The 2024 Hyundai Palisade has arrived with a fresh look and a host of upgrades. The model being reviewed here is the Elite trim level. At the top end the Calligraphy replaces the outgoing Highlander trim, no doubt further trying to elevate the Palisade’s luxury appeal. But maybe the Elite is the sweet spot for value and packaging?
We spent a few weeks with the example and during this time we got to really understand what the Palisade is like to live with on a day-to-day basis. The room, the pleasantness, the exterior styling helps to make you feel like you’re driving something cool (as vain as that is).
While huge American-style SUVs haven’t really been big hits in Australia in years gone by, the Palisade has done very well – try doing a school run without seeing one. Whether that’s because of the value it presents or the way it’s packaged, you can’t deny its appeal.
2024 Hyundai Palisade Elite: Specifications
Engine: 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder
Output: 147kW@3800rpm / 440Nm@1750-2750rpm
Gearbox: Eight-speed auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 20×7.5, 245/50
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 2019kg
Power-to-weight: 13.73:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 7.3L/100km
Our consumption: 8.9L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 71L/DieselPower efficiency: 20.13kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 4.35 seconds*
0-100km/h: 9.56 seconds*
60-110km/h: 6.98 seconds*
1/4 mile: 16.85 seconds at 134.5km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.718g*
100-0km/h braking: 40.70m in 3.18 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.162g*
Decibel at idle: 44*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 75*
Starting price: $55,490*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2024 Hyundai Palisade Elite: How much does it cost?
The 2024 Hyundai Palisade Elite starts from $66,800 for the V6 petrol FWD and from $70,800 (manufacturer’s list price), making it a competitive option in its segment. It’s hard to think of an SUV in this price range that brings so much. The latest Sorento offering from Kia is up there for challenging the Palisade in both the value and looks department (looks are subjective but that new Sorento looks fresh), but the Palisade is a bigger vehicle – and these days people want space.
Both the Elite and Calligraphy trims boast upgraded features to elevate comfort and the driving experience. Elite drivers will appreciate the warmth of the new heated steering wheel and the convenience of an eight-way power adjustable passenger seat. The interior exudes a more premium feel with mélange knit headlining and wood-look trim inserts.
The new addition of ‘sound-insulating acoustic laminated’ (big words) front door glass ensures a hush hush ride. For those seeking the ultimate in refinement, the Calligraphy trim goes further with a touch-type climate control screen, water-repellent front door glass, and acoustic laminated rear door glass for an even quieter cabin. However, with a significant price difference, $6000 more, let’s discover if the Elite strikes the perfect balance between luxury and value.
2024 Hyundai Palisade Elite: Interior & packaging
Step inside the Hyundai Palisade and you’ll find a spacious cabin that comfortably accommodates up to eight. The standard eight-seater configuration caters to larger Aussie families, while the optional seven-seater with its walk-in feature prioritises easy access to the third row – could we say a more premium feel/look?
Hyundai has clearly invested in improved sound insulation, creating a quiet cabin even in urban environments. Thicker rear windows, additional sound deadening, and further refined engine mounts contribute to this peaceful atmosphere.
The front seats are the pinnacle of comfort and space, offering both driver and passenger a truly luxurious experience. Multiple USB ports, wireless charging, and a 12-volt plug cater to modern devices. The retractable cup holders and generous storage bin under the armrest add to the convenience factor. The centre console houses essential controls, minimising driver distractions.
The second row is even more accommodating, with a wider bench (as fitted to this example) that slides for added flexibility. Passengers in this row enjoy a fold-down armrest, ample cupholders, door pockets with bottle holders, two USB-C ports, and a 12-volt plug. The dedicated third climate-control zone ensures everyone remains comfortable, no matter their seating position.
The third row comfortably fits two adults, offering decent enough legroom and headroom – comfy for a few hours, anyways. It’s perfect for occasional use or shorter journeys, and the four cup holders, roof-mounted climate vents, and two USB-C ports make the ride well catered for.
