Get Ready for a Hybrid Revolution in Luxury SUVs! The new Hyundai Palisade is here, and it's not just about turning heads; it's about redefining efficient luxury for the New Zealand market.
Hyundai has taken a bold step, streamlining the Palisade offering to a single, fully-loaded model – the super-luxury Calligraphy specification. This means you get absolutely everything, no compromises! But here's where it gets interesting: the Palisade is ditching its diesel engine in favor of a sophisticated petrol-hybrid powertrain, marking a significant shift for their flagship SUV.
This isn't just a minor facelift; it's a complete reimagining. The updated Palisade is launching with an 8-seater configuration as standard, with an optional 7-seat layout available for those who prefer more spacious second-row comfort. The starting price for this pinnacle of Hyundai's SUV lineup is $129,990.
Much like its smaller sibling, the Santa Fe, the Palisade is embracing the future by swapping out turbo-diesel power for a petrol-electric hybrid system. While the Santa Fe hybrid utilizes a 1.6-litre engine, the Palisade boasts a more robust 2.5-litre engine paired with a dedicated electric motor. Together, they deliver an impressive combined output of 245kW and 460Nm. And the efficiency? It's remarkable, achieving a fuel economy of just 7.6 litres per 100km (3P-WLTP), which is an improvement over the previous diesel model's 8.4 litres per 100km.
Power is smoothly managed through a 6-speed automatic transmission, and you can confidently tackle various terrains with its full-time All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. For those who enjoy towing, the Palisade offers a 2-tonne tow rating, a slight reduction from the previous diesel model's 2.2 tonnes.
Step inside, and you're greeted by an immersive experience. The cabin features a stunning panoramic curved display that seamlessly integrates two 12.3-inch screens. To further enhance your driving awareness, a 12-inch heads-up display projects crucial information like navigation and safety alerts directly onto the windscreen, keeping your eyes on the road.
But the luxury doesn't stop there. The Palisade introduces 'Relaxation Comfort Seats' for the front occupants, designed to provide unparalleled comfort on long journeys. The third row also boasts a powered seat with convenient fold, dive, sliding, and reclining functions, making access and versatility a breeze. For those opting for the 7-seat variant, you'll be treated to powered Relaxation Comfort Seats in the second row, complete with a walk-in tilt function for effortless third-row access.
And this is the part most people miss... While the hybrid system offers impressive efficiency, some might argue that a vehicle of this size and luxury could still benefit from the raw torque of a diesel for heavy-duty towing. Is the trade-off between hybrid efficiency and ultimate towing grunt a concern for you? Let us know in the comments below – we'd love to hear your thoughts!
