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What do our experts think of the 2023 Hyundai Palisade? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels and more. Find out our thoughts here.
2023 Hyundai Palisade – hyundaiusa.com | Shop 2023 Hyundai Palisade on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2023 Hyundai Palisade?
Not content to rest on their laurels, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade is already refreshed just three years into its first generation. This 3-row SUV has been winning accolades since day one, including with the 2021 model that we review here and last year’s model as reviewed here. For 2023, the Palisade sports a thorough design and feature update, headlined by that more imposing front grille. A 12” infotainment screen is now standard equipment and a new pseudo-off-road trim, XRT, is added to the lineup.
The Breakdown
Standard 12-inch infotainment screen
Straddles the mainstream and luxury line
Stacked with active safety
Some might not like the styling
Time for a hybrid option
Boy its hard to find flaws here
Genesis for less
2023 Palisade Specs
- 291 horsepower from base engine
- 262 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 5 available trims
- 18 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 86.4 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Sway control is standard equipment
- Available Level 2 Highway Driving Assist
- The Palisade that parks itself
- 3 years of complimentary service
2023 Palisade Powertrain
Familiar to fans of the Kia and Hyundai portfolio is the naturally aspirated 3.8L V6 sitting in the 2023 Palisade engine bay. Producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, it pairs with an 8-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic that offers paddle shifters for those feeling sporty. Front-wheel-drive is standard, though you can add H-TRAC AWD running gear to any model for an extra $1,900.
Hyundai has added an XRT model this year that looks off-roady but is really just wearing extra plastic cladding. The likelihood of a Palisade owner hitting the trail is pretty slim. With that in mind, it is a vehicle with fully-independent suspension designed to deliver a cozy, composed ride. If you do buy an AWD model, it does come with added systems like Downhill Brake Control, Snow Mode, and an AWD Lock that promises an extra level of stability in slippery situations.
Towing & Payload
The base 2023 Hyundai Palisade can tow 5,000 pounds. As the automaker notes, this requires a trailer hitch be installed but, uh, that would seem to go without saying. Every new Palisade leaves the factory with pre-wiring for trailer connection, a transmission oil cooler, and trailer sway control.
Additional towing features include Hyundai’s Shiftronic transmission with a dedicated tow mode to lend a hand. Other vehicle equipment like Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Stability Management, and an auto-leveling suspension are all useful tools for trailering.
2023 Hyundai Palisade Fuel Economy & MPG
Every Palisade features auto stop-start to help FWD models achieve an EPA fuel economy estimate of 19 mpg in city driving and 26 on the highway. The added AWD gear drops the highway figure to 24 mpg. That’s in the range of a Mazda CX-9 that is rated for 22/29 mpg in city/highway driving. However, a hybrid-powered 3-row Toyota Highlander can reach as much as 36 mpg in the city, a significant difference.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Hyundai has spent a lot of development dollars on ensuring all occupants are comfortable inside the 2023 Palisade. Fabrics range from cloth and H-Tex leatherette to standard or Nappa leather on top trims. The front row offers fully climatized cushions with the option for an Ergo-Motion driver’s seat featuring air-bladder massaging function. You can even get a climatized second row AND heated third row for maximum comfort.
Efforts to ease backseat access include a one-touch button to push the middle row out of the way and a third row that split-folds flat for more cargo space or reclines for more relaxation. An acoustic windshield is standard and higher-level models offer laminated glass on both front and back rows to keep out unwanted ambient noise.
A Rear Seat Quiet Mode allows the driver to quickly mute rear speakers on demand, an ideal feature for sleeping kids. All of these smart amenities help the Palisade earn a spot on this list of Best 3-Row SUVs.
Entertainment & Technology
You could write a book on the list of tech features found on a 2023 Hyundai Palisade. A 12-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple and Android smartphone mirroring is standard. From there, the list of available systems includes a matching digital instrument panel, the ability to connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, Wi-Fi hotspot, loads of USB ports, wireless phone charging, and 12-speaker Harman/Kardon stereo.
Driver Talk, Hyundai’s in-cabin intercom system, is a parent favorite and one reason the Palisade is found on this list of Best SUVS for Families. The Calligraphy model boasts a fully digital rearview mirror, while the SEL Premium package includes a Surround View and Blind Spot View Monitor.
Safety Features
Every new Palisade is fitted with forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping and high beam assist, a driver attention warning, and semi-autonomous highway driving assist. As you move through the trim levels, active safety systems including Rear Parking Collision Avoidance, a live feed of the driver’s blind spot, and Remote Smart Parking Assist are unlocked. That last feature lets owners stand outside the Palisade and watch it park all by itself. Pretty slick.
2023 Hyundai Palisade Trims & Pricing
SE – $36,245
Palisade SE sports 18-inch wheels, LED headlamps, and remote engine start. Eight passenger seats with cloth upholstery are found inside with an auto-dimming rearview mirror and 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. It handles Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and integrated navigation. Hyundai’s BlueLink Connected Car tech manages the Wi-Fi hotspot as well as remote door locking.
SEL – $39,245
SEL trim adds a hands-free liftgate, power-adjustable and heated front seats, plus dual-zone automatic climate control. Though pricey at $4,950, the SEL Premium package is stacked with amenities like 20” rims, digital gauge cluster, Surround View Monitor, a 12-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system, ventilated seats for the first two rows, and a whole lot more.
XRT – $41,545
New this year, the XRT model takes a cue from the few remaining station wagons on the market that have tacked on black plastic exterior cladding to make it seem more “rugged”. In fact, Hyundai uses that word a half-dozen times in describing the XRT, which certainly looks tough with a darkened overall color scheme but doesn’t actually add any rough road capability.
Limited – $47,795
Body-color wheel arches add elegance to the Palisade Limited, which also includes rain-sensing wipers, a dual sunroof, real leather, and the fancy sounding “Mélange” headliner. These models also have power-adjustable thigh support for the driver, a heated third row bench with power-operated folding, and full-color head-up-display.
Calligraphy – $50,195
A steal at $50,000, the top-spec Calligraphy is basically a Genesis in Hyundai duds, as we discuss in this comparison with the GV80. It has trim-exclusive wheels and fascias, upgraded exterior bits, and a special extra-wide rear LED brake light. Inside, you’ll find Nappa leather available in a lux-minded Navy and Beige scheme, Ergo-Motion driver’s seat, quilted leather door panels, and suede headliner.
Warranties
Hyundai has been selling their cars with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty for decades now. But a new touch is three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance, which bests Toyota’s two-year plan. The basic vehicle warranty runs five years or 60,000 miles and roadside assistance is on hand for five years with no mileage limit.
What we think
2023 Hyundai Palisade – hyundaiusa.com | Shop 2023 Hyundai Palisade on Carsforsale.com
Any family that wants an SUV ought to look at the 2023 Hyundai Palisade. The automaker uses the word “Premium” instead of “Luxury” when describing their biggest offering, no doubt to avoid stepping on the toes of its Genesis stablemate, but you’d be hard pressed to see any reason to pony up for a GV80.
This Palisade has covered nearly every base and only looks more upmarket with this year’s facelift. It’s not chump change, but for $50,000, the Calligraphy trim can embarrass “luxury” brands with its level of content and is the one that I would love to own.
