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The updated Hyundai Palisade is packed with striking design elements and practical amenities

By Joseph Mashele

The refreshed 2023 Palisade SUV from Hyundai Automotive South Africa has been launched. It has fresh new exterior and interior design cues, new infotainment and safety features, and cutting-edge driver assistance technologies. The 7-seater and 8-seater Palisade R2.2 Elite are the models offered in South Africa. Both are fitted with Hyundai's H-Trac All-Wheel Drive system and a fuel-efficient 2,2-litre turbodiesel engine that is powered by an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Quick facts

  • - R2.2 turbocharged diesel engine that delivers 142 kW maximum power and peak 440 Nm peak torque
  • - Fuel consumption figure of 8,2 litres/100 km
  • - HTRAC® four-wheel-drive system
  • - 8-speed automatic transmission

Exterior

A number of design modifications have been made to the 2023 Palisade, giving it a posh, commanding aspect. These include redesigned headlamps and daytime running lights, a new front grille, new front and rear bumper fascias, and new multi-spoke alloy wheels.

The 2023 Palisade's styling exudes a dignified refinement and distinct distinctiveness befitting of a premier SUV. Rugged parametric shield pieces are included in the bigger, cascading black chrome grille for a premium appearance. The grille is framed by new vertically connected LED composite lights, which give the headlamp trademark its technical beauty. For a premium flagship presence, brand-new 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels fill the wheel openings. The lower front skid plate part now has new detailing that gives it an even more robust appearance. Strong, extended hood lines generate an impressive road presence, and the third-row seating area is made to feel expansive thanks to robust C-pillars and panoramic side glass graphics. With the help of vertical LED taillamps and lower fascia skid plate elements, the improved rear view accentuates a wide, sturdy posture.

With particular design elements including a steeply angled A-pillar, rear spoiler side garnish, an improved front cooling area with an enlarged internal air route, aero underneath panels, and rear wheel aero deflectors, this design also has aerodynamic advantages.

Interior

With additional luxury and utility features, Hyundai's designers and engineers have also improved the driving and riding experience in the 2023 Palisade. These include a new steering wheel design, new seating surfaces and materials, second-row armrest angle adjustments (in the 7-seater derivative), a new instrument panel, a driver's instrument gauge cluster, and an audio interface design.

The tech features and infotainment system have been extensively improved. Wider high-definition infotainment screens with split-screen capabilities, upgraded USB-C connections that replace USB-A ports, faster wireless device charging (from 5W to 15W), improved dynamic voice recognition, an Infinity 12-speaker sound system, and new user-customizable settings are all included.

Moreover, the infotainment system can now simultaneously connect to two Bluetooth devices. While in Quiet Mode, the front-seat occupants can listen to music, the radio, or podcasts while the back passengers can rest or sleep. The front display panel also has settings for the rear air conditioner. As an alternative, the 2023 Palisade includes a temperature control settings panel for second-row passengers that includes controls for seat warming and seat-cooling.

HTRAC® All-Wheel Drive system

Using an electronic, variable-torque-split clutch and active torque regulation between the front and rear axles, the HTRAC AWD system was created as a multi-mode system. By moving a knob on the centre console, the driver can select between Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart drive modes, which offer confident control in all weather.

When requested, the Sport mode provides a more athletic dynamic sensation by directing more available power to the rear wheels. This system has been designed for scenarios including straight-line acceleration, medium- or high-speed turning, and hill starts and has a larger range of torque distribution variations than many comparable systems. The selector knob offers Sand, Mud, or Snow Terrain settings for challenging driving conditions, particularly when leaving the tar road.

Safety

The 2023 Palisade features upgraded safety technology from Hyundai. High Beam Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Following Assist, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Following Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist are just a few of the advanced driver assistance systems that are included in its generous suite.

Five exterior colours (Shimmering Silver, Moonlight Blue, Graphite Gray, White Cream, and Abyss Black) are offered for the new Palisade in South Africa.

Pricing

The cost of the 7-seater and 8-seater versions is R1 099 900 each. The package contains:

Hyundai’s 7-year/200 000 km warranty (consisting of the 5-year/150 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, with a 2-year/50 000 km powertrain warranty extension); Roadside assistance for 7 years or 150 000 km; and a 7-year or 105 000 km service plan (service interval is 15 000)

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