Hyundai unveils Palisade XRT Pro four-wheel-drive
A tough new version of a popular SUV will take aim at the Nissan Patrol and Toyota LandCruiser in Australia.
New Cars
Don't miss out on the headlines from New Cars. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Australians looking for the ultimate outback adventure vehicle in this post-pandemic world have a new choice.
Hyundai will muscle in on the traditional fight between the Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol with an all-new model.
The Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro was unveiled at the New York International Auto Show and is the brand’s most overt off-road vehicle yet.
It follows the successful launch of the XRT styling pack with the Santa Fe in 2024, but with XRT Pro Hyundai has stepped up the level of off-road capability.
For starters, unlike the Santa Fe XRT, which was an optional package owners could choose to add to their SUV, the Palisade XRT Pro will be a fully fledged member of the new Palisade range.
MORE: Hyundai’s Genesis unveils Hypercar contender
This alone makes the Palisade a much more realistic threat to the LandCruiser and Patrol than any other would-be rivals.
Hyundai Motor Group design boss, SangYup Lee, told Australian media that the launch of XRT and now XRT Pro was an after-effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, as it became clear to the car maker that buyers were looking for adventure with their families.
MORE: Aussie favourite takes on Toyota hybrids
The shutdown of global air travel forced families around the world to holiday within their home countries, reinvigorating the road trip market.
Lee indicated that this desire for more adventurous and off-road capable models is likely to see an expansion of the XRT Pro line-up, with the Santa Fe and Tucson SUVs the most likely candidates for the treatment.
In this first instance, Hyundai has extended the off-road capabilities of the Palisade XRT Pro with a raft of unique upgrades and enhancements to broaden its range.
This begins with new front and rear bumpers, which are restyled for both a tougher look but also to increase ground clearance and the critical approach, departure and breakover angles that off-road enthusiasts worry about.
MORE: How Audi evened the score
However, this is where Hyundai’s threat to the LandCruiser starts to weaken. Toyota’s beloved off-roader has an approach angle of 31-degrees and a departure angle of 22-degress, allowing it to climb up and over tricky terrain, the Palisade XRT Pro manages only 20-degrees and 22-degrees, respectively.
MORE: Luxury brand unveils off-road plans
The Hyundai scores some points back thanks to an increase in its ride height thanks to some suspension tweaks, offering up 213mm of ground clearance compared to the 220mm offered by the LandCruiser.
The Hyundai adds other off-road friendly extras such as a forward facing camera, so you can check if there are any rocks or holes you can’t see over the bonnet, plus real-time pitch and roll, compass and elevation displays as well as new terrain modes for mud, sand and snow.
Motivation for the Palisade XRT Pro comes from a 214kW 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Hyundai Australia hasn’t confirmed local pricing and specifications for the new Palisade range, but has confirmed it is due by the end of 2025, although the XRT Pro will likely come a few months later, in early 2026.
Originally published as Hyundai unveils Palisade XRT Pro four-wheel-drive
Why this EV made in China is different
This EV might be made in China but it doesn’t exactly come from China and that sets it apart in a crowded electric SUV segment.
Eye-popping price for brand’s first ‘Aussie’ ute
They pulled out all the stops to promote their first ute but this brand has stunned experts with the mammoth price tag.