Hyundai Palisade A Big Brother to Santa Fe
Words NZ Autocar | Images WHICHCAR?
Hyundai has taken its current boxy design ethos and applied it to the latest Palisade, its biggest vehicle, a nine-seater at that. This comes barely a fortnight after the firm unveiled its new Ioniq 9 EV.
It’s no great surprise to find the newcomer resembles an enlarged Santa Fe. It also seems to be inspired by current Range Rover and Cadillac models. But then it has always been a Stateside-oriented vehicle.
It will once again take on the mantle of being Hyundai’s largest ICE-powered SUV.
The spacious, aerodynamically designed SUV disrobed at the Los Angeles show ahead of its international roll-out next year.
Key features of the new model include stacked vertical LED lights paired with an upright rectangular grille.
At the back the lighting looks similar with silver D pillars. A flat beltline and matte brightwork give it a premium appearance.
A seemingly longer wheelbase and shorter front overhang contribute to a more balanced stance. Wheels are 21-inches in diameter.
While overall dimensions are not yet to hand, Palisade should exceed five metres in length, similar to that of Ioniq 9 (5060mm).
Cabinside are dual 12.3-inch digital displays integrated into a curved dashboard panel.
However, Hyundai has retained practical controls for climate and essential functions as physical knobs and buttons. A new gear selector relocates to the steering column, like in Santa Fe and Ioniq 9, freeing up centre console space.
Special styling elements include pill-like oblong air vents, round door handles, and wood inserts.
With a centre console that transforms into a middle seat for the front row, there are belts for nine occupants. Second-row seating is evidently versatile as well.
Powertrain details are thin on the ground but a hybrid 2.5L IL4 with electrical assistance is likely. That would suit the Australasian markets. There’s also a turbo 3.5L V6, likely for America.
Palisade launches first in its domestic market and then others but there’s no word on timing for our neck of the woods.
