Want a Range Rover but can’t quite justify the $300,000 price tag? The new Hyundai Palisade offers a compelling alternative, boasting a premium feel and spacious interior at a fraction of the cost. Resembling a Range Rover in appearance and offering a similarly luxurious experience, the Palisade is challenging the established players in the large SUV segment. This review examines the Palisade’s features, performance, and value, comparing it to rivals like the Toyota Kluger, Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-90, and even German luxury brands.
How Much Does the Hyundai Palisade Cost?
The all-new Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid starts at $89,900 plus on-road costs, marking an increase over the outgoing model which topped out at $81,719. This new price point puts the Palisade pricier than direct competitors, including the Mazda CX-90 G50e Azami ($86,070), Toyota Kluger Grande ($85,135), and Kia Sorento PHEV GT-Line ($84,660). However, it remains significantly more affordable than premium German SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X7, and Audi Q7, and represents roughly one-quarter the cost of a base Range Rover ($321,000). Several more affordable variants, including non-hybrid and front-wheel drive models, are slated for release next year.
What is the Hyundai Palisade Like on the Inside?
Stepping inside the Palisade is a treat. The interior exudes a sense of luxury, with high-quality materials and thoughtful design. The cabin is remarkably spacious, offering comfortable seating for up to eight passengers.
- Premium Materials & Design: The interior boasts high-quality materials and a sophisticated design.
- Spacious Interior: Offers comfortable seating for up to eight passengers with generous leg- and headroom.
- Technology: The Palisade is equipped with a large touchscreen infotainment system and a host of advanced driver-assistance features.
Key Interior Features:
- Dual sunroof setup
- Manual window blinds
- USB-C outlets
- Climate control
- Dedicated armrest in the second row
- Sliding drawer in the center console
- Map pockets and decent door bins
- Safe-exit warning sensors
Safety:
The Palisade excels in safety, featuring side curtain airbags extending to the third row and rear doors containing safe-exit warning sensors.
Third-Row Comfort:
Surprisingly, the third row is a highlight. Power-adjustable rear seats, heated outboard seats, and dedicated air vents make the “back-back” comfortable even for adults.
Cargo Capacity:
The Palisade offers a generous 300 liters of space behind the third row, outperforming rivals like the CX-90, Kluger, and Sorento. Buttons built into the boot wall allow for easy configuration of the seating.
What’s Under the Bonnet?
Hyundai has replaced the diesel engine with a new dual-motor hybrid powertrain, delivering 245kW of power and 460Nm of torque to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.
How Does the Hyundai Palisade Drive?
The Palisade prioritizes ride comfort over sporty handling. While it’s a large SUV, Hyundai’s engineers have meticulously tuned the passive self-levelling dampers for Australian conditions.
- Ride Comfort: Provides exceptional ride quality, effectively absorbing bumps and irregularities in the road.
- Refinement: The cabin is quiet and refined, free from excessive road and wind noise.
- Hybrid Powertrain: The hybrid system starts silently and remains impressively quiet, though power delivery can be slightly hesitant.
Driving Experience:
- Body roll is noticeable through corners.
- Steering can feel light and require effort during low-speed maneuvers.
- Throttle response can be slightly hesitant.
What do you get?
The Palisade will only be available in flagship Calligraphy specifica
