This thing looks massive.

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen the Hyundai Palisade – an eight-seat behemoth of an SUV. Spy photos popped up back in April of the family hauler. Heavy camouflaged covered much of the exterior design. However, new spy photos from Arizona caught the Palisade with its front clip showing, giving us a glimpse of the grille and front fascia design.

What’s new is the lower fascia opening, which we haven’t seen before. You can also spot some design elements on the lower fascia. The headlight units are larger now that we can see more of them, and less of the grille is covered. However, there’s a big circular spot in the upper center hidden where the Hyundai emblem lives. It appears the Palisade borrows from both the 2019 Santa Fe and the Grandmaster concept.

Hyundai is developing the Palisade alongside Kia’s large SUV – the Telluride. You can spot several similarities. The two should be alike when they enter production. Right now, Hyundai’s Palisade development is in the early stages. In 2019, there will be a three-row Santa Fe XL hitting the market. The Palisade will eventually replace it as the brand’s premier SUV offering.

Under the hood should be a 3.3-liter V6 producing 290 horsepower paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. When Kia introduced the Kia Telluride concept, it had a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an electric motor to produce 400 combined horsepower. Then again, the Palisade could receive a biturbocharged version of the 3.3-liter engine, which produces 365 hp. There should be plenty of room under the hood. It’s the same engine int he Genesis G80 and G90 luxury models.

When Hyundai brings the Palisade to dealerships, it will compete with the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Expedition. We should see an official debut sometime in 2019 with a production version coming in 2020.

Hyundai's Santa Fe range of crossovers has gone through a few different name iterations, but the company is doing away with all that confusion by launching an all-new three-row SUV with a completely different nameplate: the 2020 Hyundai Palisade. Essentially replacing the outgoing three-row version of the Santa Fe, which is currently dubbed the Santa Fe XL, the new Palisade will be the biggest of all Hyundai crossovers and go up against the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and their ilk.

We first heard about this name earlier this year, when Hyundai trademarked the moniker a few months after we first saw spy photos of the new SUV. Then Hyundai showed a concept called the HDC-2 Grandmaster (pictured above) that previewed the look of the Palisade. Based on what we can see from that concept and the test prototype, the Palisade looks to be considerably larger than the Santa Fe XL, which resides on the smaller side of its class. It will have bold styling, with a squared-off profile and interesting lighting cues in both front and rear. It's safe to assume that the interior will be significantly more upscale in design and materials compared with the outgoing Santa Fe XL.

Like its corporate cousin the Kia Telluride, the Palisade is likely to come standard with a V-6 engine mated to an automatic transmission and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Fitting into what's expected of vehicles in this segment, it should offer either seven- or eight-passenger seating capacity along with plenty of family-friendly features. Prices should start in the mid-$30,000s and range up to $50,000 when fully loaded.

We'll learn more about the 2020 Palisade when it makes its official debut at the Los Angeles auto show later this month before going on sale sometime in 2019.

All-New 2020 Hyundai Palisade Mid-size SUV Makes its Global Debut at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show
.

• All-New 2020 Hyundai Palisade Flagship SUV Brings Exceptional Comfort, Technology and Safety in a Bold Midsize SUV
• Palisade offers seating for up to eight and commodious cargo space with convenient features like power third-row seats and One-Touch second-row seats for ease of use
• As Hyundai’s flagship SUV, Palisade offers a host of technology features ideal for family road trips including a 10-inch navigation display, wireless charging, seven USB outlets, second-row ventilated seats, shift-by-wire and innovative roof-based diffuser vents
• Hyundai SmartSense technology comes standard on every Palisade

.
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 28, 2018 – Hyundai today introduced its new flagship premium three-row Palisade SUV to global media at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The 2020 Palisade rides on an all-new SUV chassis with exceptional second- and third-row roominess coupled with generous cargo area and reconfiguration flexibility. The Palisade will be produced in Ulsan, Korea and will be available at dealerships across the U.S. in the summer of 2019.

“The new 2020 Hyundai Palisade clearly evokes design imagery worthy of Hyundai’s flagship SUV, with new levels of all-road, all-weather capability, technology, safety, roominess and efficiency, all packaged in cutting-edge design,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president of Product, Corporate and Digital Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “This new Hyundai SUV is the ultimate family vehicle for practical, comfortable daily use and memory-making road trips whenever the appeal of the open road should beckon.”



FLAGSHIP SUV DESIGN

“Hyundai Palisade’s exterior and interior design clearly reflect its unique flagship identity with a premium, distinctive and bold road presence,” said SangYup Lee, head of Hyundai’s Design Center. “As the lead for Palisade design, it was a pleasure to work with our global design teams throughout its development and ultimately present this phenomenal product before you today.”

