Spec-filled, sleeker looking updated Hyundai Palisade priced

Having received right-hand-drive approval two years ago, followed soon after by South African market introduction, Hyundai has announced price and spec details of the updated Palisade three-row SUV.

The biggest and priciest model in the South Korean marque’s line-up, the seven or eight-seat Palisade, named after the upmarket Pacific Palisades neighbourhood of Los Angeles, touches down after benefitting from a mid-life revision showcased at the New York International Auto Show last year.

What has changed?

Externally, the updates comprises a flatter cascade grille with squared-off surrounds finished in black chrome and without the inner chrome studs, newly designed 20-inch alloy wheels, a rectangular lower air intake and colour-coded wheel arch cladding.

In addition to the grille, the split headlight design sports what Hyundai calls a “flow-down” look in that the lower mounted L-shaped diodes are now “connected” to the main cluster by a small rectangular light embedded into the bumper.

ALSO READ: Palisade: Most expensive Hyundai worth its R1m price tag?

At the rear, Hyundai has restyled the bumper by incorporating not only a new lower skidplate, but horizontal reflectors as opposed to the pre-facelift model’s pod-like items.

Tech and spec

Inside, the slightly more prominent changes include the new multi-function steering wheel from the Staria, Tucson, Alcazar/Grand Creta and facelift Creta, a novel 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, new seats, and in place of the old 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system – South African models having had an eight-inch display – a new 12.3-inch setup with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Although Hyundai has stuck with the single trim level option, the Elite, it has included a raft of new specification items aimed at improving Palisade sales from the 256 units sold since its debut in 2021.

These include a heated steering wheel, a 12-speaker Infinity sound system, ventilated front seats with only the seven-seater getting cooled second-row chairs, all-around one-touch up/down electric windows, seven instead of six airbags, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, a surround-view rear camera, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Junction Assist, Lane Keep Assist and Lane Follow Assist.

Carried over items include:

• tri-zone climate control;
• wireless smartphone charger;
• electric front seats with memory function for the driver’s chair;
• tyre pressure monitor;
• heated front seats;
• keyless entry;
• rear window blinds;
• push-button start;
• folding electric mirrors;
• electric tailgate;
• dual-pane panoramic sunroof;
• heated second-row seating only on seven-seat models;
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert;
• Rear Seat Alert;
• Safe Exit Assist;
• Trailer Stability Assist;
• Hill Start Assist;
• Downhill Brake Control.

Measuring 4 980 mm in overall length with its wheelbase stretching 2 900 mm, the Palisade stands 1 750 mm tall and measures 1 976 mm wide, with boot space ranging from 509-litres to 2 447-litres with the second and third rows lowered.

Still diesel only

Unlike in the United States and Australia, the normally aspirated 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine that delivers 217kW/355Nm has again been withheld for South Africa, leaving the 2.2-litre turbodiesel as the sole powerunit available.

Producing an unchanged 142kW/440Nm, the mill is once again paired to a shift-by-wire button operated eight-speed automatic gearbox that sends the amount of grunt to all four corners. Claimed ground clearance is 203 mm and fuel consumption at 8.2 L/100 km.

Also carried over is the Drive Terrain mode selector that prevails with seven settings; Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, Snow, Mud and Sand.  

Price

Priced at R1 099 900 regardless of the seat count, the Palisade’s asking price includes a seven-year/200 000 km warranty as well as a seven-year/105 000 km service plan, with buyers having a choice of five colours; White Cream, Graphite Grey, Shimmering Silver, Moonlight Blue and Abyss Black Pearl.

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