The 2023 Hyundai Palisade starts at $37,235 in the United States and at $49,974 in Canada, freight and delivery charges included.
Luxurious for the price, refined interior, good versatility.
Below-average fuel economy, rough ride with 20-inch wheels, cabin sound insulation could be better.
The 2023 Hyundai Palisade is the Korean brand’s biggest and most versatile utility vehicle, and has received a mid-cycle refresh this year. Since its introduction for the 2020 model year, it was distinguished itself with many awards and recognitions, while attracting a new customer base for the brand.
For the 2023 model year, the Palisade benefitted from styling revisions up front, including a full satin grille, new headlight clusters and a revised bumper. We also note new alloy wheel designs and a redesigned rear bumper. Auto-dimming mirrors round out the exterior changes.
Meanwhile, the vehicle’s cabin gets revisions to its centre stack, 12.3-inch digital driver instrument cluster, steering wheel, door panel trim and seat materials, while the third-row seats get optional heating and the range-topping Calligraphy trim level benefits from acoustic laminated side glass to reduce noise. The USB-A ports were replaced by USB-C connectors, a rear camera mirror was made available and the list of advanced safety systems has been stretched. Last but not least, an on-board Wi-Fi hotspot allows passengers to connect their devices online, a feature that obviously requires a data subscription.
No changes took place underhood. The 2023 Hyundai Palisade is equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.8L V6 that develops 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission. A front-wheel drivetrain is standard in the United States while AWD is optional, while in Canada, all-wheel drive is the only way to go.
As for city/highway/combined fuel economy ratings, they’re set at 19/25/21 mpg or 12.6/9.5/11.2 L/100 km with AWD, and the engine can run on regular gasoline. During out test, we managed a decent 22 mpg or 10.5 L/100 km.
In the United States, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade is available in SE, SEL, more rugged-looking XRT and loaded Calligraphy trim levels, while pricing starts at $37,235 including freight and delivery charges. In Canada, the Palisade is available in Preferred, blacked-out Urban and Calligraphy variants, priced from $49,974. Competition includes the Chevrolet Traverse, the Dodge Durango, the Ford Explorer, the GMC Acadia, the Honda Pilot, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, the Kia Telluride, the Mazda CX-9 and 2024 Mazda CX-90, the Nissan Pathfinder, the Subaru Ascent, the Toyota Highlander and 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander as well as the Volkswagen Atlas.
Why You Should Buy a 2023 Hyundai Palisade?
- Even the base trim level doesn’t skimp on features, so for the price, the Palisade is a strong value.
- The Palisade’s cabin is luxurious while fit and finish is impressive. Especially in the Calligraphy variant, of course. It makes us feel as though we’re riding in a crossover sold by a luxury brand.
- The Hyundai is plenty versatile, with above-average second-row legroom and sufficient space in the third row for a couple of adults on short trips. If the second-row occupants are willing to move their seats forward a little.
- Cargo space is also quite good, with a volume of 18.0 cubic feet or 510 litres behind the third row, 45.8 cubic feet or 1,297 litres behind the second row and 86.4 cubic feet or 2,447 litres behind the first row. Only the Pilot, the Traverse and the Atlas are significantly roomier. The Palisade can also tow up to 5,000 pounds or 2,268 kilograms, which is roughly the segment average.
Why You Shouldn’t Buy a 2023 Hyundai Palisade
- Despite the mid-cycle refresh, the Palisade’s cabin sound insulation could be improved. It’s not overly noisy, but suspension and road noise filters in.
- We like the V6 engine’s sound and power, but fuel economy isn’t great. At least compared to the Palisade’s rival, most of which are more efficient, now that they’re moving all towards turbo four-cylinder engines and even hybrid powertrains.
- The lane keep assist system is too sensitive, constantly meddling with the drive and the steering wheel doesn’t stop squirming in our hands. We end up getting tired of it and switch it off. If that’s an important feature for us, we might be disappointed.
- While the cabin is gorgeously trimmed, the front seatback pockets look decidedly cheap with their elastic, crumpled-up vinyl inserts. We’re nit-picking here.
Final Word
As it’s been since the model’s introduction a few years ago, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade is a refined, roomy and value-packed three-row crossover that’s not only affordable, but versatile and easy to drive despite its size. We’d like some minor changes such as better cabin insulation and a more-efficient powertrain, but these are minor quibbles, not dealbreakers.
