A couple of years ago Hyundai launched the Palisade (MY21) for the first time in South Africa where it was generally well received by the media.

Last week the facelifted MY23 Palisade hit our shores here in southern Africa, with even bolder design, following the same styling cues than the rest of the very recent Hyundai models, especially when it comes to grill design.

The grill especially follows a more linear design than that of the MY21, and it certainly communicates premium from the front to the back. The exterior details certainly help this large vehicle to be a bit softer on the eye…

We headed out towards Hermanus from Somerset West, on a route consisting of not just tarmac, but a mixture of gravel roads which the Palisade handled extremely well.

We are looking forward to test this car in full, because our experience so far (from the launch) is that it rides really well and handles even better than most Japanese ladder-frame SUV wannabes. I believe this car deserves more sales numbers than history can provide us.

Cabin space is ample, plus you’re being taken care of with heated and cooled seats, for this very warm February we’re experiencing.

The new Palisade also has sufficient bells and whistles to decorate a whole neighbourhood’s worth of Christmas trees, and believe me, they are not just Chinese gimmicks.

You will appreciate your stay.

There are two models to consider in the MY23 range: a 7-seater and the 8-seater. Interestingly, both models hit the floor at the same price:
Pricing:
- Palisade R2.2 7 seater Elite AWD AT: R1 099 900
- Palisade R2.2 8 seater Elite AWD AT: R1 099 900

I wonder who will get the first one for Namibia?
Really not sure about that front grill