Ever because it arrived on the scene for the 2020 mannequin yr, the Hyundai Palisade has been ranked on the prime of the mid-size SUV section together with its company sibling, the Kia Telluride. The 2 automobiles took house CarBuzz’s first-ever Household Enjoyable Award, proving simply what successful these SUvs have been. The 2023 Palisade will get its first refresh since happening sale (so does the Kia Telluride), and Hyundai knew it did not have to do a lot when the car was already racking up accolades.
For the brand new mannequin yr, the Palisade positive factors some up to date styling, a sporty XRT trim, new security and comfort options, some small inside tweaks, and that is just about it. It does not sound like quite a bit, however when the product is already this good, minor upgrades are all it wants. After spending the day with the 2023 Palisade in North Carolina, we could even prefer it greater than the Telluride.
Exterior Design: Added Bling
The Palisade’s styling is stately, befitting of a real luxurious car. This 2023 facelift takes the styling everybody fell in love with and dials up the bling. The brand new parametric defend grille design is probably the most noticeable change, particularly on the highest Calligraphy mannequin (pictured beneath), the place it is completed in shiny silver. In case you do not like how massive and attention-grabbing the grille appears, it is also out there in black on the XRT, SEL Premium, and Restricted. The Palisade will get new headlights, wheel designs, and bumpers. General, it is a refined however welcomed change.
There is a new shade for 2023 known as Strong Emerald (pictured beneath), which is restricted to the Calligraphy. It appears black in low mild however pops with shade when the solar hits it. The colour alone may make us contemplate stepping as much as the highest trim.
Engine, Efficiency, & MPG: If It Ain’t Damaged…
There are not any adjustments underneath the hood, the place the usual 3.8-liter V6 engine nonetheless produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Energy goes out by means of a easy eight-speed automated to the entrance wheels or optionally available HTRAC all-wheel-drive. We have been hoping Hyundai may wow us with a hybrid or turbocharged N-tuned mannequin, however this motor needs to be appropriate for many prospects’ wants. Hyundai added a brand new towing mode for 2023, however the 5,000-pound tow score is unchanged, as is the gasoline financial system: 19/24/21 mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed with AWD.
Driving Impressions: Luxurious Expertise
We have been impressed with the Palisade earlier than, and we stay so post-refresh. It is a stellar SUV that makes different mid-sizers on this class really feel massive and cumbersome by comparability. The engine affords loads of passing energy, and the transmission adjustments cogs with out fuss. Hyundai’s chassis and suspension tuning are frankly excellent, limiting the presence of street imperfections whereas retaining the car steady even on curvy mountain roads. When you have a partner or kids who are inclined to get automobile sick simply, the Palisade is the proper possibility.
Inside Design: Genesis High quality
Take the steering wheel badge off, and the Palisade may simply idiot occupants into pondering it is a Genesis product. Particularly within the Calligraphy, the entire supplies are top-notch, they usually really feel as good as they appear. Nappa leather-based adorns the seats, that are heated in all three rows and ventilated within the first two. Even a $100,000 BMW X7 cannot boast that. Talking of consolation, the motive force’s seat now options an Ergo Movement therapeutic massage characteristic, which feels lifted from the Genesis choices record.
All the know-how is intuitive and practical, making this among the finest household automobiles for tech lovers. Optionally available options embrace a Harman Kardon audio system, head-up show, blind-view digital camera system, and full-display digital rearview mirror. All Palisades get a 12-inch touchscreen as customary, however wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto stay absent (so carry a twine).
Trunk & Cargo Area: Household-Sized
Each the second and third rows really feel comfy for adults, and the captain’s chairs now characteristic wing-out headrests as you get on an airplane. Hopping into the third row is a cinch, due to conveniently-placed buttons that slide the second row ahead robotically. As soon as within the third row, you should utilize energy adjustment (optionally available) to recline and get a bit more room.
There is a respectable quantity of area behind the third row with a small storage space hidden underneath the ground. The third-row seats on higher trims are managed electronically with buttons within the trunk and may elevate or decrease comparatively speedily. You can too drop the second-row seats from the trunk, although you may need to stroll up there to elevate them again up.
Pricing, Trims, & Verdict: A Luxurious Cut price
Pricing for the 2023 Palisade is comparatively in-line with different mid-size crossovers, however regardless of what number of options Hyundai crammed in right here, it is from the costliest possibility in its class.
The bottom SE trim begins at $34,950 and consists of loads of customary security options for budget-conscious patrons. Stepping as much as the SEL brings the worth to $37,950, rolling in additional luxurious options like heated H-Tex seats. A $4,950 Premium Bundle provides 20-inch wheels, a digital instrument cluster, surround-view monitor, Harman Kardon audio, ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, Freeway Driving Help II, auto-leveling rear suspension, surround-view monitor, and extra. For a sportier look, the XRT prices $40,250 and consists of related options because the SEL.
Issues begin to attain luxurious territory with the Restricted for $46,500 and the Calligraphy for $48,900. In case you can stay with out Nappa leather-based, the Ergo seat, and Good Park Help, we might say save a couple of grand on the Restricted. We want the wheels (which appear to be ninja throwing stars) and the black grille. All trims include FWD customary or AWD for $1,900.
If the Hyundai Palisade wasn’t in your radar earlier than, it needs to be now. That is probably the most well-rounded mid-size SUV available on the market, at the very least till the facelifted Kia Telluride comes alongside and affords related advantages. Even measured immediately in opposition to similarly-size luxurious SUVs, it nonetheless feels aggressive. The Hyundai Palisade stays a sheer delight.