Hyundai Palisade lines up with fresh kit

HYUNDAI’S ‘big bopper’ Palisade SUV is rolling into dealerships with pricing for the entry level Elite 3.8 V6 petrol FWD starting at $65,900 plus on-road costs and the 2.2-litre diesel Elite AWD adding $4000.

Top of the range Highlander variants with the same powertrain specifications start from r $75,900 plus ORCs for the petrol FWD and an extra $4000 for the diesel AWD.

This is the second crack at Palisade SUV for Hyundai with the Aussie flagship model undergoing minor tweaks along the way since initially launching in late 2020.

For 2023, extensively revised “new” Palisade lobs with more imposing styling, augmented safety, an enormous grille and more features across the four-variant range.

Hyundai is promoting new Palisade as its “premium, high-tech, flagship SUV,” and as such, it gains more kit and significant revisions under the boxy skin, but also scores “segment leading” safety additions and enhanced interior design elements.

Add to that a tempting array of extra tech’ and luxury features and you get a clearer understanding of the new model range and pricing scale which is a jump up over the outgoing model.

An expanded suite of SmartSense driver assistance and advanced active safety features are listed across the board that incorporate the desirable Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning function, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, a Multi anti-Collision Braking system, a 3D Surround View Monitor function, Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist and in a first for Hyundai, Reverse Light Guide function.

Hyundai’s pioneering front-centre-side airbag also forms part of the extensive safety suite.

For tech’ heads there’s a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system standard across the range designed to enhance user experience.

Additionally, new Palisade boasts a digital electro-chromatic rear-view mirror, Hyundai Bluelink and other Hyundai-first features.

Hyundai Bluelink and accompanying connected car services make it easy to stay connected, with a five-year complimentary subscription.

Bluelink enables a swag of safety kit across the board not on the previous model including Automatic Collision Notification, an SOS emergency call function, natural language server-based Voice Control, server-based Connected Routing Navigation and many other features.

Bluelink can also let users connect to their Palisade from anywhere via a smartphone, and make sure it’s safe, healthy, and ready to go. They can send planned routes from home to their car, receive emergency assistance automatically after an accident and find, check and even remotely lock or start their car with their preferred climate settings.

“With a bold new style, enhanced luxury, and additional segment-leading safety technology for 2023, Palisade continues its place as the SUV flagship of the Hyundai range,” said Hyundai Motor Company Australia CEO Ted Lee.

Hyundai says the two trim levels, Elite and Highlander, are designed to ensure buyers can access a tech-focused SUV in a package perfectly matched to their needs and lifestyle.

The 3.8-litre GDi petrol V6 with two-wheel drive is carried over while the 2.2-litre CRDi turbo-diesel has revised HTRAC all-wheel drive and both engines have a revised eight-speed automatic transmission hooked up.

The Palisade can be optioned with a seven- or eight-seat layout, the former with two individual captain-type chairs in the middle row as a no cost option.

Palisade’s new tougher look is accentuated by striking new 20-inch alloy wheel designs, with exclusive design elements setting the range-topping Highlander apart.

In terms of appearance, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade has an even more commanding frontal look than the previous model with an even bigger slatted grille dominating. Called the “parametric shield grille” it is flanked by new vertically stacked LED headlights. Most other body panels are carried over with minor detail changes.

Additionally, Palisade scores premium skid plates and square-shaped exhaust outlets.

Top-of-the-range Highlander steps up standard equipment to new levels for Palisade and now features exclusive design touches including a satin chrome finish grille with matching logo badge and skid plate finishes, new hidden-type turn signals, body-coloured cladding and exclusive 20-inch alloys in a sophisticated 15-spoke turbine design.

Highlander variants also receive exclusive front and rear skid plate designs, a full-width high-mounted LED brake light, and a separated hidden-type taillight design.

A selection of nine exterior colours are available including the standard Creamy White, Graphite Grey, Sierra Burgundy, Moonlight Blue and Abyss Black. New optional premium hues include Shimmering Silver and Robust Emerald along with the Highlander-exclusive Olivine Grey and Gaia Brow.

New features inside include a full-width centre air vent, a new four-spoke steering wheel with Highlander-exclusive two-tone premium finish, along with a 12.3-inch Navigation system featuring Bluelink and a 12 speaker Infinity audio, and a 12.3-inch full LCD digital instrument cluster.

Safety and security are enhanced with the addition of a front centre side airbag and a Bluelink SOS emergency call button. Bringing extra convenience is the Digital Centre Mirror (DCM) utilising its own rear camera, a more powerful 15W wireless smartphone charging pad, and USB C charging ports.

Additional luxuries for Highlander variants include heated and ventilated front and second-row seats now for both seven- and eight-seat variants, and wing-out aircraft-inspired second-row headrests.

Highlander variants gain exclusive interior finishes, such as exclusive quilted seat inserts, exclusive quilted and perforated door trim inserts, suede headlining and stainless- steel front speaker grilles, and door and cargo area scuff plates.

Elite variants feature black leather upholstery with premium quilting and cross line alloy look trim. Every Highlander variant is available with Black Nappa leather with luxury quilting, Gloss Black/Pinstripe trim with the further options of Warm Grey and Dark Khaki Nappa leather with unique wood-look trim dependent on the exterior colour.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade arrives in dealerships early August. As yet, an ANCAP rating is unavailable on the MY23 update.

Visit GoAuto again soon for our review of the new 2023 Hyundai Palisade.