The automaker last teased us with the Palisade
yesterday, enlisting the aid of South Korean boy group BTS, which also operate
as brand ambassadors for the new model. Still, the Palisade is expected to
succeed in North America, where it will go on sale next summer. Even though this is a large SUV,
capable of seating a total of eight people, it’s not quite as imposing as some
may have expected. Still, the massive front grille, “squinty” headlight design
and somewhat boxy exterior give it a sufficiently strong road presence.
We could also go as far as to say that the rear end
design give it a predominantly ‘American’ feel, as does the view from a rear
3/4 angle. No surprise, since even its name (Palisade) is meant to reference an
affluent coastal neighborhood in Los Angeles, which is actually called Pacific
Palisades.
Images sourced from both AutoDaily as well as Auto
Post via Naver, also depict the SUV’s interior, which from certain angles looks
almost Mercedes-like, except that it doesn’t actually feature a dual display
setup, despite the unified shape of the gauge cluster and infotainment screen
surround.
Also worth noting is the Santa Fe-like steering
wheel, new climate control setup, wireless charging pad, a center console dial
for different drive modes and of course buttons for the automatic transmission,
although to us, that Reverse button looks like it might make certain drivers
stretch a bit in order to reach it, as opposed to a steering column shifter or
even a regular one.
According to one of these images, in South Korea,
the Palisade will cost between 34,750,000 Won and 40,800,000 Won, depending on
which spec you choose. That translates to roughly US$ 30,768 – US$ 36,125 in,
although we wouldn’t bet on those being actual prices for the U.S. We’ll most
certainly know more as the 2020 Palisade approaches its on-sale date, scheduled
for next summer.
As for its engine range, the Hyundai Palisade might
utilize a V6 petrol unit, likely the 3.3-liter V6 that currently produces 290
HP and 341 Nm of torque in the Kia Sorento.
