New Hyundai Palisade Tested: Bridging Korea and America

The new generation Hyundai Palisade, designed with the American market in mind, has undergone significant upgrades, particularly in its powertrain. While the previous model featured a thirsty 3.8-liter V6 engine, the latest iteration boasts a more efficient hybrid system. This new setup combines a 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined 329 horsepower and 46.9 kgm of torque. This translates to improved performance, with 0-100 km/h acceleration in 7.3 seconds, and a more economical fuel consumption of approximately 11 km/liter, a notable improvement for a vehicle of its size.

The Palisade's exterior design emphasizes its large size, featuring a prominent grille and vertical LED lighting elements. Inside, the cabin offers a clean aesthetic with a focus on spaciousness, highlighted by dual 12.3-inch screens and a floating center console. Despite some hard plastics in lower areas, the overall material quality is high, with soft-touch surfaces and comfortable leather upholstery. The interior is well-equipped with physical climate controls and ample charging ports, including USB-C outlets. The vehicle is available in 8-seat (2-3-3) or captain's chair (2-2-3) configurations, with increased wheelbase and overall length providing generous legroom in the second row and adequate space in the third row for shorter journeys or children.

Ride quality is a strong suit, with the soft suspension effectively absorbing road imperfections, making it ideal for comfortable long-distance cruising. While not designed for sporty driving, the Palisade handles competently, with a focus on passenger comfort. The steering is light, suitable for urban maneuverability, and the brakes provide adequate stopping power. The vehicle comes in two trims, Excellence and Calligraphy, with the latter offering premium features like Nappa leather and a head-up display. Both trims include a comprehensive suite of safety features and 10 airbags.

The Palisade's main strengths lie in its spaciousness, improved hybrid powertrain offering a balance of performance and fuel efficiency, and high level of comfort. Its considerable dimensions, however, may pose challenges in tight urban environments. It is positioned as an ideal choice for those who appreciate the space and comfort of the previous generation but were deterred by its fuel consumption, now offering a more powerful, quieter, safer, and more economical option for transporting up to eight passengers.