Hyundai’s biggest SUV now looks more handsome, brings more toys and should be much safer
Hyundai Australia has released specification details for its facelifted eight-seat SUV and the upcoming 2023 Hyundai Palisade will score betters looks, more gear and, crucially in light of recent events, enhanced safety credentials.
Due to arrive Down Under in August, the upgraded Hyundai Palisade has scrubbed up nicely, donning a muscular new look centred primarily around the front fascia and alloy wheel design.
The tougher new look is complemented at the rear with updated tailgate and tail-light designs that mimic the front-end in being chunkier and squarer yet sleeker.
Stylistic changes have also been made on the inside, where a new 12.3-inch infotainment touch-screen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster lead the way, ahead of a new four-spoke steering wheel and a heap more USB-C points.
Unlike the current line-up that contains six variants, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade range will consist of two trim levels – Elite and Highlander – and two engine options, with the default choice being the familiar 3.8-litre petrol V6 (217kW/355Nm).
The petrol six drives the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission while the inevitably more expensive 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel (147kW/440Nm) employs the same transmission to power all four wheels.
We expect an eponymous entry-level variant to join the ranks a bit further down the line, returning the Palisade line-up to six variants.
For now, standard equipment highlights for entry-level Elite variants include the aforementioned screens and steering wheel as well as an updated infotainment system with voice recognition and Hyundai Bluelink compatibility, plus smartphone mirroring, sat-nav, keyless entry and start, a 12-speaker Infinity sound system, 20-inch alloy wheels, leather-appointed upholstery and a powered tailgate.
Stepping up to the lavish Highlander brings a wealth of cabin enhancements like a suede headliner, Nappa leather seat trim, dual sunroof, head-up display, driver’s seat memory, heated and cooled front- and second-row seating, heated steering wheel, digital and auto-dimming rear-view mirror, remote smart parking, rain-sensing wipers and rear door blinds, among other things.
The range-toppers can be distinguished from lesser stablemates by their multi-spoke alloys and chromed grille and exterior trim treatment, plus body-coloured cladding and silver imitation skid plate.
More important, however, is the updated Palisade’s drastically expanded safety suite that Hyundai hopes will rectify the pre-facelifted model’s recently issued four-star ANCAP safety rating.
Key omissions like a multi-collision braking system, junction assist for the autonomous emergency braking, intelligent speed limit assist, safe exit assist and a centre airbag are all included as standard on the new model, with top-shelf Highlander vehicles going a step further with a new parking collision-avoidance assist system.
“Hyundai’s flagship SUV offers freshened interior and exterior design cues with segment leading safety, technology and convenience features,” said Hyundai Australia today.
“The next generation state-of-the-art safety technology including its complex network of sensors and cameras help keep you even safer while on the road.”
While Australian specs may now have been released, there’s still no sign of any pricing details for the new model.
But given there’ll be no base variant from launch, plus the wealth of extra tech on board and the ever-rising costs of production and shipping, it’s certain the 2023 Hyundai Palisade will be pricier than the model it replaces.
For reference, the six-grade 2022 Hyundai Palisade range starts from an even $60,000 plus on-road costs and stretches up to $75,700 before ORCs and options.
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Keyword: Safety upgrades headline upgraded 2023 Hyundai Palisade