2023 Hyundai Palisade front three quarter view
The popular Hyundai Palisade has just been treated to a mid-cycle update, making the well-liked 8-passenger full-size SUV even more appealing. The exterior and interior have been freshened, and there is new convenience and safety technology. “The enhanced 2023 Hyundai Palisade offers the design appeal and features worthy of Hyundai’s flagship SUV,” said Olabisi Boyle, vice president, product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North America. “More than ever, Palisade is the ultimate family vehicle for daily use and memory-making road trips.”
2023 Hyundai Palisade XRT rear three-quarter view
Passers-by will notice the new front bumper fascia, complete with a redesigned grille, new headlamps, and daytime running lights. The enhanced appearance looks sophisticated, with a more prominent and bold appearance than last year’s model. In addition, the rear bumper fascia has been redesigned, with vertical LED tail lamps and a new integrated tow hitch cover on the lower part of the bumper. Keen observers may also note the standard auto-dimming exterior mirrors. Lastly, Hyundai offers two new alloy wheel designs – 18- and 20-inch diameters – to complement the contemporary styling.
Inside the passenger cabin, the automaker has updated the dashboard and switchgear. The HVAC vents are now cleanly integrated into the dash – seamlessly blended into a long horizontal line that runs its entire length – and the switchgear is simplified (note: its white-on-black contrast is easier to read). In addition, the ambient lighting has been enhanced, and a new steering wheel design makes it easier to rest a hand at the 6 o’clock position while using adaptive cruise control. Hyundai has also upgraded the seating surfaces and materials (including optional Nappa leather). And premium models are now fitted with the new Ergo Motion Driver’s Seat (offering massage features for the pelvic, lumbar, or whole body).
Second- and third-row passengers will also find additional amenities in the refreshed 2023 Hyundai Palisade. The engineers have redesigned the second-row seats to recline while keeping their armrests horizontal (some trims get wing-out head restraints), and the third row of seats are now heated. And the Calligraphy model is now fitted with acoustic-laminated glass on the rear doors to enhance the sound insulation and keep the cabin quieter.
Hyundai has upgraded and enhanced Palisade’s technology, too. There are new USB-C ports, and wireless charging capability has been upgraded from 5 watts to 15 watts for faster device charging. The SUV has also been upgraded with the latest version of Hyundai Digital Key (the system allows an iPhone, Apple Watch, or Samsung Galaxy smartphone to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle). And the updated 2023 Palisade is the first vehicle in the company’s portfolio to offer Wi-Fi hotspot capability to allow passengers to browse the Internet, listen to music, or stream videos. In addition, premium trims provide a full display rearview mirror – the camera-based system allows an obstruction-free view to the rear of the vehicle (it may be switched off at the touch of a button).
Mechanically speaking, nothing has changed with the powertrain. The standard engine is a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 rated at 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, sending power to the front wheels (FWD) through an 8-speed automatic transmission. The company’s HTRAC All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system is optional – and it now offers a Tow Mode (this mode holds the lower gears longer for more power and reduced transmission hunting). While the engine and transmission are unchanged, the Palisade’s ride has been marginally improved with new valving on the suspension dampers, and the chassis has been reinforced to improve its stiffness.
2023 Hyundai Palisade using its HTRAC All-Wheel-Drive system
The Palisade’s standard Smartsense safety suite includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assistance, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Avoidance Assist, Parking Distance Warning, Lane Follow Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Rear Occupant Alert, Safe Exit Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Warning, and a Driver Attention Warning System. For 2023, Hyundai has added new driver assistance technology, including Remote Smart Parking Assist and Parking Collision Avoidance Assist. There are also new second-row side impact airbags. As a result, the IIHS is expected to award the 2023 Hyundai Palisade its highest Top Safety Pick+ rating (as it did with the 2022 model).
2023 Hyundai Palisade XRT in motion
Hyundai will offer five different trim levels for the 2023 model year. The standard model is the SE (base price of about $35,000), followed by the SEL (base price of about $38,000). New for 2023 is the XRT special edition (base price of about $40,000), which offers rugged exterior styling and blacked-out trim. Above that is the Limited (base price of about $46,000). Finally, the range-topping model is Calligraphy (base price of about $49,000).
The revised 2023 Hyundai Palisade, which is currently arriving in dealerships, targets families who are seeking strong value for their dollar, comprehensive safety equipment, technical innovation, a spacious interior with utility, a visually pleasing interior and exterior styling, and strong driving dynamics – the SUV fills those requirements effortlessly. Add in Hyundai’s impressive warranty (including five full years of roadside assistance and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage), and the 8-passenger vehicle appears to be a solid choice for the discerning buyer seeking to check all the boxes.