Hyundai has pulled the wraps off its facelifted 2023 Palisade SUV at the New York International Auto Show. The refreshed three-row SUV adopts the brand’s latest design language, ditching the softer curved trapezoid grille for a broader and more angular, upright approach. The interior of the Palisade receives a refresh, too, updating the design and technology that has been around since the model’s introduction in 2018. It includes a new touchscreen for infotainment, improved seating, and enhanced driver-assist tech.
There’s no doubt that the new-look
Palisade swears allegiance to the “bigger grille is better” movement that seems
to have come over the auto industry. The new chiseled slab is not only taller
and wider, but it loses the softer curves exhibited by the outgoing model.
Along with the revised bumper, it makes for an aggressive front-end. The
headlights retain their split design, although the shape and graphics have been
tweaked. However, the “split” in the daytime running lights is now subtly
joined by a smaller positioning-style LED unit that is placed in between the
two main light housings. Moving to the rear, things have remained virtually
unchanged, with the tailgate and rear lights identical to the outgoing model.
The only real difference is a new rear bumper, repositioning the lights that
were located on the lower edge. The 2023 Hyundai Palisade also gets
auto-dimming external mirrors and a set of newly-designed 20-inch wheels. A new
color, “Robust Emerald,” is on offer too.
The overall design of the interior remains
consistent with the outgoing car, with subtle tweaks applied to enhance what
was already a much-praised package. You’ll find a slightly larger 720p
infotainment touchscreen, at 12 inches — up from 10.25 inches. The HVAC vents
are slimmer, with a more cohesive design and running across most of the
dashboard. Meanwhile, the steering wheel ditches the old three-spoke design for
a futuristic four-spoke rim. Behind it lies a new instrument panel and gauge
cluster. There’s also Hyundai’s first application of a digital center rear-view
mirror with a camera feed from the back.
The driver now sits on an “Ergo” seat, a
feature that has trickled down from Genesis. It uses expandable air chambers
that are designed to improve comfort and reduce fatigue during long drives.
Speaking of seating, third-row passengers can now take advantage of seat
heating, while those in the second row have the option of ventilated seats,
angle-adjustable armrests, and improved headrests. Not all of the new
Palisade’s features can be seen, with attention paid to enhancing the
practicality of the interior and modernizing the tech on offer. For example,
the car’s wireless phone charging specs have been upped from 5 watts to 15
watts. Similarly, the USB-A ports are now replaced with those of the USB-C
variety, with improved power delivery (3 amps) to boot. There’s the inclusion
of a WiFi hotspot — another first for the Korean automaker — and compatibility
with Hyundai’s Digital Key 2, which allows iPhone, Apple Watch, and Samsung
Galaxy users to unlock and start the vehicle. Enhanced Bluelink connected car
services enable users to control various functions with their voice, with
improved recognition. It also allows remote starting, heating, and cooling of
the Palisade.
The Palisade already came with a laundry
list of safety equipment, and that’s now improved upon with Enhanced Forward
Collision Avoidance and Highway Driving Assist. A new feature, Remote Smart
Parking Assist, helps remotely park or exit a vehicle from a tight spot. The
airbag count has also been increased, from seven to nine, and includes a
full-length side curtain airbag covering the third row. There’s also Automatic
Collision Notification as part of the Bluelink Connected Car service.
The powerplant under the hood remains the
same for the 2023 refresh: A 3.8-liter
Atkinson cycle V6 unit, producing 291 HP @ 6000 rpm and 355 Nm of torque @ 5,200 rpm. An eight-speed automatic transmission
remains the only option, with the 2023 Palisade available in both two-wheel
drive and HTRAC four-wheel-drive configurations. Handily, for those wanting to
harness the power for lugging attached loads, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade adds a
Tow Mode to the selectable drive modes. In the towing profile, the Palisade
will hold gears for longer and reduce the frequency of its shifting response.
The 2023 Hyundai Palisade will be
available at Hyundai dealers in the U.S. in the summer, with pricing expected
to be announced in the coming months.
