Storm the Palisade
Big seven-to-eight-seater luxo SUVs are fast becoming the cash cow of many automotive brands. This is the Palisade, Hyundai’s spearhead at this segment.
The turbo diesel engine in my Limited felt very strong and eager to get going. Keep it between 1600 and 4000rpm, and you make brisk progress despite the girth. The Palisade’s eight-speed auto box on hand sending drive to all four wheels via Hyundai’s proven HTRAC AWD system is very smooth. However, the gear selector buttons on the centre console were not terribly responsive.
As far as cabin refinement goes, the Palisade shows just how far Hyundai has come in the last decade. Features like the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system are easy to use and everything you touch feels akin to some in this segment costing twice the price.
The on-board kit is a Palisade triumph too. Heated and ventilated seats, power sunroof, heated steering wheel, wireless charging, Apple carPlay/Android auto, blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision avoidance, which at speeds of up to 80km/h, will put the brakes on quicker than you could yourself. Though I was not tempted to try it! The rear ‘Captains Chairs’ were another treat, able to recline and move forward and back so one could strike the optimum Captain Kirk pose.
The Palisade is probably not the most engaging of drives, but then again it is not meant to be. Off the beaten track, its multi terrain control drive modes sends optimum torque to which ever corner needs it most. It is a great system and a doddle to use.
All in all, there is much to like about the new Palisade. The price is up there, but those after a luxurious yet frugal SUV, should definitely keep the brochure on this one.
OVERVIEW
Price: $114,990
Engine: 2.2L Four Cylinder Turbo Diesel
Power and Torque: 174kW/440Nm
Transmission: Eight Speed Automatic
Drive System: All-Wheel-Drive
Fuel Consumption: 7.3L/100km
Wheels: 20inch Alloys
Weight: 2057kg
Towing Capacity: 2200kg
Dimensions: 4980mm (L), 1975mm (W), 1750mm (H)
