We’ve enjoyed so many opportunities to spend time with Palisade. We’ve driven the rugged XRT, Limited, and top-of-the-line trims to get to know this SUV on a deeper level. See what you should consider it with.
Why is the 2023 Hyundai Palisade so popular?
The 2023 Hyundai Palisade attracts a variety of buyers because it is packed with superior comfort and luxury features. However, it does have some pros and cons to consider. For example, it doesn’t tow as much as the larger Ford Expedition.
It excels in driver and passenger comfort. The front rows have huge leather seats with tons of adjustability. Even the passenger can have the same controls. The seats are also heated and ventilated.
You’ll find that the second row provides just as much comfort with plenty of knee room. You can easily stretch and relax. Adults can sit in the second row without any fuss and get their own climate controls.
The third row lacks a bit of cushioning but it makes up for it in the ability to recline! Adults and kids around 5’1 have plenty of room in the third row. Plus, there are plenty of cup holders and USB ports for portability.
We found the automatic climate control to be robust and effective. You rarely need to adjust the controls during a cool morning or a warm afternoon. However, the ventilated seats could be stronger.
Also, the Trail provides an incredibly smooth ride over pavement with little to no body roll around tight curves. Quiet mode limits the front speakers to a maximum volume of 25, and you can relax with the sounds of nature.
2. PRO: The Hyundai Palisade has amazing technology
The ultra-intelligent 2023 Hyundai Palisade is packed with unique and intuitive features. For example, the Quiet and Sounds of Nature functions take stress out on the go. In addition, the intercom feature amplifies your voice through the rear speakers for all passengers to hear.
If you get a great idea while driving, you can record a voice memo to remember later. The digital instrument cluster displays blind spots while cornering, and the remote parking assist function works with the car key and your phone.
Stay active with ergonomic seats that support your posture to keep you cool and energized during long flights. Also, you can customize the ambient interior lighting and infotainment buttons.
A 12.3-inch infotainment screen with integrated navigation comes standard. The digital gauge cluster has upgraded graphics, and the head-up display is easy to customize. The hands-free tailgate and power-folding seats are also convenient.
3. PRO: The 2023 Palsiade’s interior stands out
We are in a day and age where some people complain that every car looks the same. However, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade has an innovative and attractive design. Eye-catching pops of leather with chrome trim and contrast stitching.
Dual sunroofs allow the front row and rear passenger to control the amount of natural light entering the cabin. The second part is voluminous, with just the right amount of pigment to block out the bright rays.
The second row seats can be heated and ventilated. Heated seats are also optional in the third row. The automatic climate controls are pretty smart, too.
There are plenty of boxes and trays for storing personal items in the front row, but the second and third rows do not have access to the storage boxes. Also, there is an additional cubby built into the rear cargo area.
1. CON: The Palisade could have better fuel economy
The 2023 Hyundai Palisade does not feature a hybrid or PHEV engine to save fuel. It gets EPA-rated 19 mpg in the city and up to 27 mpg on the highway. But adding AWD lowers those numbers by one or two mpg.
While driving off-road, we saw fuel economy drop to 11 mpg! However, the standard 3.8-liter V6 with 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque is hard to resist. Accordingly, it can accelerate from 7.6 seconds.
Sport mode delivers faster response times and more confident braking response to make routine tasks even more exciting.
2. The barriers are louder than expected
While the 2023 delivers a premium, luxurious feel, it does get a little loud at higher speeds. Once you pass 50 mph, a noticeable amount of wind and road noise enters the cabin.
This is when the intercom feature comes in handy to ensure all passengers, even those in the third row, can hear you. Also, the premium sound system could be improved.
3. CON: The Hyundai Palisade XRT could use more off-road driving upgrades
Although the updates include solid upgrades, they don’t improve its capabilities much. The 20-inch black wheels, roof rails and skid plates look great.
The setup does not include suspension lift, and ground clearance is just 7.9 inches. It is also fitted with regular street tires.
It features all-wheel drive, which is good for slippery conditions, and the all-wheel-drive lock mode splits the power between the front and rear wheels. You can also see how much traction each wheel has, which is sometimes very useful.
It has driving modes for Eco, Sport, Smart, Comfort, and Snow but nothing dedicated to mud or off-road. Riding on rough and gravel roads, the engine started to whine while climbing steep obstacles.
We’re still getting to know the 2023 Hyundai Palisade. Stay tuned for our full review of all the specs, benefits, and potential drawbacks.
