Hyundai’s luxury SUV has been refreshed - The 2023 Facelifted Hyundai Palisade is in Malaysia

The Palisade, Hyundai’s luxury SUV recently had its facelift and it is now available in Malaysia. The already premium specced SUV gets with an upgraded front end, a different rear bumper layout and a more luxurious and comfortable interior. Quite fitting for this SUV which has been quite popular as a social media topic due to the fact that Malaysia's constitutional monarch, the Yang DiPertuan Agong has been spotted on many occasions driving this SUV personally.

According to Mr Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM), the improved version boasts technology upgrades and a generous suite of advanced driver assistance systems featuring innovative technologies. The notable interior upgrade is the large 12.3inch infotainment screen which now dominates the centre part of the dashboard. So now with the twin large displays upfront (the infotainment screen and the fully digital instrument cluster screen for the driver), it makes the Palisade have an even more modern dashboard facade.

“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,” he added.

Sime Darby Motors Managing Director of Retail and Distribution for Malaysia, Jeffrey Gan had also added that the fully imported Palisade, Hyundai’s flagship SUV  has received positive response from corporate customers as well as individuals who are looking for premium SUVs with advanced features. For a SUV that is priced over RM300K and not from the usual European, or Japanese suspects, this is indeed quite an achievement and could be the one that makes more plus points for the brand.

“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,” said Jeffery.

So what's new? The exterior of the Palisade now comes with a wider cascading grille and rugged parametric shield element for a more premium appearance. There are new forward lighting signature featuring vertically connected LED composite lights. Basically, the front end is more sculpted that before and that grille looks even more integrated into the lines up front, especially when viewed from the three-quarter front angle. 

As for the changes to the rear view emphasizes a wide, stable stance via vertical LED taillamps and lower fascia skid plate details. The refreshed new look is complemented with 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels and strake detailing on the lower front skid plate that enhances its rugged look. The changes to the front and rear bumpers add about 15mm to the overall length of the Palisade but HSDM states that approach and departure angles for ramps and slopes remain the same as previously. 

Aside from that, there are aerodynamic benefits such as 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 are integrated into the design of the car. Overall, the Palisade's facelift makes the SUV a little more fresh than before. 

As for the changes to the interior, it is more centered to the equipment aspects and some big changes to the dashboard. The facelifted Palisade still comes with a choice of seven or eight-passenger seating options. The One-Touch second-row seat allows for easy operation to move the seat forward for easy access in and out of the third-row seats. The Palisade offers a total cargo space of 1,297 litres when the second and third row seats are folded and 509 litres when all seats are upright.

The infotainment system can now be accessed on a new and about time 12.3-inch sized LCD screen that is upgraded with a sophisticated new graphic user interface. The new large screens of the infotainment system now match the largish size of the driver's instrument cluster and make this look very current compared to the pre-facelift model with its smalled screen inside. Another notable change to the dashboard are the new slim horizontal air vents which is more integrated into the design of the dash as it now adds a sense of spaciousness (by flowing from the middle to the passenger side) and it adds to a more premium ambience overall.

The all important wireless charging capability has been upgraded from 5 watts to 15 watts for faster device charging. Now, USB-C ports for faster charging are also made available for the driver and front passenger, as well as for the second and third row passengers. The connectivity setup in the new Palisade seems to really show you that this is a SUV from 2023. Very nice.

As Priced at *RM399,888 for the Luxury 7-seater and RM378,888 for the Executive 8-seater – the petrol variant is powered by a 3.8-litre V6, dual CVVT, direct-injected engine, for excellent power and efficiency. The powerplant produces an estimated 295 PS of power at 6,000 rpm and an estimated 355Nm of torque at 5,200 rpm.

The diesel variant, priced at *RM389,888 for the Luxury 7-seater and RM368,888 for the Executive 8-seater, is powered by a R2.2 CRDi inline 4 engine that produces an estimated 200 PS of power at 3,800 rpm and 440Nm of torque at 1,750-2,750 rpm. It delivers power to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission with a multi-plate torque converter and HTRAC® four-wheel-drive configurations. 

The Palisade offers more standard power than any other SUV in its competitive segment and an unsurpassed level of torque. Do note that the petrol and diesel engines remain unchanged from the pre-facelift models and the diesel has been used in many variants of the Hyundai Santa Fe that we are used to seeing around Malaysia. The engines are designed to be robust and can haul large sized SUVs like this.

According to HSDM, even though this revised Palisade has more enhanced features and more advanced driver assistance systems introduced, the refreshed Palisade is priced only approximately 12% higher than its predecessor. Other factors that contributed to the price increase include a price hike in raw materials and foreign exchange rates.

The Palisade comes with a two-year or 50,000km (whichever comes first) warranty. An optional extended warranty of 5-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) as well as 3 years of free service is also available at RM11,000 for the petrol variant and RM12,000 for the diesel variant.

Of course, since this is still a fully imported, premium priced SUV, there are not many of them on the road right now and this point makes this one unique SUV to drive around in. The facelifted version here adds more good stuff to the mix. It is also very large by Malaysian SUV standards and does have road-presence. It has all the space that one needs for seven or eight to travel comfortably with its premium looking and feelling cabin. It also has unique exterior styling of which I think somehow is a blend of European and American SUV styling. Not as Americana as you think and I do see touches of some European style here and there.

More details, especially the active safety features are in the media presentation slides down below. Oh, note that HDSM only provided the 2.2 diesel 8 seater variant during the preview of the Palisade. So the photos here are of that variant only.

The Palisade is now open for booking at all Hyundai authorised showrooms. Interested parties can also book online via Hyundai’s new online shopping platform, Cl!ck to Buy (www.hyundai.com.my/clicktobuy/) 

More information can be obtained from Hyundai’s Customer Careline at 1-300-13-2000, its official website: www.hyundai.com.my or facebook page: www.facebook.com/hyundaimalaysia.

*Price indicated is only applicable to Peninsula Malaysia, on-the-road excluding insurance.