The Hyundai Palisade has been given a mild update locally with the design changes bringing the large SUV in line with the design DNA of recent Hyundai products.
Up from there is the larger polished dark chrome grille in a dominant square design featuring the Hyundai logo. The LED Daytime Lights have been redesigned and are now a vertical line that runs from the top section along the outer edges of the bumper. LED headlights are mounted on the inside of the light cluster next to the LED Daytime lights. The front design is quite appealing especially in the darker colours.
Not much has changed from the side profile with new 20-inch alloys getting a new design that gives the Palisade an upmarket feel. The Palisade is long at around 5 meters and that gives it much presence on the road especially viewed from the side. At the rear not much has changed besides the rear lower bumper and the bee sting antenna being replaced by a shark fin antenna. The dual sun roof is retained for that airy, spacious feel inside. The exterior mirror get LED indicators in a different design with puddle lamps mounted beneath them to aid entry and exit at night.
Inside, Hyundai hasn't made many changes to the layout with the infotainment screen taking centre stage on the dash. Android Auto/ Apple CarPlay comes standard linked via a cable. There is also wireless charging for your smartphone. The 12.3 inch instrument cluster is now digital whilst the set up Menu has been moved from the cluster to the infotainment screen. There is a 12 speaker Infinity Sound system that comes standard on all Palisade models.
The front seats are finished in a leather/artificial leather combination with heating and ventilation function coming as standard. Both front seats are electrically operated with the drivers seat getting memory function. Amongst the convenience function is the mic which allows the front passengers to communicate to the rear passengers using the speaker system. There is a "Sound of Nature" function which beams nature and city sounds through the speakers. There is 3-Zone climate control which allows the rear climate control to be operated up front.
The Palisade comes in either 7 or 8 seater configuration with the middle seats also getting heating and ventilation functions. There are window curtains for the rear doors to protect from the sun or for more privacy. The 3rd and 2nd row seats can be folded flat for more space. The rear door is electrically operated.
The tried and tested 2.2-litre 4-cylinder Turbodiesel is retained with 142kW/440Nm driving all wheels via an 8 speed auto transmission. There are multi driving modes for on road and off road driving. No changes have been made to the suspension. There is the 360 degree camera with distance warning, reverse guiding lights, Forward Collision Avoidance, Blind Spot Monitoring with cluster video view, multi airbags as part of a long list of safety features.
Price:
Palisade R2.2 7 seater Elite AWD AT: R1 099 900
Palisade R2.2 8 seater Elite AWD AT: R1 099 900
Price includes Hyundais 7 year/200 000km warranty, 7 year/105 000km Service Plan and Roadside Assistance.