By Veeno Dewan
There are a few changes to the Hyundai’s flagship Palisade luxury orientated SUV, It has always been a high value, well performing nicely equipped family vehicle at a competitive price. New touches for 2023 include, a wider cascading grille set off by attractive new vertical LED composite lights plus a styled lower front skid plate element supporting the rugged good looks. At the rear, new vertical LED tail lamps and lower fascia skid plate details are present, while the new, 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels elegantly profile the substantial premium look.
Power 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.
The Palisade is offered in four trims — Essential ($41,399), Preferred ($46,399), Luxury ($50,599) and the new Ultimate Calligraphy ($54,899).
We tested the premium Ultimate Calligraphy trim, that arrives with: luxury quilted-leather seats and door panels as standard spec, microfiber-suede headliner, premium cargo sill protection plate and perforated-leather steering wheel. It also adds features like an Ergo Motion massaging driver’s seat, video full-display rear-view mirror, and reverse parking collision-avoidance assist. There is also further multiple device connection capability, HD radio and wireless smartphone connectivity (for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto). And navigation.
The Palisade has a great looking interior, with premium quality styling and materials. Opt for the top tier model’s and one gains the to die for luxurious quilted Nappa leather seats and trim. The center console has an updated “floating” design with good storage capacity. New expanded ambient lighting sets a mood in the Palisade set off by a mix of high-quality contrasting materials throughout the cabin. The Palisade offers drivers the ability to start the vehicle via remote key fob or via the Blue Link app.
The Palisade Calligraphy has a comprehensive dash with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Also included is a 12-speaker, Harman/Kardon Surround Sound system, and a head-up display, Voice Activating System, Keyless Entry, Keyless Start, heated steering Wheel, and Powered Heated seats, and 3-zone Climate Control. The rear second row gains separate captain’s heated, and ventilated seats.
Overall, the Palisade has wide supportive seats, and a spacious and comfortable front and rear cabin with lots of storage nooks and bins for those long family trips. You also gain multiple USB plugs (seven in total) plus a wireless charge pad up front in the top trim. Sixteen cupholders, in the eight-seater variants mean everyone’s needs are taken care of.
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 by a large margin. 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.
The Palisade is very 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: 2023 Hyundai Palisade: pried from:$41,399- $54,899. More info at: www.Hyundai.ca
