unit.
Power for the Palisade is provided by an Atkinson cycle 3.8-liter V6, dual CVVT, direct-injected engine producing 291 horsepower. The transmission is an eight-speed automatic unit with a multi-plate torque converter and Hyundai’s HTRAC® four-wheel-drive fitted as standard to AWD models. All-wheel drive is standard on all Palisade models in Canada.
The 2024 Hyundai Palisade model comes in 5 trim levels and Canadian pricing ranges from $49,499 to $58,299. The entry-level, Preferred model starts at $49,499. The price for the mid-range Urban 7-Passenger trim (As tested.) is $55,199. The most expensive trim in the lineup is the Ultimate Calligraphy priced at $58,299 Freight and PDI is $1,975.
The Urban edition arrives in either a seven- or 8-seater version and adds a standard Sunroof, Smart Key with Keyless Entry, Keyless Start, heated Steering Wheel, Climate Control A/C, Auto, 3 Zones, Remote App Control, power synthetic Leather heated and ventilated front seats, rear. There are second row Captain’s heated seats and Fold Flat Third Row Seats. As standard is an upgraded 12-speaker, Harman/Kardon, Surround Sound system, 12.30-inch, Colour, Touchscreen, Voice Activating System for Audio, Phone, and Navigation. Apple Carplay, and Android connectivity The Palisade offers drivers the ability to start the vehicle via remote key fob or via the Blue Link app.
The Palisade has a great looking interior, with premium quality styling and materials. The center console has an updated “floating” design with good storage capacity. New expanded ambient lighting sets varying moods in the Palisade highlighted by a mix of high-quality contrasting materials throughout the cabin. Fit and finish is excellent with a premium feel.
Access to the small adult or kids sized third-row seats is much easier in the Palisade with one touch folding second row seats, Rear second row passengers also gain built-in sun shades, and heated and cooled seat functions. In terms of cargo space, the hands-free power liftgate offers a cavernous area when the second- and third-row seats are folded.
On the road, the Palisade is impressively quiet. The eight-speed automatic shifts seamlessly and engine noise is muted thanks to the good under-hood insulation, and special sound-deadening carpets. The powertrain tuning delivers smooth linear response and impressive acceleration. Maximum Power from the V6 is 291 hp @ 6000 rpm with max Torque at 262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm. The Palisade handles and brakes very well with no issues. Drivers can tune the Palisade by choosing different driving modes, via a dial that can select Normal, Comfort and a firmer Sport mode, plus Eco and a “Smart” setting that automatically adapt to your driving style. There are also “terrain” settings, for Snow, Mud, and Sand –selected via a rotary knob that adjusts the AWD system’s parameters.
You are in serious good luck if you tow a boat or trailer, the Palisade offers an excellent standard towing capacity of 5,000 lb, (2,268 kg), which is top of its class. All Palisades come with a two hitch, Trailer Sway Control, pre-wiring, and a heavy-duty transmission oil cooler as standard equipment, while an auto-levelling rear suspension and a Class III receiver hitch are optional. Fuel economy is rated at 11.2 L/100Km combined, 12.6 city and 9.5 highway.
The Palisade is extremely high on safety, and equipped with Hyundai’s full active safety suite, including lane-keeping assist, forward collision avoidance, plus blind spot monitoring with instrument cluster view, occupant monitoring system, and rear Safe Exit Assist system.
I just have to recommend the Palisade very highly. Even the base model is very well equipped and superb value. Quality is high, and the cabin is brilliant in execution. Downsides are few, the V6 can be thirsty and there is no Hybrid or All- electric version as yet. However, with a versatile roomy interior layout and the best towing capacity in its class, the Palisade is one heck of a good buy for any active family. Highly recommended.
Pricing: 2024 Hyundai Palisade Urban: priced from:$49,499- $58,299. More info at: www.Hyundai.ca