Palisade’s styling conveys dignity with style in an understated theme that demonstrates clear differentiation worthy of a flagship SUV. From the front, a dominant, bold and wide cascading grille clearly represents a premium SUV. Separated composite headlamps and a vertically-connected forward lighting signature create a strong and distinctive front demeanor, with available LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and LED turn-signal mirrors. A powerful, extended hood profile creates an impressive road presence, while bold C-pillars and a panoramic glass side graphic convey generous third-row spaciousness. Full volume over-fenders and body sides offer muscular detailing. The rear view emphasizes a wide and stable stance via sinuous detailing and a vertical LED rear taillamp design. Panoramic rear glass coupled with a cutaway roof provides a generous sense of spaciousness to rear passengers. Available oversized 20-inch alloy wheels further fill out the Palisade flagship presence.



This design has aerodynamic benefits as well, with a 0.33 coefficient of drag (Cd). Palisade achieves this low drag coefficient with specific design cues that include a fast A-pillar angle, a rear spoiler side garnish, an optimized front cooling area with an extended internal air guide, aero underside panels, and rear wheel aero deflectors.



INTUITIVE UTILITY

The interior design combines a sense of relaxation and comfort creating a serene environment with eight-passenger seating standard for family adventures. Leather-equipped models offer a premium, quilted Nappa leather, while on the instrument panel, smooth woodgrain trim in a wraparound interior design create a spacious, comfortable ambience. The One-Touch second row seat allows for one-touch operation of 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 with ventilated seating surfaces. Every Palisade seating row offers USB outlets for convenience for all passengers, for a total of seven available USB outlets. Even more, a conversation mirror allows the driver to clearly see passengers in the rear.



Palisade also offers a class-exclusive Blind View Monitor that complements the standard Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, which provides easy-to-see body-side views whenever the turn signal is activated. The audio and navigation display is a generous 10.25 inch touchscreen in widescreen format, coupled with a 12.3-inch fully-digital TFT center instrument cluster offering various view modes and differentiated drive mode illumination. Two Bluetooth® devices can be connected simultaneously, with one for a mobile phone connection and the other for audio streaming. The single instrument panel gauge cluster integrated with navigation offers exceptional legibility and ease of use, coupled with an available head-up display feature. Center console innovations such as shift-by-wire controls free up valuable control space for the features drivers use most. The shift-by-wire system also includes automatic park logic that shifts the vehicle into park when the engine is off and the driver opens the door. Palisade’s center console bridge design also frees up convenient storage space underneath the center console control area with driver and passenger access. The interior features seven available USB outlets, including front-seatback-based USB outlets for the second row occupants and mini-pockets for digital devices of all kinds. A generous 16 cupholders means there’s always a place to stow a beverage at any seating position. Seatbelt connection notification to the driver is active in every seating position.

Palisade also features an industry-first, innovative new roof vent diffuser design that can provide a focused, partially-diffused or fully-diffused stream of air to rear passengers. This new diffuser vent design provides quieter rear air conditioning airflow, draft-free operation, more uniform distribution of air and the capability for a focused stream of air whenever desired.

Palisade offers abundant technology, including Hyundai’s latest navigation system with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™. To eliminate the need for a charging cord, there’s an available Qi wireless charging pad for compatible Android devices as well as recent Apple iPhones. When it comes to audio technology, the available premium sound system is well-suited to the Palisade’s upscale interior. The Infinity® audio system features Clari-Fi™ and QuantumLogic™ Surround Sound technology. Clari–Fi works in real-time to rebuild audio details lost in digitally-compressed music, while QuantumLogic™ extracts signals from the original recording and redistributes them into an authentic, multidimensional soundstage for playback that is clear, refined and full of detail. The result is a more robust and enjoyable on-road listening experience.

HEADS-UP DISPLAY

Taking inspiration from aircraft technology, Palisade’s available Heads-Up Display (HUD) projects a virtual image onto the windshield, helping the driver to better keep his or her eyes on the road. The feature uses a system of mirrors combined with a full-color TFT LCD display and features adjustable brightness to ensure excellent daytime and nighttime visibility. Driving information such as speed, Smart Cruise Control status, navigation, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, speed limits, Lane Following Assist and audio system data is projected at an ideal virtual distance for maximum legibility.

Palisade also offers a sophisticated Driver Talk in-car intercom system with rear seat conversation and sleep modes. This system allows the driver to communicate separately with the second and/or third rows of the vehicle via the Palisade audio system in a conversation mode. The system also includes a Rear Sleep Mode that allows the driver’s row to listen to their selected audio without that same audio being transmitted to the second- and third-row audio speakers, so that potentially sleeping passengers will not be disturbed.

