2023 Hyundai Palisade First Look Review: The Art Of Box-Ticking

The price for the 2023 Hyundai Palisade is yet to be confirmed for customers in the USA. For reference, the 2022 model will cost $33,350 MSRP to start and we don’t anticipate a big increase for the 2023 model.

As before, the Palisade’s closest rival will be close to home in the shape of the upgraded Kia Telluride. Both vehicles will continue to have much in common such as the 3.8-liter V6 engine, but they each look different enough to stand out. Other rivals include the more conservative Honda Pilot.

The new Hyundai Palisade SUV’s exterior is modern and imposing. Hyundai has made numerous changes to the bumpers, grille, and alloy wheels. The grille itself is more squared-off than before, a change that we think gives the Palisade a more masculine appearance. There are new headlights with eye-catching daytime running lights that are straighter than before. The wheels measure 20 inches in size, and the outside mirrors have an auto-dimming function.

A new Palisade XRT trim strikes a more rugged figure with dark-finish wheels, a dark grille, black roof rails, a power sunroof, and a rugged-look front/rear fascia. The Hyundai Palisade’s exterior colors now include a new addition: Robust Emerald.

There have been no changes to the 2023 Hyundai Palisade’s engine. As before, the large SUV is motivated by an Atkinson-cycle 3.8-liter V6 engine that makes the same specs of 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Telluride also makes 291 hp. An eight-speed automatic transmission applies to all derivatives, but whereas two-wheel drive is standard, an HTRAC four-wheel-drive system is available. A new Tow Mode for HTRAC models holds onto lower gears for longer and prevents unnecessary shifts. Expect a 0-60 mph time of about seven seconds which is perfectly adequate for this kind of vehicle. Towing capacity is expected to increase with a new Tow Mode. On the Telluride facelift, this has raised the maximum from 5,000 lbs to 5,500 lbs, a figure we expect to be matched in this case.

Gas mileage is unlikely to change much. The 2022 Palisade returned 19/26/22 mpg city/highway/combined with front-wheel drive and 19/24/21 mpg with all-wheel drive.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade’s interior has undergone a host of upgrades. After all, a three-row SUV needs to be comfortable and feature-packed inside to win over large families. The new additions include a revised design for the instrument panel, gauge cluster, audio interface, and a new dash with horizontal HVAC vents. There is a new steering wheel and the upholstery has been upgraded. An ergo-motion driver’s seat and acoustic-laminated rear door glass on the Calligraphy are further changes. The Hyundai Palisade’s seats have a new feature that has never before been seen on any previous model from the brand: the third-row seats can be heated. Depending on the trim, the upholstery is either cloth, leatherette, leather, or premium Nappa leather.

Other Hyundai firsts encompass a digital, full-display center rearview mirror and a Wi-Fi hotspot. A 12-inch navigation screen with 720p resolution is a nice change, and there is a new Digital Key 2 Touch that is compatible with both Android and Apple devices. Enhanced USB-C ports replace the USB-A ports, and the wireless device charging has been improved.

As with any family-oriented car, safety is a top priority. Rear side airbags are now standard in addition to the front side airbags that were equipped previously. New driver-assistance technologies include remote smart parking assist, enhanced forward collision avoidance, and highway driving assist. The latter feature not only maintains a set distance from the preceding vehicle but will keep the Palisade in its lane, even through curves.

We expect the Hyundai Palisade’s trunk space to remain the same as before, which means 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 45.8 cubes behind the second row, and 86.4 cubes if the second and third rows are both folded flat.