Hyundai continues to outkick its coverage with the updated 2023 Palisade XRT all-wheel drive, full-size SUV.
The South Korean auto manufacturer has refreshed the Palisade’s exterior and interior, and added new convenience and driver assistance technologies to keep the model competitive in a wildly competitive market niche.
“The enhanced 2023 Hyundai Palisade offers the design appeal and features worthy of Hyundai’s flagship SUV,” said Olabisi Boyle, vice president, product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North America. “More than ever, Palisade is the ultimate family vehicle for daily use and memory-making road trips.”
Exterior tweaks are most notable from the front where a wide, cascading grille is framed by vertical, composite LED lights to create a striking look. Other new additions include 20-inch, multi-spoke alloy wheels, extended hood profile and panoramic side glass graphics.
My tester was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engined paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The combination generates an estimated 291 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and an estimated 262 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,200 rpm. That’s more than enough oomph to tow big boy toys.
In fact, the new Palisade offers Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive system with tow mode, for the first time. Tow Mode adjusts the towing powertrain profile, holding lower gears longer and reducing the frequency of shifting response.
The three-row Palisade transports up to eight adults with elbow and leg room to spare, and receives and 25 mile per gallon estimate in combined city/highway driving by the EPA. The One-Touch second row seat allows for easy operation to move the seat forward and out of the way for easy access into and out of the third-row seat.
For more convenience, the third row offers power-folding/unfolding and reclining seats. Second-row captain’s chairs are also available. USB-C outlets have been added for faster device charging throughout the interior, providing extra convenience for all passengers.
As if not enough, Hyundai added heated seating to third-row occupants, joining the front and second-row passengers for the first time. The second-row gets the ventilated seat option for the first time.
Wireless charging capability has been upgraded from 5 watts to 15 watts for faster device charging. Digital key touch allows owners to leave their car key at home and use an iPhone, Apple Watch, or Samsung Galaxy smartphone to lock, unlock, and start their vehicle.
A larger navigation screen increased to 12-inches, a Wi-Fi Hotspot, and digital key touch have all been added for this model year. And the new driver assistance technology includes remote smart parking assist, enhanced forward collision avoidance, and highway driving assist.
Palisade’s interior was whisper quiet, and the full-size SUV handled with precision. The cargo area is not large, but increases to generous when the third-row seats are folded flat. Palisade was made for road trips.
Rounding out Palisade’s attributes is a long list of safety suite features highlighted by blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, safe exit assist, driver attention warning, high beam assist, navigation-based smart cruise control, lane following assist, highway driving assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, reverse parking collision-avoidance assist, and remote smart parking assist.
Base Price: $42,395
Price As Driven: $44,080
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. Vehicle price may vary at local dealerships.
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