Families will be keen to read that with the third row up the boot offers a very decent 311L. With the third row stowed this bumps up to 1297L. And then a whopping 2447L if you fold both rear rows down. Handy if you’ve got a fridge to pick up, or perhaps groceries to feed your huge family.
Hyundai’s meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout the Palisade’s interior. Premium materials replace the brand’s typical plastic, and leather-appointed seats (with some faux leather accents) add a touch of luxury. Dual 12.3-inch displays for the digital dashboard and infotainment system, along with a frameless rearview mirror elevate the cabin’s overall classy vibe.
Hyundai’s software powers the intuitive infotainment system, featuring visually appealing graphics and a range of functions, including quirky soundscapes and a handy front-to-rear intercom. While some functions could be more readily accessible, and the DAB interface could use some refinement, the responsive touch-screen and well-sized icons make it a joy to use.
The Hyundai Palisade’s interior really is a great place to spend hours on the road, blending comfort, technology, and practicality.
2024 Hyundai Palisade Elite: Powertrain & handling
Driving the Palisade is like gliding on a cloud – it’s all about comfort and effortlessness. For 2024 the Palisade continues to offer a choice of two powertrains: a 217kW/355Nm 3.8-litre GDi petrol engine with front-wheel drive only, or a 147kW/440Nm 2.2-litre CRDi diesel with all-wheel drive (as tested).
The diesel engine offers impressive quietness and seamless pairing with the eight-speed automatic transmission. While this engine feels more gutsy in the lighter Santa Fe and other models, it’s arguably right on the cusp of being enough here, as it can leave you wanting more on the open road . Nonetheless, it offers ample low-down torque for confident overtaking and around town it’s more than adequate.
The diesel’s added weight comes with the advantage of all-wheel drive, boosting confidence on slippery roads or loose surfaces. It also eliminates the occasional wheel spin experienced in the FWD V6 (which can get quite annoying if you’re in a rush, or can be fun if you like burnouts).
The light steering is perfect for navigating busy streets or city chaos. And out the freeway it’s nicely weighted for a solid, planted feel. Despite its size and 20-inch wheels, even on the Elite, the Palisade handles surprisingly well, maintaining composure around corners. While not designed for sporty driving, its smooth ride quality makes it a pleasure for long journeys.
While the diesel’s claimed fuel consumption of 7.3L/100km might be a bit optimistic, during our few weeks with the Palisade we observed 8.9L/100km in combined conditions – which for a vehicle this size is pretty decent. It’s common for many of the diesel European SUV models to sip less fuel than this and also offer more power, but they are also double if not triple the price.
Overall, the Hyundai Palisade delivers a smooth, comfortable, and refined driving experience, making it an excellent choice for families who are after comfort, and hey, we’ll say it, a very good-looking SUV for the driveway.
2024 Hyundai Palisade Elite: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Bold styling: The Palisade’s distinctive design commands attention on the road – it’s a good looking SUV for the coin.
- Spaciousness: Ample room for the whole family, even in the third row.
- Value for money: At $70,800 for the diesel Elite, the Palisade offers a lot of car for the price, exceeding expectations with its perceived value.
- Handling dynamics: For a vehicle of its size and age, it handles really well and seems to have no trouble soaking up bumpy country roads.
2024 Hyundai Palisade Elite: Key considerations before you buy
- Power: The 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel handles the Palisade’s size well but might not satisfy those seeking a bit more – it would be great to see the old 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline-six from the old GV80, or even the twin-turbo V6 petrol.
- Getting a bit old: Not that it’s really a bad thing as there have been updates along the way, but the foundations of this model have been around in overseas markets since 2018.
- Forget the V6: Go for the diesel. The V6 model being front-wheel drive, constantly wants to light up the front tyres when you’re in a hurry. The all-wheel drive diesel also offers better fuel efficiency.
2024 Hyundai Palisade Elite: Video
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X-factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
The 2024 Hyundai Palisade Elite impresses with its refreshed design and enhanced features. It’s a versatile 7-seat (or 8-seat) SUV that brings comfort, practicality, and value to the table, making it an excellent choice for families hunting for value – show us a bigger, better value option from $66,800.
