So a few years ago, when the Palisade was first introduced, it rocked the 3-row crossover segment. It, along with its sibling the Kia Telluride, offered very premium designs and unexpected features at prices that undercut the competition. But Hyundai is not content to rest on their success, since for 2023 they have given the Palisade an extensive refresh, which is what the chance to test out recently in Asheville, NC. So have they made this award-winning SUV even better for 2023? Keep reading to find out!
What’s New for 2023
- New front and rear bumper fascia
- New front grille
- New headlamps and daytime running lights
- New multi-spoke alloy wheel design
- New instrument panel, gauge cluster and audio interface design
- New steering wheel design
- New seating surfaces and materials
Trim Structure
SE -> SEL -> XRT -> Limited -> Calligraphy
The most obvious changes to this refreshed Hyundai Palisade can be found by looking at the exterior of the vehicle. The Palisade retains the same overall design, however; the grill has been made substantially larger and different. Each trim will have a slightly different “face,” with nicer finishes being added to the top models. The ground clearance on this palisade will be 7.9-inches LED reflector headlights without fog lamps will be standard on all Palisade trims, including a new “waterfall” daytime running light design.
Heading to the side of the Palisade, you will find each trim level with a different set of wheels, starting with 18-inch silver alloys on the SE and SEL and 20-inch alloys (with varying designs) on the upper trims. These wheels will cover 13.4-inch vented disc brakes in the front and 12-inch solid discs in the rear. Up to the mirrors, you will find power adjusting, heated, and auto-dimming mirrors on all trims with power folding unavailable. The top Calligraphy trim will also welcome you with puddle lights in the mirrors. The side retains a similar design from last year, measuring in at 196.7-inches. Chrome door handles are standard on all trims except the XRT, and the SEL trim and above will come with standard roof rails. The rear of the car has also seen some refinement yet retains the same classy look the Palisade has always had. Newly designed LED taillights will be standard on all trims, and the XRT and Calligraphy trims will come with a standard right side dual exposed exhaust. Towing is rated at 5,000lbs, and the XRT offers Hyundai’s auto-leveling feature.
The Palisade will be equipped with Hyundai’s long-lasting 5 year, 60,000 mile basic warranty and a 10 year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. Additionally, owners will be happy to have 3 years, 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. The Palisade for 2023 will come standard with all of Hyundai’s basic safety systems, including:
- Forward Collision Braking w/ pedestrian detection
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Auto high beams
- Adaptive cruise control
- Highway Driving Assist:
- HDA I: SE-XRT
- HDA II: Limited+ adds auto lane change and lane placement
Next, we’ll head to the interior, where Hyundai has continued to throw in some more updates.
To get inside this refreshed 2023 Hyundai Palisade, smart entry and push button start will be standard on all trims. Hyundai’s Digital Key will also be standard on the SEL and above, with smart parking only on the Calligraphy trim. When it comes to interior materials, the SE trim will be cloth only, the SEL and XRT will come with H-tex leatherette, the Limited will have leatherette seats, and the Calligraphy will be equipped with full Nappa Leather seats. The seats will be 6-way manual adjusting for the SE and 8-way power on the other trims, with 4-way lumbar added on the top two trims. New for 2023 is the Ergo-motion Massage driver seat on the Calligraphy trim, a very exclusive feature. Memory is offered with the Limited trims and above.
Specs: Legroom: 44.1-inches | Headroom: 40.7-inches
The 2023 Palisade will have a standard 4.2-inch digital display alongside analog gauges, but the Limited and above will come standard with a fully digital 12.3-inch display, paired with Hyundai’s blind view monitor and heads-up display. Sitting in front of the gauges will be a newly designed leather wrapped steering wheel on the SEL and above and heated on the Limited and up. The Palisade will come with an electronic shifter and standard paddles. Rain-sensing wipers are standard on all trim levels.
Technology will be plentiful within the Hyundai Palisade’s cabin, starting out with standard manual climate on the SE and three-zone automatic on all other trims and wireless charging on the SEL trim and above. Heated seats will be standard on the SEL trim and up, with ventilation on the Limited and above. The Limited and Calligraphy trims will come standard with a premium 12-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system, Hyundai’s Surround View Monitor, the cabin intercom, and an auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink remotes. At the center of the Palisade’s cabin is a large 12.3-inch digital display on all trims, newly standard for this refresh. A backup camera with parking sensors is standard along with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Navigation. A moonroof is standard XRT trim, with a dual panel on the Limited and Calligraphy.
Rear Spaces
The rear seats will continue to capitalize on the Palisade’s design, with 42.4-inches of legroom and 40.1-inches of headroom. Captain’s Chairs will come standard on the XRT and above, which can be heated and ventilated on the Limited trim and above, along with sunshades. For the third row, passengers will be pleased with 31.4-inches of legroom and 37.8-inches of headroom, USB ports, and heated seats on the Limited and above, a class exclusive. The tailgate will be hands-free power opening on the SEL and up, with 18.0 cubic feet behind the 3rd row, 45.8 cubic feet behind the 2nd row, and 86.4 cubic feet as a maximum. The third row will also be power folding on the Limited and Calligraphy.
Powertrain & Driving Impressions
Hyundai has no changes here in the engine department for this refresh. The only option is a 3.8L V6 engine with 291 hp and 262 lb. ft of torque. Paired with this engine is an 8-speed automatic and standard FWD, with optional AWD. The Palisade will gobble up fuel at 19/27/22 MPG for the FWD and 19/25/21 MPG for AWD.
Behind the wheel of the Palisade, we found the driving dynamics to be pretty much unchanged for this refresh, which makes sense with no changes under the hood. It’s not the fastest car in the world, but it will get you where you need to go, and quite comfortably at that. To get an in-depth perspective on our full driving impressions and more, watch our full review down below!
Pricing
Prices have not increased much for 2023 despite the refresh. Do note that AWD with add an extra $1,000
SE: $34,950
SEL: $37,950
XRT: $40,250
Limited: $46,500
Calligraphy: $48,900
Overall, this refreshed Hyundai Palisade continues to impress when it comes to practicality and value, offering quite a few luxury features for its price point. The refresh continues to build upon an already attractive vehicle, and more standard features on the interior will be sure to give this car even more buyers than it already had before. Compared to the competition, the Hyundai Palisade sure seems like a winner to us!
Excellent article! Just like your YouTube reviews!