2023 HYUNDAI PALISADE

PALISADE MOVES TO TOP OF THE CLASS AFTER REFRESHING FOR 2023 MODELS

The Hyundai Palisade has been been around for only a short while but already the South Korean automaker’s largest SUV has made quite an impression.

Such respected publications as U.S. News & World Report has the 2023 Hyundai Palisade sharing the top spot with Kia’s award-winning Telluride in its rankings of midsize SUVs.

The Telluride debuted as a 2020 model as did the Palisade though to somewhat less praise, but the 2023 Hyundai Palisade has been given a major refreshing that evens the score with its corporate cousin.  (Hyundai has a third-share in Kia, down from 50 percent of the late 1990s merger.)

The two vehicles share a lot of common characteristics and your choice now may come down to which you like better: Hyundai’s slant H or Kia’s modernized logo in the center of the front grille.

Having dealt with the 2022 Kia Telluride to start the year, this review covers the 2023 Hyundai Palisade that comes with a new XRT model along with SE, SEL, Limited, and the top-of-the-line Calligraphy trim. This review is based on the Calligraphy.

In addition to the new XRT trim, the Palisade also gets new front and rear bumper fascias, a new grille, newly styled headlights, and new wheels. Updates to the interior include a new instrument panel and gauge cluster, new steering wheel design, heated third-row seats, and an angle adjuster for the second-row armrests.

Wireless charging for your devices has been enhanced from 5W to 15W, and the new 12-inch, 720p resolution touchscreen includes navigation. Among enhancements to the standard Blue Link connection it now allows control via smartphone or voice.

The new Last Mile Navigation feature allows you to continue the journey to your final destination after your car is parked. After you turn off the engine, a pop-up appears on the screen so you get the final details to your destination via the Blue Link smart phone app.

All trims get a 3.8-liter V6 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel or all-wheel drive  isoffered on all trims, and all trims share such standard features as LED daytime running and LED headlights (all but the SE also get LED tail lamps), automatic headlights with high-beam assist, heated seats, a trailering package, three-row seating, paddle shifters, push-button start, Hyundai’s Blue Link Connections, a WiFi hotspot, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Safety systems like blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, rear park assist, forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian/cyclist detection, and driver attention warning also are common throughout the lineup. 

In short, you don’t have to go all out to get a well-equipped 2023 Hyundai Palisade.

Still, with the Calligraphy, you get some nice bells and whistles that include features from thePremium Package that is optional on other trims. Standard equipment on the Calligraphy includes a hands-free power liftgate, surround-view camera, 20-inch exclusive wheels (18s are standard on SE and SEL trims), a head-up display and highway driving assist, Nappa leather seating surfaces, faux suede headliner, a dual-panel sunroof, second-row captain’s chairs, memory driver’s seat, ventilated front- and second-row seats, heated steering wheel, wireless phone charger, 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, and a Harmon Kardon Premium audio system.

Pricing for the 2023 Hyundai Palisade with front-wheel drive starts at $36,545 for the base SE trim including the $1,295 destination and delivery charge.

MSRP for the SEL is just under the $40,000 mark at $39,544 while XRT and Limited trims are in the $40,000 bracket. The FWD 2023 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy starts at $50,455. AWD adds $1,900 to each figure.

What I liked about the 2023 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy: The interior is roomy and packed with loads of user-friendly tech features. The V6 engine is very competent, and the various drive modes (Comfort, Sport, Smart, Eco, and Snow) are easily adjustable via a dial on the center console. The ride is smooth and quiet. The interior approaches luxury status, and the refreshed exterior is very appealing appearance with a new grille, bumper and headlights.. The second-row captain’s chairs smoothly slide forward to provide easy access to the third row.

What I didn’t like about the 2023 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy: When upright, the third-row seats don’t leave much practical cargo room in the back as much of the 18 cubic feet is vertical space.

Would I buy the 2023 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy? I personally have no need for a 3-row SUV but if you do, it definitely should be on your list.