Hyundai Palisade Hybrid 2023: Know It All
The Hyundai Palisade has been a hit for the Korean car manufacturer, with its high-class cabin, smooth ride, and space for the whole family. The brand’s largest SUV line starts with the value-oriented base trim and runs all the way up to the swanky Calligraphy model that does its best impression of a Genesis GV80.
The Palisade’s standard 3.8-liter V-6 engine produces 291 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Connectivity and technology features are standard across the range, while top models get luxuries such as a panoramic sunroof, in-dash navigation, and quilted leather upholstery. Regard
What's New for the 2023 Hyundai Palisade?
For the 2023 model year, the Palisade has undergone a facelift that gives it a more squared-off appearance. The new look is enhanced by updated wheel designs and new seating options for the cabin. The instrument panel now sports a higher-resolution 12.0-inch infotainment display, a redesigned steering wheel, and updated upholstery options.
The new model comes with a Wi-Fi hotspot, heated third-row seats, and a massaging driver’s seat. The XRT model joins the lineup and comes with 20-inch wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, and other design flourishes. The Palisade’s biggest competitor has always been the mechanically similar Kia Telluride, but this model is also due for an update this year, which means that rivalry will continue.
Which one to buy?
The XRT model is new for this year, but the Palisade remains our top pick in the lineup. The SEL with the Premium package includes many of the SUV’s best tech and luxury features, including a larger infotainment screen, in-dash navigation, and Hyundai’s most advanced driver-assistance features.
Performance, Engine, and Transmission
The Palisade is powered by a 3.8-liter V-6 and has an eight-speed automatic transmission. A 291-horsepower engine provides adequate acceleration for the vehicle’s size. The transmission can be manually shifted with steering-wheel-mounted paddles; however, there’s some busy shuffling of the ratios when climbing hills.
Standard equipment on all Palisade models includes front-wheel drive, while a dealer-installed trailer hitch is optional on SE, SEL, and Limited trim levels; it’s standard on the range-topping Calligraphy. All Palisade models come standard with a transmission cooler and trailer pre-wiring and sway control. The vehicle is rated to tow up to 5000 pounds when equipped with the dealer-installed trailer hitch.
Our test drive of a loaded Calligraphy model around Asheville, North Carolina highlighted the Palisade’s smooth ride and quiet cabin; we even gave some light off-roading a try and were satisfied that the big SUV can handle the rough terrain you’d expect to find in an urban jungle. We tested an all-wheel-drive SEL model and found its acceleration performance unexceptional at our test track.
The Palisade went from zero to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, and it needed 182 feet to stop from 70 mph. It performed slightly better than the Telluride but slower than the Chevrolet Traverse.
Fuel Economy
The EPA rates the front-wheel-drive Palisade at 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. When equipped with all-wheel drive, the Palisade is rated at 19 city and 24 mpg highway. During our 200-mile highway test route, our all-wheel-drive SEL model achieved just 23 mpg, compared to its 24 mpg rating.
Interior and Comfort
The second row of seats is folded anThe SE, SEL, and Limited trims seat eight passengers; the Calligraphy has second-row captain’s chairs which reduce passenger capacity to seven. Regardless of trim level, all three rows offer ample space for passengers. The second row can also be moved forward for easier access to the third.
Noise from the road is suppressed; however, a large amount of wind noise penetrates the doors. Power-folding second-row seats are optional on the SEL and standard on the Limited and Calligraphy. Cargo volume with all the seats folded is 86 cubic feet, and 33 carry-on suitcases fit in our testing.
d the third row is in use, 46 cubic feet of cargo space remains. With the third row stowed, the volume decreases to 18 cubes. The load floor has a tray beneath it to store muddy or wet items. Cubbyholes in the doors are tight, but there is adequate storage above and below the center console.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is standard on all trims. The Palisade can be equipped with up to seven USB ports, allowing you to connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. The car can be locked, unlocked, and started remotely through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant when Hyundai’s Blue Link app service is installed.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Nearly every advanced safety system can be added to the Palisade. For more information about the vehicle’s crash-test results, visit NHTSA and IIHS websites. The Palisade has the following key safety features:
- Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Hyundai offers one of the best warranties in the industry, highlighted by a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain coverage for the first owner of the vehicle. The company also now offers complimentary scheduled maintenance that bests mainstream rivals such as Toyota.