Palisade design seeks a very high perception of openness and exceptional visibility with a large, fixed-glass rear sunroof opening, wide rear seating rows and a generous, reconfigurable rear cargo area. All rear access areas have been ergonomically designed for ease of family access, with an available power rear-folding, unfolding and reclining third-row seatback. Palisade is larger in every exterior dimension than Santa Fe XL and Toyota Highlander.



On the inside, Palisade has more interior first and second row legroom than Pilot, Pathfinder, and Explorer. It also has more cargo room behind the third row than Highlander, Pilot and Pathfinder. As an added convenience, Palisade offers a power liftgate to access the rear cargo area with ease, even when the driver may be carrying items that make it difficult to open the liftgate. The Palisade power liftgate lift height is also height adjustable, ensuring an easy reach to close the liftgate.



POWERTRAIN

Palisade power comes from an Atkinson-cycle 3.8-liter V6, dual CVVT, direct-injected engine, for excellent power and efficiency. This 3.8-liter powerplant produces an estimated 291 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and an estimated 262 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5,000 rpm. Palisade offers more standard horsepower than any other SUV in its competitive set and an unsurpassed level of torque. Palisade delivers that power to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission with a multi-plate torque converter and offers both two-wheel and HTRAC® four-wheel-drive configurations, with a final drive ratio of 3.648 for confident acceleration. Special efforts were made to reduce Palisade NVH, with generous under-hood insulation, special sound-deadening carpets and powertrain tuning that delivers a smooth, linear response. In addition, Palisade offers drivers the ability to start the vehicle via remote key fob or via the Blue Link app.



SUSPENSION GEOMETRY AND TUNING

Front and rear suspension width was maximized on Palisade, for enhanced roll stiffness and stability. Tires are a generous 245/60R18 standard or an optional 245/50R20 size for stability, style and smooth ride comfort. Palisade front steering knuckles and rear carriers are made of aluminum, while front lower arms have been optimized and lightened via a new engineering design, resulting in reduced unsprung weight and improved responsiveness.

Palisade also achieves best-in-class body torsional rigidity through a variety of methods, including a multiple ring-shaped structure and hot-stamped door-ring parts that provide greater strength and rigidity. In addition, its torsional rigidity, when equipped with a sunroof, is nearly identical to versions without a sunroof.

HTRAC® WITH SNOW MODE

The Palisade offers Hyundai’s HTRAC® All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system. The HTRAC AWD system was developed as a multi-mode system, providing an electronic, variable-torque-split clutch with active torque control between the front and rear axles. The driver-selectable HTRAC Normal, Sport and Smart modes help provide confident control in all weather conditions. The Sport setting gives a more agile feel by sending more available torque to the rear wheels, for a sporty dynamic feel when desired. This system has a wider range of torque distribution variability than many competitive systems and has been tuned to conditions such as straight-line acceleration, medium- or high-speed cornering, and hill starts.

Palisade also offers a newly-developed Snow Mode on its advanced HTRAC® AWD system, with special traction tuning for snow, optimizing available traction and driver control in adverse conditions. The Drive Mode System’s Snow Mode adjusts front and rear torque distribution, left and right wheel slip control, engine torque and shift patterns according to available traction levels. In addition, Palisade’s AWD HTRAC system includes an AWD locking-differential function for challenging traction situations.

SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES

Palisade offers a number of advanced safety technologies standard, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning and Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go.



Hyundai’s standard Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) enhances driver awareness to the rear of the Palisade. Using the Blind Spot Detection system’s radar sensors when backing up, the system can not only warn the driver if vehicles approach from the rear side, it also applies the brakes automatically.

Available safety features include Rear Occupant Alert (ROA). The system monitors the rear seats using an ultrasonic sensor that helps to detect the movements of children and pets. The system first reminds drivers to check the rear seats when exiting the vehicle with a message on the center instrument cluster display. If the system detects movement in the rear seats after the driver leaves the vehicle and locks the doors, it will honk the horn and send a Blue Link alert to the driver’s smartphone via Hyundai’s Blue Link connected car system. The system is designed to prevent children and pets from being forgotten in the car, but it also helps in case children accidentally lock themselves in.

The Palisade also features a standard Safe Exit Assist system. To enhance the safety of Hyundai’s passengers, Safe Exit Assist uses radar to detect cars approaching from the rear and cautions passengers looking to exit the vehicle. If a passenger attempts to open the door when a car is approaching from behind, a visual and acoustic warning on the center cluster will alert the driver. In addition, if the driver attempts to deactivate the Electronic Child Safety Lock feature, Safe Exit Assist will override the driver and ensure the rear doors remain locked until the approaching vehicle has passed. Once the road is clear, the driver can then deactivate the Electronic Child Safety Lock and successfully unlock the rear passenger doors.

