Seven seaters you can buy for the same price as the new Hyundai Palisade

The competitors
VW Tiguan Allspace 2.0TSI 4Motion R-Line
Isuzu mu-X 3.0TD Onyx 4×4
Kia Sorento 2.2CRDi AWD SXL
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2.8GD TX
Ford Everest 3.0 V6 4WD Platinum
Lexus RX 350L EX
Volvo XC90 B5 AWD Essential
Jeep Grand Cherokee L 3.6 4×4 Limited

The updated Hyundai Palisade is now on sale in South Africa, with prices starting at R1,099,900

In fact, the Palisade is available with either seven or eight seats, though both versions of the car share the same price tag; instead the seven-seater makes up for the missing chair by adding heating and ventilation functions to the middle row.

Outside, the body has seen a facelift with a new black grille design, puddle lights underneath each side mirror, and 20-inch alloy wheels sporting a new design.

The same overhaul has been afforded to the interior, the SUV receiving a digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen which allows for two smart devices to be connected at the same time.

This entertainment system connects to a 12-speaker Infinity stereo and Hyundai has added an intercom system for the driver to communicate with passengers in the back. A number of ambient noise packages is also included, such as the sound of falling rain or a lush forest, and rear passengers are able to activate a quiet mode which limits the sound system to the front seats.

Furthering the premium atmosphere, the rear windows are fitted with blinds to keep out the sun and the SUV now comes standard with two moonroofs for when its occupants want more natural light.

All three rows have access to their own USB ports and climate control zones, too, and the front console houses a closed storage facility with a wireless phone charger.

Rounding out the features list are electronic front seats, a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera with guidelines, forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, front and rear park sensors, and a safe exit function for rear passengers.

Driving the Palisade is a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine working in tandem with an eight-speed automatic transmission to send power to all four wheels, and the end result is an output of 142kW and 440Nm, and a fuel consumption of 8.2l/100km.