[Taboleo] "Stable Semi-Autonomous Driving Even in Fog" New Palisade

Test Drive of the New Palisade
Premium-Focused Interior and Exterior Design
Thin Positioning Lamps Showcasing Mass Production Technology
Lively Performance and Excellent Quietness
Semi-Autonomous Driving Features Ensure Stability Even in Fog

The Hyundai Palisade is a popular model that has elevated the domestic large sport utility vehicle (SUV) market to the next level. Since its debut in 2018, it caused a sensation in Korea as a ‘cost-effective family car’ and has maintained steady popularity in overseas markets including the United States. Now, after six years, it returns as a completely redesigned model.

Hyundai removed the diesel lineup and added a hybrid model, aiming to transition to eco-friendly vehicles. While the first generation gained popularity as a ‘value-for-money car’ with a starting price in the 30 million KRW range, the second generation attempts to transform into a flagship SUV emphasizing ‘premium’ qualities.

We test-drove the new Palisade, which highlights luxury from design to features and driving feel, on the 22nd around the Yeongjongdo area. The test route was about 100 km round trip from Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang to Incheon Yeongjongdo. Since the hybrid model has not yet completed certification procedures, we first drove the 2.5 turbo gasoline model.

Driving photo of the new Palisade. Provided by Hyundai Motor Company

The first impression is that it is simply ‘huge.’ It’s not a bulky muscular look but rather a ‘well-organized, neat flagship-class SUV.’ The tidy feel comes from the horizontally emphasized stacked front positioning lamps and daytime running lights (DRL). These lamps are not only uniquely designed but also require considerable mass production technology because they must secure adequate light sources while producing thin lamps. The rear overhang (distance from the center of the rear wheels to the rear bumper) has increased by 35mm compared to the previous model, making the car’s proportions look more stable and securing space for the third-row rear seats.

Sitting in the driver’s seat, the panoramic curved display immediately catches the eye. Two 12.3-inch displays are connected. Inside, design elements emphasizing a horizontal layout are noticeable throughout. However, despite emphasizing a premium image, the leather material and texture of the steering wheel felt somewhat lacking in luxury.

New Palisade Interior. Provided by Hyundai Motor Company

The gasoline model is equipped with a 2.5 turbo engine, delivering a maximum output of 281 horsepower and a peak torque of 43.0 kgf·m. The official fuel efficiency is 9.7 km/l on a combined basis, and the actual driving fuel efficiency recorded was similar at 9.6 km/l. I wondered if it might feel underpowered compared to the previous 3.8 gasoline engine, but after driving, it did not feel lacking in power.

The most surprising aspect during the test drive was Hyundai’s advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). It was impressive that features like navigation-based smart cruise control, which works even on curved sections, and Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2), which can automatically change lanes, are applied to most trim levels. Until a few years ago, such cutting-edge technology was only available on Genesis models.

On the day of the test drive, the fine dust was severe and thick fog was present, so I tried driving with the smart cruise control function activated. Even in the dense fog, it adjusted the distance from the vehicle ahead, distinguished lanes as solid or dashed lines, and recognized vehicle types such as trucks, buses, and two-wheelers, displaying this information on the head-up display (HUD).

New Palisade Head-Up Display (HUD). Photo by Hyundai Motor Company

The new built-in cam (black box) can record for up to 4 days even while parked. It also has a function that automatically cleans the rear monitor or digital center mirror camera. When rainwater or dust accumulates, it sprays high-pressure washer fluid to easily clean and secure visibility.

Another notable technology is the indoor V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) feature installed in the hybrid model. V2L allows the vehicle’s battery power to be used externally. This means you can use household appliances with the car battery during camping or outdoor activities. This technology was previously only available in electric vehicles, but the new Palisade is equipped with a 1.65 kWh high-voltage lithium-ion battery, enabling the V2L function for the first time in a hybrid vehicle.

New Palisade second-row seats. Photo by Hyundai Motor Company

The price has increased by more than 5 million KRW compared to the previous model. The starting price of the first-generation lower trim, Exclusive, was around 38.67 million KRW (7-seater, based on 3.5% individual consumption tax). The second generation starts at 44.47 million KRW. The full-option price rises to the mid-60 million KRW range for gasoline models and the low 70 million KRW range for hybrid models. Although the price has increased, considering convenience features, driving performance, and design, it remains competitive compared to imported vehicles in the same class that easily exceed 100 million KRW.

Driving photo of the new Palisade. Photo by Hyundai Motor Company