Hyundai Palisade

Model Overview

The Hyundai Palisade serves as Hyundai Motor's flagship large SUV and stands as the brand's premier family SUV globally. The name Palisade is inspired by the famed Palisades Cliffs along California's Pacific coast, symbolising rugged reliability and flagship stature. First launched in 2018, the Palisade nameplate quickly gained global traction following its North American debut. In December 2024, the second-generation Palisade (codenamed LX3) made its global premiere in South Korea. As of June 2026, the all-new SUV is on sale across major markets including China, North America, South Korea, and Australia. In China, the next-gen Palisade officially debuted in September 2025 in three variants: Luxury, Prestige, and Calligraphy. Equipped with a standard 2.5T petrol-electric hybrid powertrain across the range, it carries an official retail price tag between RM288,800 and RM361,800. The new model is positioned as a fully imported hybrid flagship six/seven-seater SUV.

Design Language

The second-generation Palisade undergoes a radical exterior redesign, moving away from its predecessor's softer lines in favour of a more upright, blocky "Bold Premium" neo-luxury design philosophy. Up front, it sports an imposing integrated mesh radiator grille with horizontal slats of varying widths, complemented by five vertical LED daytime running light strips for maximum visual presence. The side profile is defined by clean, sculpted lines, where short front and long rear overhangs create a poised, commanding stance, while sharp character lines over the wheel arches emphasise its wide-track stance. At the rear, vertically stacked smoked tail lamps match the chrome garnish, reinforcing its rugged, upright character.

In terms of exterior dimensions, it measures 5,065 (5,060) mm in length, 1,980 mm in width, and 1,805 mm in height, with a 2,970 mm wheelbase—representing a 65 mm increase in overall length and a 70 mm longer wheelbase over the outgoing model. Wheel options range from 18 to 21 inches, with the flagship Calligraphy variant riding exclusively on 21-inch alloy wheels and finished in Emerald Green paintwork.

Inside, the cabin is built around the "Premium Living Space" concept. The dashboard features a dual 12.3-inch panoramic curved display that seamlessly integrates the digital instrument cluster with the infotainment touchscreen. Nappa leather upholstery is standard across the range, with the Calligraphy variant offering Ancient Wood Brown, Charcoal Grey, and a two-tone Dark Blue/Warm Grey interior scheme. The steering wheel takes inspiration from the Range Rover, while the door release handles evoke Genesis design cues. Woodgrain trim inserts and ambient lighting further enhance the cabin's upmarket atmosphere.

Powertrain & Performance

The next-generation Palisade undergoes a comprehensive mechanical overhaul, offering both pure petrol and hybrid powertrains overseas, while the Chinese-market lineup comes standard with a 2.5T petrol-electric hybrid setup across the board.

China Hybrid Variant: Powered by a 2.5T turbocharged petrol engine paired with a "P1+P2" dual-motor hybrid system. The 2.5T internal combustion unit outputs 225 PS and 353 Nm of torque, while the P1 and P2 electric motors deliver 13 PS and 54 PS respectively. Total system output reaches a combined 334 PS and 460 Nm of torque, marking a 19% power bump over the previous pure petrol model. Power is sent through an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Fitted with a sizable 71-litre fuel tank, it delivers a combined cruising range exceeding 1,000 km, alongside a WLTC combined fuel consumption of around 6.9 L/100 km.

Overseas Petrol Variant: Powered by a newly developed 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 engine churning out 287–291 hp and 352 Nm (260 lb-ft) of torque. Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, it is available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or HTRAC all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, returning an EPA-rated combined fuel economy of around 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km).

Chassis & Handling

Underneath, the Palisade rides on front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension setup. The new model is also Hyundai's first SUV equipped with Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS) — a system that leverages sensor and navigation inputs to actively minimise vehicle pitch and yaw in real time. The HTRAC intelligent all-wheel-drive system offers multiple selectable drive modes. Drive configurations include front-wheel drive and HTRAC AWD options. Suspension tuning leans heavily towards a plush, planted, and refined ride quality.

Cabin & Equipment

The Palisade offers versatile six- and seven-seater seating layouts. The six-seater variant features second-row zero-gravity individual captain chairs with power folding, sliding, reclining, and optional massage functions. The third-row seats also support power folding and sliding; folding them flat expands boot capacity to a cavernous 615 litres. The driver can also adjust the positioning and recline angles of the second- and third-row seats via the central touchscreen.

In terms of in-cabin equipment, the dual 12.3-inch panoramic curved display is standard across all trims. The infotainment system supports three-finger multi-touch gestures alongside wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Audio is piped through a 14-speaker BOSE premium sound system. Key comfort features include six 100W USB-C fast-charging ports throughout the cabin, a dual-sided opening UV-C sterilisation storage compartment, and double-laminated acoustic glass. Tri-zone automatic climate control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel come standard across the entire lineup.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety remains a cornerstone of the Palisade. The vehicle is equipped with 10 airbags, including a front-row centre airbag, built atop a rigid high-strength steel body shell.

For active safety, the SUV comes fitted with the Hyundai SmartSense advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). Key features include Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) with lane change assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2 (FCA 2) with junction crossing detection, Smart Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Parking Distance Warning. Together, these systems deliver Level 2+ semi-autonomous driving capabilities.

Market Performance & Reception

The Palisade maintains a strong, steady market presence worldwide. In its domestic market of South Korea, the SUV is offered in Exclusive, Prestige, and Calligraphy variants, with pricing equivalent to approximately RM220,000 to RM305,000. In North America, the 2026 Palisade starts at USD 39,435, competing head-on against rivals such as the Toyota Grand Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Kia Telluride.

In China, the next-generation Palisade arrived in September 2025 as an imported flagship hybrid SUV. The new model adds nearly 20 practical features over its predecessor while lowering prices by up to RM20,000. Hyundai also introduced bespoke purchase perks alongside a "3+3 Peace-of-Mind Aftersales Package" covering accident repair mobility subsidies, intercity towing allowances, and express spare-parts delivery. Motoring media reviews have lauded the Palisade, with some drawing comparisons between its cabin refinement and that of a Range Rover, alongside praising its class-leading NVH quietness and solid interior build quality. Real-world fuel economy runs showed that the hybrid model returned around 7.3 L/100 km. From its 2018 debut to its comprehensive 2026 revamp, the Hyundai Palisade continues to cement its flagship status in the global large family SUV segment with its bold, boxy styling, 2.5T hybrid powertrain innovation, and fully upgraded Level 2+ ADAS suite.