Hyundai Palisade bound to impress

Hyundai’s latest mega-sized Palisade SUV. Photo: supplied

Big, bold, and better. That’s Hyundai’s latest mega-sized Palisade SUV, packed up in a well-thought-out vehicle, loaded with technology.

These things matter for a vehicle targeting the North American market where many buyers adore this type of "bigger-than-Texas" vehicle.

This latest Palisade glides into our market on the promise of a genuine large, luxury SUV that’s exclusive, with the lavishly appointed Calligraphy the only model available here. At $129,990 it’s one of the most expensive Hyundais sold here.

A next-generation 2.5-litre turbo gasoline direct injection power train is most innovative with a dual-motor design for superior regenerative braking. It also features an interior Vehicle 2 Load (V2L) function to charge devices and power appliances. Stay Mode is another clever string to its bow, using the high-capacity hybrid battery to power the infotainment and climate control while the vehicle is parked with the engine off.

Under the bonnet the changes have been rung. Gone is the hard-working 148kW 2.2-litre turbo diesel of the previous model, supplanted by a powerful new 245kW 2.5-litre turbo petrol hybrid. Throttle response and low-speed pulling power are convincing thanks in no small part to a healthy 460Nm of torque. There’s plenty of power on tap even with a full load of passengers aboard.

The power train, with its express-like pace, is quick to dial in a sharp-enough turn of speed to whisk effortlessly past slower-moving traffic. The 6-speed automatic works well, with gear changes that are smooth, precise, well-timed, and adapt easily to most driving situations.

In its latest form the Palisade fronts with its own distinctive design DNA, with bolder proportions, to create a visually strong large, luxurious SUV. Revised proportions include a shorter front overhang, more upright windscreen, and extended wheelbase. An elevated bonnet, flanked by vertical daytime running lights, are the cornerstones of its commanding wide stance, with silver-coated concealed headlights, rear lamps, and roof rails. It looks every much the large premium flagship SUV.

Helping on that front are deft touches such as machine-finished 21-inch Calligraphy alloy wheels, wide rear bumper and skid plate.

There is an eight-seat interior layout which brings seating for three in each of the second and third rows. The optional seven-seat configuration has two individual second-row seats. Comfort seats for the first row and a third row have fold, sliding, and reclining functions, all trimmed in luxurious Nappa leather.

The luggage area features seat control switches for both rear rows conveniently located on the left side trim. An extended wheelbase and resulting increase in the vehicle’s overall length are the keys to unlocking the generous passenger and cargo spaces.Volume takes a healthy upward bump from 311 to 348L behind the third row, and 704 to 729L with the third row folded.

Clever touches abound, among them a power tailgate that not only opens automatically, but also lets you adjust the opening/closing speeds and lift height to suit your personal preferences.

Passenger and load space is plentiful, and presented in a luxurious, well-executed cabin design. The premium focus is plain to see from high-quality materials to advanced comfort features. The dashboard provides instrumentation, infotainment and safety insights on an impressive clear panoramic curved display. This seamlessly integrates a 12.3-inch digital cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment display.

All the safety essentials and more are offered such as the surround view monitor providing a bird’s eye view of the vehicle to enhance vision for the driver. Rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist monitors traffic approaching either side of the vehicle when reversing out of snug parking spaces. If an approaching vehicle is detected, a chime sounds and an alert is displayed in the corresponding exterior mirror. If the driver doesn’t react, the system does, and may activate the electronic stability control system to apply braking to avoid colliding with the approaching vehicle.

Hyundai’s goal was to set a new luxury SUV benchmark for the company by merging smooth, efficient hybrid performance with a quieter, more refined suspension set-up to deliver a more engaging driving experience. The bar was set high, and while it came up short in a few places, overall it is a good attempt to nail a challenging target.

Given its size and weight, the suspension was surprisingly agile and balanced. However I sensed when pushing the pace over winding roads that the suspension was constantly busy keeping the lid on excessive body lean —for the most part successfully. Comfort levels held up well when put to the test over rutted and corrugated road surfaces with minimal suspension noise, and that’s not an easy ask over our more abrasive road surfaces.