Flagship Hyundai Palisade Gets A Refresh

The Hyundai Palisade flagship SUV’s profile in Malaysia took a turn for the positive last year after an unintended VIP endorsement. With an increase in interest in the Palisade, distributor Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has introduced a refreshed version of Hyundai’s premium SUV.

Managing Director of HSDM, Mr. Low Yuan Lung, said the improved version also boasts technology upgrades and a generous suite of advanced driver assistance systems. “The refreshed version offers a sharper and more rugged look as well as an upgraded interior that makes it a top choice when it comes to owning a large luxurious SUV. The Palisade is a practical all-purpose built E-segment SUV that is great for off-roading, road trips and even for daily use”.

Still retaining its 2,900 mm wheelbase, its length has increased slightly by 15 mm to 4,995 mm mainly due to the re-profiling of the front and rear sections (+20 mm in front; -5 mm in rear). Its width and height remain unchanged at 1,975 mm and 1,750 mm respectively. Luggage space is also unchanged i.e. 509 litres (with 3rd row occupied) and 1,297 litres (3rd row folded down). The 20″ wheel size also stays but the wheel design has changed.

The key differences are seen on the fascia. There is significant alteration to the grille, bumper and headlight design. The Hyundai Palisade now comes with a wider and more rectangular cascading grille with a rugged parametric shield element. There is also a new forward lighting signature featuring vertically connected LED composite lights. The vertical LED daytime running lights are now placed towards the outside of the vehicle, while the LED low beam and high beam cluster to the inside. The DRL also no longer intersects the turn indicator LEDs like before.

Meanwhile, the rear emphasises a wider, more stable stance with vertical tail lamps and lower fascia skid plate details complemented by a wide reflector strip above it that includes the rear fog light and reversing light. According to Hyundai, aerodynamic benefits include a fast A-pillar angle, rear spoiler side garnish, an optimised front cooling area with an extended internal air guide, aero underside panels, and rear wheel aero deflectors, integrated into the design of the vehicle. Of note also is the tail lamp cluster which is an LED unit for the more premium petrol variant and a bulb combination for the diesel.

The petrol engine is the Lambda II 3.8L V6 GDI which produces the same 295 PS @ 6,000 rpm and 355 Nm @ 5,200 rpm as before. Likewise, the R2.2L CRDi turbo diesel engine with 200 PS @ 3,800 rpm and 440 Nm @ 1,750 – 2,750 rpm is also retained. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed shift-by-wire E-Shift transmission hence the absence of a conventional gear lever. The official 0 – 100 km/h times should be the same 7.8 seconds and 10.2 seconds respectively. The petrol variant is front-wheel-drive while the diesel has Hyundai’s active on-demand HTRAC all-wheel-drive system. Thus, the diesel variant will have the Terrain selection mode (Sand, Mud, Snow).

And just like before, both engine choices come with a 7-seater (2-2-3) and an 8-seater (2-3-3) variant, to cater to different preferences. The front seats have 12-way powered adjustment (with cushion extension and lumbar support) for the driver, and 8-way powered adjustment for the front passenger. Both front seats have heating and ventilation functions which are also found in the 2nd row seats for the 7-seater variant. The 8-seater variant however, has only the heating function for the 2nd row. But access to the 3rd row for all variants are via a smart one-touch fold button found on either the base of the 2nd row seat or the top of its backrest.

The notable updates to the interior are the new steering wheel design similar to the Staria MPV, the larger 12.3″ infotainment touchscreen (up from 8″) with a new user interface, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and complementary black multimedia buttons, slim horizontal air vents across the dashboard, as well as a bezel-less electro-chromic rear view mirror. There is also a larger and higher resolution head-up display with an updated interface. Additionally, the wireless charging pad has also been upgraded from 5W to 15W for faster charging. Additionally, USB-C ports for faster charging are also available for the driver and front passenger, as well as for the 2nd and 3rd row passengers. There are also a total of 4 12V power outlets, including one in the luggage compartment.

But unlike previously, the Hyundai Smart Sense suite of advanced driver assistance is now available for the diesel variant as well. The Smart Sense suite has been updated and includes Multi-Collision Brake System, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (with vehicle, cyclist and pedestrian detection, and junction turning feature), Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Lead Vehicle Departure Alert, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, and Forward/Reverse Parking Distance Warning.

The Hyundai Palisade continues to be fully imported from South Korea. The petrol variants are priced* at RM399,888 for the Luxury 7-seater and RM378,888 for the Executive 8-seater. The diesel variants are priced* at RM389,888 for the Luxury 7-seater and RM368,888 for the Executive 8-seater. The new prices are a bump up from the previous Palisade and this is mainly due to the inclusion of additional features, as well as increased production costs and foreign exchange.

There are 6 exterior colour options i.e. Creamy White Pearl, Graphite Gray Metallic, Shimmering Silver Metallic, Gaia Brown Pearl, Abyss Black Pearl, and Moonlight Blue Pearl. There are also 3 interior theme choices to pick i.e. Black Monotone Leather/Cloth Look, Burgundy Nappa Leather/Cloth Look, and Warm Grey Nappa Leather/Layered Wood Look.

Sime Darby Motors Managing Director of Retail and Distribution for Malaysia, Jeffrey Gan said the Palisade, Hyundai’s flagship SUV, which sits on the premium segment, has received positive response from corporate customers as well as individuals who are looking for premium SUVs with advanced features. “We have been receiving enquiries and bookings for the Palisade after its debut last year so we are a positive of the take-up for this facelifted version. As demand for SUVs continues to grow, there seem to be a growing demand for large SUVs as well”.

The Palisade comes with a 2-year or 50,000 km (whichever comes first) warranty. You have the option, at time of purchase, to select the extended warranty of 5 years or 300,000 km (whichever comes first), as well as 3 years of free service at a cost of RM11,000 for the petrol variant and RM12,000 for the diesel variant.

You can book the Palisade online via Hyundai’s new online shopping platform Cl!ck to Buy or through any of its authorised showrooms. You can find more information from Hyundai’s Customer Careline at 1-300-13-2000 or its official website.

*Only applicable to Peninsular Malaysia, on-the-road excluding insurance.