In addition, Palisade has seven standard airbags: dual front, dual side, driver’s knee, and roll-over-sensing side-curtain airbags. Palisade uses a full-length large side curtain airbag that includes third-row seating coverage for enhanced rear occupant protection in the event of a collision. Tire pressure monitoring with individual position display, anti-theft security, three LATCH anchors in the second row and two LATCH anchors in the third row and a rearview camera are also standard on Palisade.

Palisade has a very rigid structure, with strategic use of Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) in key suspension and crash areas to provide increased tensile-strength. Use of Advanced High Strength Steel has several benefits: lighter overall vehicle weight and greater vehicle strength and rigidity without the excessive costs of more exotic lightweight materials.

Palisade is expected to achieve TSP+ from the IIHS and a 5-star NHTSA rating. Robust underbody and side structures are designed to increase energy absorption and cabin intrusion in a severe collision, especially in the small overlap test. Further, its underbody uses multiple load paths to better disperse potential crash energy in the event of a collision.



BLUE LINK® CONNECTED CAR SYSTEM

Palisade Blue Link equipped models include three years of complimentary Blue Link services, with enhanced safety, diagnostic, remote and voice guidance services. Blue Link brings connectivity directly into the car with technologies like Remote Start with Climate Control, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Car Finder, Enhanced Roadside Assistance and Stolen Vehicle Recovery. Blue Link features can be accessed via buttons on the rearview mirror, the MyHyundai.com web portal, the MyHyundai with Blue Link smartphone app, the Amazon® Alexa Blue Link skill and the Blue Link Google Assistant app. Some features can also be controlled via Android Wear™ and Apple Watch™ smartwatch apps. The latest release of the Blue Link smartphone app includes:
.

• Widgets for easy access to remote features
• Ability to send Point-of-Interest data to vehicle navigation system (if so equipped)
• Access to Blue Link notification settings

.
COLOR

Palisade will be available in a number of exterior colors, including: Beckets Black, White Cream, Lagoon Silver, Steel Graphite, Sierra Burgundy, Moonlight Cloud and Forest Rain. Interior combinations include unique molding accent colors tailored to the exterior combination.

Hyundai can build big, spectacular things. In 2014 it created the CSCL Globe, the world's largest container ship at the time. With a 77,200-hp two-stroke engine and a deck the size of four soccer fields, it can deliver 19,000 shipping containers anywhere in the world. By comparison, the new 2020 Hyundai Palisade isn't all that large — but it will soon become the brand's biggest and most powerful SUV ever.

About the size of the Ford Explorer and the popular Honda Pilot, the Palisade is already on sale in South Korea, where it is assembled at Hyundai's massive plant in Ulsan alongside the Tucson, Ioniq and Veloster. But the replacement for the Santa Fe XL won't hit Hyundai's American dealerships until summer 2019. It's part of an SUV onslaught by the automaker, which has just introduced the smaller Kona and Santa Fe models. And Hyundai says there's more to come.

Unlike the Ford Explorer, which will soon return to a traditional rear-wheel drive architecture, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade uses a new front-wheel drive chassis it will share with the coming Kia Telluride. The SUV is 3 inches longer, about 3.5 inches wider and over 2 inches taller than the Santa Fe XL, and its wheelbase has grown 4 inches. That matches the Nissan Pathfinder at 114.2 inches, and outstretches the Explorer, Pilot and Toyota Highlander. However, the Chevy Traverse and Buick Enclave share a 120.9-inch wheelbase, and at 204.3 inches long they've got 8 inches of length on the Palisade.

Despite all that size, the Palisade doesn't feel like a container ship from behind its leather-wrapped steering wheel. After two cold snowy days driving Korean-market spec Palisades around northern South Korea, both on and off road, we flew home to California impressed by the SUV's dynamics, packaging and comfort.

Inside, the Palisade's front seats are firm with significant bolstering, and the seating position is perfect. Hyundai has gotten the details right, even carving the SUV's A-pillars extra thin to better your forward view. Fit and finish are impressive, coming close to Genesis levels with our test car's quilted Nappa leather, suede headliner and knurled knobs. Its pale striped wood trim, although fake, pulls off the yacht feel SangYup Lee, Hyundai's Head of Global Design, says he was going for. By the way, before joining Hyundai, Lee was the lead designer at Bentley, where he created that company's first SUV, the Bentayga.

Hyundai told us there are no differences in the SUV's ride and handling tuning from those that will be sold in America, but the 197 horsepower, 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel in our test vehicle won't make it to the States. At launch, all Palisades sold in the U.S. will be powered by a new version of Hyundai's Lambda 3.8-liter V6. To improve fuel economy, in this application the engine runs on an Atkinson Cycle under light loads, and Hyundai is estimating its output at 291 hp at 6,000 rpm and 262 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. Strong numbers for this class. Unfortunately, the Palisade's EPA fuel economy ratings are not yet available.

