OVERVIEW
The Hyundai Palisade has done a fantastic job serving as the brand's flagship SUV since its release for the 2020 model year. This three-row family vehicle is cozy, capable, and full of high-quality creature comforts. Despite being strong as it is, there is always some opportunity for development. The idea behind the Palisade's mid-cycle update is that a few minor adjustments here and there may improve a good car.
The Palisade has always had a modern aesthetic, but I believe the 2023 update amplifies that. I appreciate how the front grille is more noticeable, perhaps more menacing blends better with the daytime running lights, and exudes a much stronger attitude.
To improve its side profile, Hyundai's designers slightly increased the front overhang, although I hardly noticed a change. Although the lower portion of the bumper receives a new skid plate and the rear end sheds some overhang, the overall appearance is mostly unchanged. The outward redesign is completed with a fresh set of auto-dimming side mirrors.
What Has Changed For 2023?
The Palisade has had a facelift for the 2023 model year, making it appear more angular. New amenities have been added to the cabin, and the redesigned wheel designs accentuate the new appearance. The Palisade's instrument panel features a 12.0-inch infotainment display with greater quality, a revised steering wheel, and modernized upholstery choices.
A Wi-Fi hotspot, heated third-row seats, and a massaging driver's seat are among the new features. The XRT variant, which has 20-inch wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, and other design features, is a new addition to the portfolio.
The Kia Telluride, which is mechanically comparable to the Palisade but is also set for an update this year, has always been the Palisade's strongest opponent.
2023 Hyundai Palisade: Engine And Performance
A 3.8-liter V-6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard on the Palisade. For a car like this, the engine's 291 horsepower is sufficient for acceleration. Paddles placed on the steering wheel can be used to manually shift the Palisade's transmission.
The transmission automatically shifts smoothly, however, while tackling climbs, the ratios are busy and shuffled. All-wheel drive is optional on the SE, SEL, and Limited trim levels but standard on the top-of-the-line Calligraphy. Front-wheel drive is the default.
A transmission cooler, trailer pre-wiring, and sway control are included as standard equipment with all Palisade versions. When fitted with the trailer hitch installed by the dealer, it is capable of towing up to 5000 pounds.
The Palisade's smooth ride and quiet inside were underlined during our test drive of a fully loaded Calligraphy model around Asheville, North Carolina. We even tried some mild off-roading and were confident that the large SUV could handle terrain other than what you'll find in the urban jungle.
An all-wheel-drive SEL that we tested on our test track produced average acceleration performance. In our tests, the Palisade reached 60 mph from zero in 6.9 seconds, and it required 182 feet to come to a stop from 70 mph. It turned out to be slightly slower than the Chevrolet Traverse but faster than the Telluride.
2023 Hyundai Palisade: Interior And Comfort
Eight people can fit in the SE and SEL trims, but only seven can fit in the Limited and Calligraphy because of the second-row captain's seats. In any case, there is plenty of room for people to sit in each of the three rows. A button in the second row allows the seat to be moved forward for simple access to the third row.
Road noise is muffled, but a lot of wind noise may still be heard through the doors. Third-row seats with power adjustments are standard on the Limited and Calligraphy models, but they are an option on the SEL. 33 carry-on luggage fit in the Palisade during our testing, and the cargo volume with all the seats folded is 86 cubic feet.
Stowage measures 46 cubic feet when the third row is folded and the second row is erect. The volume decreases to a meager 18 cubes while the third row is in use. To keep objects that are dirty or wet, look under the load floor. Although the door cubbies are small, there is adequate storage inside and beneath the center console.
2023 Hyundai Palisade: Connectivity
All grades come standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, in-dash navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth. You have access to up to seven USB connections, and two Bluetooth devices can be connected at once. The Palisade can be remotely locked, unlocked, and started with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant when it has Hyundai's Blue Link app service.
2023 Hyundai Palisade: Pricing
The lowest SE trim level of the 2023 Palisade comes with front-wheel drive and costs $34,950. Prices for mid-range trims range from $37,950 to $46,500. The starting MSRP for the top Calligraphy model is $48,900. Any model can have an all-wheel drive installed for $1,900.
Which One To Purchase?
Although the XRT model is a new addition to the lineup this year, the mid-range SEL with the Premium package would be our preferred Palisade. Many of the most cutting-edge and opulent amenities of the SUV are added, including a larger infotainment screen, in-dash navigation, and the most sophisticated driver-aid technologies offered by Hyundai.