2022 Hyundai Palisade 2.2 Diesel Exec 7 Review

In recent years, the competition in the mid-to-large SUV market in Malaysia has become increasingly fierce. Family users are no longer satisfied with basic space performance and have begun to demand higher standards for features, comfort, and power balance. As one of the mainstream options in this segment, the Hyundai Palisade 2.2 Diesel Exec 7, with its 7-seat layout, rich comfort-oriented features, and practicality of diesel power, is the focus of this test drive to verify whether its static experience matches its positioning and whether its dynamic performance can meet the needs of daily family commuting and long-distance travel.

The exterior design of the Palisade features a stable and robust style, with an overall square and slightly rugged appearance that aligns with the positioning of a mid-to-large SUV. The front end features a wide chrome grille, paired with narrow LED headlights on both sides, offering high recognition; a trapezoidal air intake and silver skid plate adorn the front bumper, enhancing the SUV's off-road appeal. The side profile exhibits straight lines, with 20-inch alloy wheels proportionally matching the body size, and black cladding on the wheel arches further accentuating a sense of strength. At the rear, the horizontally arranged LED taillights are connected with a chrome trim strip, enhancing the visual width. The rear bumper also features a silver skid plate with reflectors embedded on both sides, presenting a simple yet cohesive design. As for the lighting system, LED headlights, daytime running lights, and taillights all come standard, and the automatic headlight function is quite convenient in daily use.

When entering the interior, the design of the Palisade leans toward a combination of practicality and luxury. The symmetrical layout of the dashboard is covered with soft-touch materials and paired with wood-grain trim, offering a refined touch. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is centrally located on the dashboard, with decent operational smoothness and support for the Sound Plus feature. Below this, physical buttons and knobs are retained for controlling air conditioning and multimedia systems, providing high convenience for blind operation. In terms of features, a head-up digital display (HUD), multifunction steering wheel, paddle shifters, a 12-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory, heating, and ventilation functions, and an 8-way electrically adjustable passenger seat with heating and ventilation functions are all standard, significantly enhancing comfort during prolonged driving. The second row utilizes independent captain's chairs that allow sliding, reclining, and one-touch folding functions, and are also equipped with heating and ventilation functions. The third row features 60:40 split-folding seats that provide adequate space performance, suitable for children or adults on short trips. Regarding storage, the front center armrest has a large storage box, door pockets can hold water bottles, the second-row central armrest includes cup holders, and the trunk has a default capacity of 509 liters, which can be expanded by folding the third row, meeting the cargo needs of families. The vehicle dimensions are 4980mm×1975mm×1750mm with a wheelbase of 2900mm. Legroom is ample for both front and rear rows, and headroom is not cramped even for passengers up to 1.8 meters tall.

In terms of power, the Palisade is equipped with a 2.2L turbocharged diesel engine, producing a maximum power of 200PS/3800rpm. Although the maximum torque figures were not explicitly stated, the torque delivery at low RPMs is robust during actual driving. Paired with an AT transmission, it offers smooth shifting without noticeable jerks at low speeds. Multiple driving modes are available, with Normal mode providing moderate power response suitable for daily commuting, and Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity for more aggressive acceleration. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 10.2 seconds, which is average for a mid-to-large SUV. Overtaking requires a deeper press on the accelerator pedal in advance.

In terms of driving performance, the steering wheel has moderate turning heaviness, minimal play, and decent precision; the chassis uses a front MacPherson independent suspension, while the rear suspension is not explicitly stated but leans toward a comfort-oriented tuning. It effectively absorbs vibrations on bumpy roads, maintaining body stability. In corners, body roll is kept within an acceptable range, and high-speed stability is good. Regarding fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 8.8L/100km. During the test drive, the urban road fuel consumption is about 10-11L/100km, and on highways, it is approximately 7-8L/100km. The fuel economy of the diesel engine has a certain advantage among competitors. As for noise control, engine noise at idle is minimal, while wind and tire noise become slightly more noticeable during high-speed driving but do not interfere with normal conversations. The seats offer good wrapping and support, making long-time sitting less tiring.

Overall, the core strengths of the Hyundai Palisade 2.2 Diesel Exec 7 lie in its abundant comfort features (such as multi-seat heating and ventilation, independent captain's chairs), the practicality of its 7-seat space, and the fuel economy of its diesel engine. Compared with the Toyota Fortuner in the same segment, the Palisade has an advantage in luxury features and second-row comfort but is slightly weaker in off-road performance. Compared with the Kia Sorento, it offers more spacious interior space, making it more suitable for large families. In terms of usage scenarios, the Palisade is better suited for users who prioritize family travel, seek balanced comfort and features, especially families with frequent 5-7 passengers, or consumers needing a vehicle for both business and family use.

On the whole, the Palisade 2.2 Diesel Exec 7 meets the positioning needs of a mid-to-large SUV in both static experience and dynamic performance. Its richness of configurations and practical space are its main highlights. If you need a mid-to-large SUV that can balance daily family commuting, long-distance travel, and cargo needs, and have high requirements for comfort features, the Palisade is a worthy choice.