Palatial is one term that comes to mind when describing the Hyundai Palisade. It’s big with distinctive styling, the latter of which has become a signature for modern Hyundai cars. And there’s presence as well, you can’t miss it. Now it’s time for the all-new Hyundai Palisade, and it’s boxier, brawnier, and a lot bougier.
Following the launch of the new Hyundai Santa Fe, the new Palisade very much follows in its footsteps by retaining Hyundai’s hallmarks. While this is for the Korean market, expect this Palisade to make its way around the world eventually.
You could say the Santa Fe took the bold, boxier styling to the next level, but the Palisade has understandably toned it down a little. There’s still a giant boxy grille but the headlights have been camouflaged next to it. However, you won’t miss the stacked, rectangular DRLs that will also make itself known in people’s rearview mirrors.
At the rear, the taillights are almost a mirror copy of the DRLs, unifying the design language. The intricate wheels look the part as well and won’t be out of place on a Genesis. Lastly, the design cohesiveness carries on with the D-pillar’s decorative cover appearing to connect with the roof rails.
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Inside is where the bougier aspect is more apparent. Hyundai has achieved equilibrium between opulent designs and user-friendliness. An ovoid dash looks the part and will feel like it too with physical controls. Everyone will love the sound system with knobs and buttons while the air-conditioning gets actual switchgear.
Another design masterpiece Hyundai got right is the curved digital display that blends in with the dash and doesn’t seem like an afterthought stuck on. You won’t find any useless screens for the front passenger, instead it’s a good old storage shelf that is huge.
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Completing the interior is an island centre console with a charging pad and charging outlets but minus the electronic shifter, as that’s been moved to the steering column with the badgeless triple-spoke steering.
Dimensions are unclear but Hyundai states it has all grown. The wheelbase is longer and the growth on the other axis should equate to a roomier cabin.
Multiple seating configurations are available, from seven to nine. To get the whole baseball squad in there, you’ll need to lift the island console to reveal the bench seat.
As for engines, well there aren’t any yet. No, that doesn’t mean it’ll run on hopes and dreams, the details haven’t been divulged. There’s only a 3.8-litre V6 with 291 hp now but the new one could come with a turbocharged inline-four or some hybrid variation.