Front-wheel drive and the Hyundai's excellent in-house developed eight-speed automatic transmission will be standard. Its HTRAC all-wheel drive system will be optional. Although big V6s still rule this class, eventually we do expect other engines to be offered in Palisades imported to the United States.

Driving around downtown Seoul is very much like driving through mid-town Manhattan, right down to the taxis and the traffic. In this environment the Palisade feels solid, responsive and light on its feet. There's a satisfying heft to the steering, which is quick with a 15.6:1 ratio, and the Palisade feels agile on its optional 20-inch Michelin Primacy Sport Tour tires. Although it is, the big SUV doesn't feel nose-heavy. In fact, it feels much lighter overall than its 4,475-pound curb weight, and its balance will improve with the all-aluminum V6, which weighs 150 pounds less than the smaller iron block diesel.

There's plenty of road feel in the steering and chassis. The ride is comfortable, although some drivers may find it to be firmer than they expect. It's probably a bit more compliant on the standard 18-inch tires, which are considerably lighter, shaving 5.5 pounds off each corner. Sport mode unnecessarily adds more weight to the steering but cranks up the response of the throttle and transmission nicely.

Hyundai attempted to tackle noise and vibration with under-hood insulation and special sound-deadening carpets, but the Palisade is no isolation chamber, thanks to the diesel engine. We suspect the Palisade will be considerably more refined with the U.S.-spec gas engine.

Hyundai was eager to demonstrate the different modes of the SUV's HTRAC all-wheel drive system, which includes Mud, Sand and Snow, so we drove Palisade on some very mild dirt roads and a beach southwest of Seoul. This is no serious off roader, and we quickly buried the SUV up to its axles in the deep, soft sand. With 7.9 inches of ground clearance, at least Palisade will handle the gravel parking lot at Coachella without breaking a sweat.

And it'll get the whole family there. Adults can actually sit in the third row comfortably, and three pre-teens can fit back there without complaining. The second row slides to balance out the legroom when you're using the Hyundai's max seating capacity, which is eight, or seven if you get the second row captain's chairs. Third row access is also in the positive column, as the second row jumps out of the way with the push of button. Split 60/40, a power folding third row will be available, and there's a sizable amount of additional storage under the Palisade's cargo floor.

Other highlights are generous interior storage and solid ergonomics, which includes Hyundai's first push button shifter, 10 cupholders by our count, and an available 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. Hyundai will offer a fully-digital and configurable 12.3-inch instrument cluster, which recently debuted on the 2019 Kia K900.

Hyundai hasn't skimped on the safety either. The SUV's long list of standard active safety systems should add up to an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a 5-star NHTSA rating.

Problems? Well, there's no onboard Wifi, which seems like a major oversight in all-new family vehicle. And the Palisade won't launch with an available hybrid version – a surprise given Hyundai's investment in electrification of late. Heck, the new Kona Electric just might win the North American SUV of the Year title.

Hyundai won't discuss sales projections, but admits the United States is the most important market for the large SUV and will make up the bulk of the Palisade's sales volume. Today the Elantra is Hyundai's biggest seller in the U.S., with 185,339 sold through November, and the Tucson is its most popular SUV with 126,915 sold over the same time period.

Hyundai also isn't ready to discuss pricing. Zayong Koo, Hyundai's vice president, would only say, "Pricing will be similar to competitors." That means we should expect the Palisade to cost somewhere between $32,000 and $50,000 depending on its trim level and options.

They're going to sell a lot of these things.

Hyundai has closed its investigation into why some Palisade owners complained about a funky smell in the cabin. It blamed the stench on the headrests, and it explained getting rid of it might require replacing all seven of them.

We first covered this unusual problem in August 2020, after several owners and Cars.com complained about it. Some said the SUV smelled like dirty socks, others argued the odor reminded them of spicy garlic cabbage, and a few settled for describing it as "really bad." What's certain is that no one said it smelled good.

Hyundai analyzed the problem and ultimately traced the scent to the imitation leather it uses to upholster the headrests, according to Cars.com. It explained a flaw in the manufacturing process is responsible for the smell, though it provided no additional details about what went wrong. Getting rid of it requires removing the upholstery from each headrest and spraying it with odor-neutralizing chemicals. Dealers are also instructed to spray the solution into the seatback via the holes that the headrests mount into. If the smell goes away, great. If it doesn't, customers will be asked to take their Palisade back to the dealer for a second round of deep-cleaning.

Dealers will need to replace the seven headrests in extreme cases. Hyundai said it made changes to its production process, so its headrests should again exude a new-leather whiff rather than an garlic cabbage niff.

Owners of a stinky Limited or Calligraphy model are eligible to get their SUV deodorized free of charge. Hyundai is not going to issue a official recall, the smell thankfully isn't strong enough to be considered a safety-related problem, but affected customers are encouraged to get in touch with their nearest dealer.

