Hyundai's Main Model Changes... New Palisade Design Unveiled

Hyundai Motor Unveils Flagship SUV Palisade Design
Launches 9-Seater Model Capable of Bus-Only Lane Driving
Emphasizes Bold Proportions and Premium Image
Equipped with New 2.5ℓ Hybrid System

Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled a new design for its flagship sport utility vehicle (SUV), the Palisade. Reflecting domestic consumer preferences, including the introduction of a new hybrid system, Hyundai aims to position the top-tier SUV Palisade as the best-selling car in South Korea.

On the 6th, Hyundai revealed the design of the completely redesigned 'All New Palisade,' the first full model change in six years. Hyundai emphasized a bold new proportion centered on a strong impression, highlighting a sturdy and luxurious image for the new Palisade.

New Hyundai Palisade Design. Photo by Hyundai Motor Company

New Palisade Design, Overwhelming Presence

The front of the new Palisade features vertical DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) and a bold radiator grille that showcase the Palisade’s unique character. The futuristic yet intense centrally positioned lamps balance with the high hood.

The side profile achieves a solid proportion with a shortened front overhang (distance between the front end and wheel axis) and an extended wheelbase compared to the previous model. Additionally, 21-inch wheels that enhance a dynamic feel were applied to harmonize with the clean side image. The rear is designed to complement the front lamps, emphasizing the vehicle’s wide volume and providing unity to the Palisade’s vertical character.

New Hyundai Palisade Design. Provided by Hyundai Motor Company

The interior offers a more spacious feel under the theme of a 'luxurious living space.' A horizontal layout was applied to create a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of a home. At the front, a panoramic curved display connects a 12.3-inch digital cluster and an infotainment screen into one, improving driver visibility.

Notably, the new Palisade is the first Hyundai model to feature a center console that can be used as a middle seat in the first row, maximizing space utilization. This allows for the option of a 9-seat model eligible for bus-only lanes.

New Hyundai Palisade Interior Design. Provided by Hyundai Motor Company

'Equipped with New Hybrid' Palisade Challenges Best-Selling Car Status

The new Palisade is a key model targeting Hyundai’s main markets, South Korea and the United States. Hyundai aims to offer a competitive product that balances hybrid technology, large size, and SUV characteristics favored by consumers in both countries. Particularly, with the new hybrid system powering the Palisade, there is anticipation that the best-selling car in South Korea could shift from a sedan (Grandeur) to an SUV (Palisade).

Since the 2000s, the lineage of South Korea’s best-selling cars began with the Hyundai Sonata. From 2000 to 2010, the Sonata maintained a long reign, followed by the Avante taking over for three years starting in 2011. In the 2020s, the Hyundai Grandeur and Porter competed for first place, while this year, Kia’s mid-size SUV Sorento and minivan Carnival are vying for the top spot.

If the year-end tally shows Sorento as the best-selling car in South Korea, it will mark the first time since Kia was acquired by Hyundai Motor Group in 1999 that Kia holds the annual domestic sales crown. Should this occur, Hyundai is expected to attempt a comeback next year with the Palisade leading the charge.

First launched at the end of 2018, the Palisade stirred the domestic large SUV market with a starting price in the 30 million KRW range, sporty SUV-specific design, and advanced convenience features. Upon release, it received about 50,000 pre-orders?double the sales target?prompting a rapid increase in production and causing a supply shortage.

Returning as a fully redesigned second-generation model after six years, the new Palisade will introduce a hybrid variant. This hybrid features a new 2.5ℓ turbo hybrid system specialized for large SUVs. The system is characterized by a larger battery and the installation of two motors.

Currently, most of Hyundai’s hybrid systems are based on a 1.6ℓ gasoline engine. As a result, there have been criticisms regarding insufficient power for minivans and large SUVs like the Carnival and Staria. The new hybrid system combines a 2.5ℓ Theta III gasoline engine with a 6-speed transmission, reportedly delivering a powerful output exceeding 300 horsepower.