Palisade is the largest model in Hyundai’s SUV range. At a smidgeon 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.
The boxy styling of Palisade means there’s excellent headroom in all three seat rows.
Legroom is also good with the centre row seats able to slide back and forwards to cater for
both easier access and extra comfort to third row passengers.
Highlander also gets heated and ventilated front and second-row seats in both seven- and
eight-seat variants as well as quilted seat inserts, quilted and perforated door trim inserts,
suede headlining and stainless-steel front speaker grilles.
With all seats in place there’s a reasonable 311 litres of cargo space, expanding to 704
litres with the third-row seatbacks folded and a van-like 2447 litres with all rear seats
down.
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.
Highlander adds a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist and
Surround View Monitor.
Palisade is the first model in the Hyundai range to get the company’s Bluelink Connected
Car system with safety features that include automatic collision notification and emergency
call function.
Other convenience features provided by Bluelink include remote unlocking, climate control
setting and engine start.
INFOTAINMENT
Standard in both Palisade models is a 12.3-inch high-definition touchscreen multimedia
system. It comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (both wired), six USB-C and one
USB-A ports, Bluetooth message playback, embedded satellite navigation with live traffic
updates, Qi standard wireless smartphone charging, and a voice memo function with up to
70 minutes recording time.
A second, fully-digital, 12.3-inch screen in front of the driver displays the instrument cluster
as well as blind spot view monitors, activated with the turn indicators on either side.
Both variants come with a 12-speaker Infinity premium audio system.
As well as the previously mentioned safety features, Bluelink Vehicle Reporting allows
owners to check a number of features on their smartphone including tyre pressures, fuel
level and range.
Through the Bluelink Send To Car feature, satellite navigation directions can be pre-set on
a smartphone and synced to the car before departure.
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.
RATINGS:
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Safety: 9/10
Thirst: 7/10
Practicality: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 8/10
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
Palisade Elite 3.8-litre petrol 2WD: $65,900
Palisade Highlander 3.8-litre petrol 2WD: $75,900
Palisade Elite 2.2-litre diesel AWD: $69,900
Palisade Highlander 2.2-litre diesel AWD: $79,900
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your
local Hyundai dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Hyundai Palisade Highlander 2.2-litre diesel AWD)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 2.199 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Maximum Power: 147 kW @ 3800 rpm
Maximum Torque: 440 Nm @ 1750 rpm
Fuel Type: Diesel
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 7.3 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 193 g/km
DRIVELINE: Eight-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4995 mm
Wheelbase: 2900 mm
Width: 1975 mm
Height: 1750 mm
Turning Circle: 11.8 metres
Kerb Mass: 1980 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 71 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Ventilated disc
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / unlimited kilometres