Hyundai unveiled its significantly enhanced 2023 Palisade SUV in a global debut at the 2022 New York International Auto Show. The new Palisade offers freshened interior and exterior design cues, new infotainment and safety features, and advanced driver assistance systems. The 2023 Palisade arrives at Hyundai dealers in summer 2022.

"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."

Flagship SUV Design

The design of the 2023 Hyundai Palisade conveys dignified refinement with clear differentiation worthy of a flagship SUV. A wider, cascading grille form outlines rugged parametric shield elements for a premium appearance. The new forward lighting signature features vertically-connected LED composite lights that frame the grille creating a sharp-edged, technical appeal. New, 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels fill the wheel openings for a premium flagship presence. New strake detailing on the lower front skid plate element further conveys a rugged demeanor. The powerful, extended hood profile creates an impressive road presence, while bold C-pillars and panoramic side glass graphics convey generous third-row spaciousness. The rear view emphasizes a wide, stable stance via vertical LED taillamps and lower fascia skid plate details.

This design has aerodynamic benefits as well, with specific design cues that include a fast A-pillar angle, a rear spoiler side garnish, an optimized front cooling area with an extended internal air guide, aero underside panels, and rear wheel aero deflectors.

Intuitive Utility and Premium Design Elements

2023 Hyundai Palisade now offers an innovative Ergo driver's seat designed to provide comfort and help reduce fatigue during long drives. Palisade's third-row seating now offers heating for its passengers, a first for Hyundai. The second row of seats now offers wing-out headrests and seat ventilation for extra comfort. For the driver, an available full-display digital center rearview mirror uses a rearview camera to allow the driver to clearly see behind the Palisade without the obstructions of passengers or cargo. New, slim horizontal air vents add a sense of spaciousness and premium ambience. The instrument panel has been redesigned for a more voluminous appearance with new ambient lighting themes.

Wireless charging capability has been upgraded from 5 watts to 15 watts for faster device charging. The 2023 Palisade supports the latest version of Hyundai Digital Key. Digital Key 2 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. After the car key has been added to Apple Wallet or Samsung Pass, users can simply hold the supported device near the door handle to lock or unlock the car. Touching an Apple Watch near or placing the phone in the wireless charger and then pressing the start button allows the driver to start the Palisade's engine. Apple Wallet or Samsung Pass also allows secure sharing of keys with family and friends. The 2023 Palisade is also the first Hyundai vehicle to offer Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Customers with cellular connectivity will be able to provide a hotspot that allows others to browse the internet, stream videos or music and more - just like at home.

The interior design combines a sense of relaxation and comfort creating a serene environment with eight-passenger seating standard for family adventures. 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. Even more, a conversation mirror allows the driver to clearly see passengers in the rear.

Ultrasonic Rear Occupant Alert monitors the rear seats to detect the movements of children and pets, reminding drivers to check the rear seats when exiting the vehicle; if the system detects movement in the rear seats after the driver leaves and locks the vehicle, it can sound the horn and send an alert to the driver's smartphone via Bluelink. The system is designed to help prevent children and pets from being forgotten in the car, but it can also help in case children accidentally lock themselves in.

Powertrain

Palisade power comes from an Atkinson-cycle 3.8-liter V6, dual CVVT, direct-injected engine, for excellent power and efficiency. This 3.8-liter powerplant produces an estimated 291 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and an estimated 262 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5,200 rpm. Palisade delivers that power to the wheels via a refined eight-speed automatic transmission with a multi-plate torque converter and offers both two-wheel and HTRAC® four-wheel-drive configurations, with a final drive ratio of 3.648 for confident acceleration. Palisade is extremely quiet, with generous under-hood insulation, special sound-deadening carpets and powertrain tuning that delivers smooth, linear response. In addition, Palisade offers drivers the ability to start the vehicle via remote key fob or via the Blue Link app.

HTRAC® With New Tow Mode Capability

The 2023 Palisade offers Hyundai's HTRAC® All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system, which adds Tow Mode. Tow Mode adjusts the towing powertrain profile, holding lower gears longer and reducing the frequency of shifting response. The HTRAC AWD system was developed as a multi-mode system, providing an electronic, variable-torque-split clutch, with active torque control between the front and rear axles. The driver-selectable HTRAC Normal, Sport and Smart modes help provide confident control in all weather conditions. The Sport setting gives a more agile feel by sending more available torque to the rear wheels, for a sporty dynamic feel when desired. This system has a wider range of torque distribution variability than many competitive systems and has been tuned to conditions such as straight-line acceleration, medium- or high-speed cornering, and hill starts.

New Safety and Convenience Technologies

SUV buyers do not want to compromise when it comes to protecting their passengers, so Hyundai has expanded its safety technologies on the 2023 Palisade, with rear side-impact airbags as standard equipment to help provide additional occupant protection. Its generous suite of advanced driver assistance systems includes many innovative technologies, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, 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.

