- Hyundai's flagship drops diesel for petrol-hybrid power.
- Only available in super-luxury Calligraphy specification.
- Seven or 8-seat cabin, 'Relaxation Comfort Seat' design.
Hyundai's largest SUV has turned the luxury up to 11 in its latest incarnation - but also introduces hybrid power for the first time.
The updated Palisade is being launched in a single bells-and-whistles Calligraphy specification, as an 8-seater or in optional 7-seat configuration. Start price is $129,990.
Like the smaller Santa Fe, Palisade has eshewed turbo-diesel power for a petrol-electric setup. However, while the Santa Fe hybrid employs a 1.6-litre engine, Palisade steps up to a 2.5-litre with separate electric motor, making a combined 245kW/460Nm. Fuel economy is 7.6l/100km, compared to 8.4l for the previous diesel (both 3P-WLTP figures).
It uses a 6-speed automatic transmission with full-time AWD. The suspension has been tuned by Hyundai Australia. Tow rating is 2 tonnes - slightly down on the previous diesel model's 2.2t.
Inside, there's a panoramic curved display with dual 12.3-inch displays. In addition, a 12-inch heads-up display projects key driving, navigation and safety information onto the windscreen.
Palisade features "Relaxation Comfort Seats" for the first row and a third-row powered seat with fold and dive, sliding, and reclining functions.
Seven-seat variants also feature powered Relaxation Comfort Seats for the second row and a walk-in tilt function.