The Hyundai Palisade has a fresh look for 2022, despite only being on sale in Australia for less than two years. But that’s not all, it’s also smarter than before and will introduce Hyundai’s Bluelink connected car services to Australia.
Bluelink allows owners to pair their car and phone together to provide a wide range of new services, ranging from connecting to an emergency operator in the event of an accident to providing ‘last mile’ navigation and remote starting.
Hyundai Australia hasn’t confirmed what functions will be available but has said the Palisade will be the first model with the system before it rolls out across the range in the coming years.
The highlights of Bluelink include so-called Automatic Collision Notification (ACN), which dials a Bluelink Customer Care Centre in the event of an accident that requires the airbags to deploy. The human operator will be able to communicate with the occupants of the car and contact emergency services.
Other elements of the system include Connected Routing and Last Mile navigation, that will allow you to either push your navigation from your phone onto the Palisade’s in-car system, or take it the other way so you can find your destination once you’ve parked the car. It can also save your personal preferences for the car’s seating and climate control settings, so the car can be prepared for you before you reach it.
As previewed in a leaked image earlier this week, the Palisade gets revised exterior and interior styling in line with other Hyundai models, specifically the Tucson and Santa Cruz.
The changes start with a new front grille that integrates new headlights and daytime running lights, while at the rear there’s a new rear bumper. There’s also a new alloy wheel design.
Inside the Palisade features a new-look steering wheel design as well as the instrument panel and audio system. There’s a new ‘Ego-motion’ driver’s seat, as well as new materials for all three rows of seats.
Speaking of the third row seats, they are now available with a heating function – a first for the brand. The second row also gets a new armrest that’s available with both the seven- and eight-seat variants. High-grade models will also get new acoustic-laminated glass.
Aside from the previously mentioned Bluelink, the Palisade will have a number of other new technology features for 2022. These will include a new 12.0-inch navigation screen, digital rear-view mirror, digital key and WiFi hot spot – another Hyundai first.
Hyundai Australia has confirmed the updated Palisade is due to arrive in Australia in the third quarter of 2022, with pricing and detailed specifications to be announced closer to then.
Keyword: 2022 Hyundai Palisade revealed: Smart new tech for refreshed Mazda CX-9, Toyota Kluger rivaling family-sized SUV