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist helps to avoid collisions with objects in front of the vehicle while driving. If a preceding vehicle suddenly slows, or if a forward-collision risk is detected, such as a stopped vehicle or a pedestrian, it provides a warning. After the warning, if the risk of collision remains, it can assist with emergency braking. While driving, if there is a risk of collision with a cyclist ahead, or with an oncoming vehicle while turning at an intersection, it can help assist with emergency braking. While driving through an intersection, if there is a risk of collision with oncoming vehicles detected from the left or right, it can assist with emergency braking. When changing lanes while driving, if there is a risk of collision with an oncoming vehicle detected in the next lane or a preceding vehicle in the next lane, it can assist with steering to help avoid a collision. If there is a risk of collision with a pedestrian detected, partially in the vehicle's intended path, it can assist with steering to help avoid a collision.

Lane Keeping Assist

Lane Keeping Assist helps to keep the vehicle within the lane while driving.

Lane Following Assist

Lane Following Assist helps to keep the vehicle centered within the lane while driving.

Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist

Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist helps to avoid collisions with a rear-side vehicle when changing lanes. When operating the turn signal to change lanes, if there is a risk of collision detected with a rear-side vehicle, it can provide a warning. If exiting a parallel parking spot and there is a risk of collision detected with a rear-side vehicle, it can assist with emergency braking.

Safe Exit Assist

Safe Exit Assist can help avoid collisions with a rear-side vehicle detected when exiting the vehicle. When the occupant opens the door to exit the vehicle after a stop, if an approaching vehicle from the rear side is detected, it provides a warning. It can also help keep the rear door closed through operation of the electronic child lock when a potential collision is detected.

Driver Attention Warning

Driver Attention Warning analyzes the driver's attention while driving and can warn the driver of inattentive driving inputs.

High Beam Assist

High Beam Assist can help switch high beam lights on and off at night for approaching vehicles in the opposite oncoming lane.

Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control

Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control can help maintain safe speeds on the highway using navigation data. In a highway curved section, the speed can be reduced appropriately before entering the curve. When leaving the curved section, the speed can return to the original setting.

Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist

Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist can help avoid collisions with oncoming vehicles detected on the left or right side of the vehicle while reversing. If there is a risk of collision detected with an oncoming vehicle on the left or right side while reversing, it provides a warning. After the warning, if the risk of collision remains, it can assist with emergency braking.

Highway Driving Assist

Highway Driving Assist helps maintain a set distance and speed from the vehicle ahead when driving on a highway and helps center the vehicle in the lane, even when driving through curves.

Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist

Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist can help avoid collisions with rearward objects detected while reversing. If there is a risk of collision detected with a rearward object while reversing, the system provides a warning. After the warning, if the risk of collision remains, it can assist with emergency braking.

Remote Smart Parking Assist

Remote Smart Parking Assist helps remotely park or exit a parking spot from outside the vehicle.

In addition, 2023 Hyundai Palisade now applies nine standard airbags: dual front, dual side-front and rear, driver's knee, and roll-over-sensing side-curtain airbags. Palisade uses a full-length large side curtain airbag that includes third-row seating coverage for enhanced rear occupant protection in the event of a collision. Palisade has a very rigid structure, with strategic use of Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) in key areas to provide increased tensile-strength. Use of Advanced High Strength Steel has several benefits: lighter overall vehicle weight and greater vehicle strength and rigidity without the excessive costs of more exotic lightweight materials. Robust underbody and side structures are designed to increase energy absorption and cabin intrusion in a severe collision, especially in the small overlap test. Further, its underbody uses multiple load paths to better disperse potential crash energy in the event of a collision.

New Rugged Palisade XRT Model

2023 Palisade will also offer a new, dark-themed, rugged XRT model to complement the Santa Fe and Tucson XRT models in the Hyundai SUV line-up. The Palisade XRT will include:

• Dark-finish, rugged-themed 20-inch alloy wheels
• Rugged-look front and rear fascia with skid plate design elements
• Rugged-look lower door trim
• Dark-finish front grille
• Black roof rails
• Power sunroof (conventional type)
• Black leatherette seating surfaces

Bluelink® Connected Car Feature Enhancements

Hyundai offers the latest version of its upgraded Bluelink® connected car services with the 2023 Palisade. This range of new features allows customers to control vehicle functions with their smartphone or voice to make their drive more convenient and enjoyable. New Bluelink features include Connected Routing, Last Mile Navigation, and a new User Profile feature.

Automatic Collision Notification (ACN) is an important safety feature within Bluelink. In the event of an accident and an airbag deploys, an Automatic Collision Notification signal can be automatically transmitted to the Bluelink Customer Care Center. A trained Bluelink response operator can attempt to establish voice communication with the vehicle occupants, dispatch appropriate services and remain on the line until help arrives.

