Hyundai Palisade review reveals great family vehicle fit for eight

Carry the netball team … and there’s even space for a reserve in the Hyundai Palisade.

The Hyundai Palisade Elite has a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine under the bonnet.

Big, bold and brawny, it’s difficult to miss the Palisade.

It’s named after the affluent neighbourhood near Los Angeles … and it was LA’s motor show in 2018 when Hyundai unveiled its family load-lugger.

Arriving in Australia a couple of years later, the Palisade is the largest SUV in Hyundai’s suite, available in Elite or Highlander specifications with seven or eight seats.

Updated for 2023, the Palisade gained improved looks and a major upgrade in technology.

The Hyundai Palisade Elite powered by a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine.

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

Internal space is delivered in spades.

Those in the first and second rows can especially enjoy ample head, knee and leg room, with three adults having enough real estate for comfort in the second row. The third row is tighter, and better suited to youngsters.

Our experience was in the entry-level Elite with a turbo-diesel under the bonnet. Dealer availability of this variant is currently reasonable, with prices hovering around $76,000 drive-away.

Among the major upgrades to this variant for 2023 was tech, headlined by a 12.3-inch digital instrument display for the driver, along with a touchscreen infotainment set-up of the same size.

Throw into the mix wireless phone charging, smartphone mirroring apps, satnav, six USB-C charging ports and one USB-A, along with leather seat trim, and the collective package starts to deliver increased appeal.

Key internal features of the Hyundai Palisade Elite are a 12.3-inch digital instrument display for the driver, along with a touchscreen infotainment set-up of the same size.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE?

Among the headline inclusions is a way to control the vehicle via “Bluelink”, which follows similar functionalities that we have seen with the likes of Ford and Audi. An app allows the user to remotely see details such as tyre pressure and fuel levels, whether it’s locked, and you can preheat or cool the car.

The Palisade can also be tracked using the app, and parents can set speed limit alerts or enlist geofencing to ensure the vehicle isn’t travelling too far or fast.

It’s cool functionality that’s also available on the Venue, Tucson and Ioniq 6 EV.

Both the second and third rows have 60-40 folding functionality. That provides an expansive load space for sporting equipment like boards and bikes.

Space anyone? You could throw a party in the back of the Hyundai Palisade.

WHAT DID YOU LOATHE?

Our test car had a black grille, but up-spec Highlander models with chrome features are tough to miss. The styling isn’t for everyone.

One thing to keep in mind is the aforementioned Bluelink functionality – it’s only free for the first five years, and then you’re up for a subscription.

With a choice between the 2.2-litre turbo diesel or a V6 petrol, our choice would be the oil-burner.

HOW WAS THE FUNCTIONALITY?

Using a press-button gear selection system, it can initially take some time to become accustomed to the various buttons across the dash and steering wheel.

The dash has quick-key access to control the infotainment system, while there are separate controls for the aircon on the console and drive terrain selector.

Americans love a drink and there are 14 cupholders throughout the cabin.

The Hyundai Palisade Elite ride is cushy and comfortable.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

Silky smooth, the additional investment required to get the diesel is worthwhile compared to the V6 petrol.

Averaging diesel usage only slightly more than the official figure from Hyundai at 7.6L/100km, it’s a frugal and powerful unit.

All-wheel drive is standard with the diesel models and it cruised beautifully on the highway and also handled the some twisty and hilly rural terrain without issue.

For a large SUV, it’s impressively poised and cocoons the occupants from bumps nicely.

Pre-paid servicing plans are available, with maintenance needed annually or every 15,000km. Three years is $1467, four $1956 and five $2445.

The Hyundai Palisade Elite.

WHAT ARE THE RIVALS?

The Palisade stacks up well against the recently released base model eight-seat Nissan Pathfinder Ti, which is available only with a V6 petrol engine, for similar money.

Land Rover also offers an eight-seat Defender 130, but expect a price tag north of $150k.

People-movers aren’t typically liked by many families as they’re not as sexy as an SUV, but the Kia Carnival is my choice as the best option for $71,890 in the range-topping version with a diesel donk.

Prices for the Hyundai Palisade Elite with a turbo diesel engine start from about $76,000 drive-away.

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

When it comes to eight-seater SUVs, the Palisade is a standout selection. Whether most people need a vehicle of this size is debatable … I’d get away with a seven-seater, where its Santa Fe brethren is a more stylish pick or the Kia Sorento cousin would woo me with a better warranty and more refined interior.