Sprint Review: 2023 Hyundai Palisade R2.2 8-seater Elite

Street cred is a very real thing, especially in brand-conscious southern Africa. Some may also call it kerbside appeal, as it affects a large portion of our car-buying market.

You should know: The Palisade is Hyundai’s largest vehicle on local shores, measuring almost 5m in length and 2m width, which means that they can champion this model as a true three-row SUV. The more compact 7-seater Grand Creta is decidedly less expensive but certainly not as luxurious as this big brute.

More info: In true Hyundai fashion, there’s a set trim / spec level which includes many of the features you’d have to pay extra for with other brands. Here’s looking at most of you, Deutschland. For this Palisade, you have the choice of a 7- or 8-seater derivative; both shipped with identical spec and drive trains.

Other noteworthy dimensions include the large 70L diesel tank and claimed average fuel use of just 8.2L/100km (for a 1,950kg vehicle), 750 unbraked to 2,200kg brake towing weights, 203mm of ground clearance, and a cargo area that extends from 509L to 1,300L (third row down) or 2,450L with both rows folded flat.

What else? Hyundai’s big 2.2L in-line 4-cylinder turbo-diesel sends up to 142kW or 440Nm through a quick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission to an adaptive all-wheel drive system. There’s also a drive selector knob on the futuristic centre dashboard, offering various tarmac and off-road drivetrain settings.

Speaking of the dash and cabin, this spacious and sumptuous interior is one of the Palisade’s party pieces. It’s roomy, quiet, soft, stylish and packed with features like dual-zone climate control, heated or vented front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging tray, power this and auto that, a large media screen and premium Infinity sound system.

Why you shouldn’t: Naturally, the Palisade offers a plethora of active and passive driving aids, although one tester bemoaned the nanny nature of the blind spot cameras because they upset either your rev counter or speedo in the digital gauge cluster. And although it applies to almost every new car, the price is a bit steep.

Why you should: Because the Palisade is an incredibly refined multi-seater SUV with excellent toys, mild off-road abilities, great tar manners, impressive economy and a mind-boggling warranty. It’s also quite the looker, with its 245/50R20 wheels and modern aggressive bulk, which lead one observer to ask me if this is the new Land Cruiser 300.

How’s that for street cred?

FULL SPEC LIST


Engine:2,199cc i-4 turbo-diesel
Transmission:8-speed Automatic, AWD
Max. Power:142kW @ rpm 3,800rpm
Max. Torque:440Nm @ 1,750rpm
Avg. cons.:(claimed 8.2L/100km)
0-100km/h:9.88 seconds (claimed 10.5)
Top Speed:Claimed 190km/h
List Price:From R1,121,900

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