New to 2023 Palisade, Bluelink-enabled features include:

• Remote Profile Management stores select personalized driver preferences in the Bluelink cloud, and can remotely update and push-back to the vehicle
• Remote Start Enhancements offer remote seat heating and ventilation functions as well as preloads of individual driver settings for seating position
• Vehicle Status Notifications inform owners if the vehicle has doors unlocked or windows open
• Maintenance Alert Enhancement tracks maintenance intervals in the multimedia system, with ability to reset

Hyundai Palisade's Dynamic Voice Recognition system accepts simple voice commands to conveniently control cabin A/C, radio, hatch opening/closing, heated steering wheel, heated/cooled seats, and other functions. The system can also assist with various points of interest (POI), weather status and stock market data updates.

Color

2023 Palisade exterior colors continue to include: Abyss Black, Hyper White, Steel Graphite, Sierra Burgundy, Typhoon Silver and Moonlight Cloud, with Robust Emerald as a new color for 2023. Interior seating is available in cloth, leatherette, leather and premium Nappa leather.

Hyundai unveiled the Palisade in November 2018 at the Los Angeles Auto Show and facelifted its fullsize SUV in April 2022 for the New York Auto Show. A second-generation model being engineered under the "LX3" codename is apparently on the way, according to South Korean outlet ETNews. Mass production is allegedly scheduled to begin in January 2025, representing a two-month delay caused by a reevaluation of the project.

It is believed the next-gen Palisade will move to a different platform that'll bring a longer wheelbase compared to the current model, which measures 196.7 inches (4995 millimeters) between the axles. It would appear that Hyundai will finally electrify its big SUV by offering a 2.5-liter gasoline hybrid powertrain. Stricter emissions regulations are said to force the discontinuation of the 2.2-liter diesel in the markets where the large family vehicle is offered with the CRDi engine.

ETNews mentions Hyundai intends to drop the naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 in favor of a smaller turbocharged 3.5-liter unit. That should translate into a more efficient engine and likely with extra power over the 291 hp and 262 lb-ft (355 Nm) offered today by the GDI engine. The next Palisade is unlikely to offer a purely electric setup since that role will be fulfilled by the upcoming Ioniq 7, previewed by the Seven Concept.

Naturally, the mechanically related Kia Telluride is likely to go through the same changes. Similarly, it probably won't spawn an EV derivative since a zero-emission version would clash with the already-unveiled EV9. The Hyundai Motor Group's luxury division Genesis is working on a posh version of the Ioniq 7 and EV9, likely to be called the GV90.

According to the same report, Hyundai wants to give the new Palisade a Level 3 self-driving system and wide support for over-the-air updates to improve the big SUV post-purchase. Following its Korean launch in early 2025, the three-row family vehicle is rumored to hit the US in June of the same year, potentially as a 2026MY.

It's been five years since Hyundai unveiled the Palisade, having debuted in late November 2018 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The large SUV went on to receive a mid-cycle facelift in April 2022, and while rumors of a next-gen model have started to emerge, there's still time for the current variant to get an update. Based on the range-topping Calligraphy trim level, the Night Edition brings an assortment of black accents both inside and out.

Painted in Abyss Black or Hyper White, the sinister family hauler has dark tints applied to the front grille, front and rear fascias, roof rails, and door side moldings. In addition, it rides on black 20-inch wheels and boastrs darkened rear badging. By the way, the HTRAC logo is always there since Hyundai sells this version exclusively with all-wheel drive.

The South Korean marque has yet to release images showing the interior, but we do know the Palisade Calligraphy Night Edition comes only in black with a dark aluminum upper console trim. The Nappa leather seating of the regular model has made way for dark micro-suede exclusive to the special variant. As standard, you get snow and tow modes, along with downhill brake control and AWD lock.

It can already be ordered in the United States where it costs $54,935 (with destination charges included) or $1,500 more than the Palisade Calligraphy with AWD. Since this is essentially a fully loaded version, it doesn't have any options, save for that Hyper White paint that'll set you back an extra $450. You can add an assortment of accessories, varying from a $55 cargo net and $349 roof rack cross rails to $215 carpeted floor mats and a $545 tow hitch.

Looking into the future, South Korean outlet ETNews wrote a few months ago about the second-generation Palisade and how it could move to a different platform with a longer wheelbase. It's said to gain a hybrid 2.5-liter gasoline powertrain and a turbocharged 3.5-liter mill. The diesel engine available in some markets will allegedly be dropped due to stricter emissions regulations forcing Hyundai to retire the 2.2-liter CRDi.

The same report said series production is programmed to begin in January 2025, which would imply a world premiere in the second half of 2024.