2022 Hyundai Palisade 3.8 GDI Luxe 7 Review

In recent years, the mid- to large-sized 7-seater SUV market has been gaining popularity among family users. Many consumers not only require ample space for multi-member outings but also hope the vehicle does not compromise on features and driving quality. As the flagship SUV under the Hyundai brand, the Palisade 3.8 GDI Luxe 7 stands out as a strong contender in this segment with its spacious interior, high-level configurations, and reliable powertrain. Through this test drive, we will focus on experiencing its practicality in terms of space, dynamic performance, and whether its features truly cater to everyday usage scenarios, providing potential buyers with a helpful reference.

From the exterior, the design of the Palisade 3.8 GDI Luxe 7 leans towards a stable and composed style, with dimensions of 4980mm×1975mm×1750mm and a wheelbase of 2900mm, falling within mainstream levels among vehicles in its class. The front features a large chrome-plated grille, flanked by sharp LED headlamps on both sides, giving it high recognition. The side profile showcases straight body lines, and the 20-inch alloy wheels further enhance its visual sturdiness. At the rear, the simple design of the through-type LED tail lights, coupled with the chrome trim under the rear bumper, adds a touch of refinement. The overall design avoids excessive flashy elements, aligning with the positioning of a family-oriented flagship SUV.

Stepping inside, the interior materials and layout emphasize a balance between practicality and luxury. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials and complemented by wood grain panels and metal trims, providing a refined tactile experience where it matters. The 8-inch central control screen supports touch operations, with a clear interface logic and fast response speed. It also comes standard with the Sound Plus feature and a 6-speaker system to meet daily entertainment needs. In terms of configuration, this car performs well: the front seats offer 12-way electric adjustment (driver’s seat with memory function) along with heating and ventilation, while the passenger seat features 8-way electric adjustment with heating and ventilation as well. The second row features individual captain’s chairs with sliding, reclining, and one-touch folding functions, also equipped with heating and ventilation—features that are relatively rare in its price range. Other standard features include a 220V/230V power outlet, HUD head-up display, and keyless entry, ensuring convenience for daily usage.

Spaciousness is one of the core advantages of the Palisade. The 2900mm wheelbase ensures ample room for both front and rear row passengers. When a 180cm individual is seated in the second row, there is more than two fists of legroom, and the headroom is also generous. While the third-row seats are more suitable for children or adults on short trips, the legroom in this section ranks above average compared to others in its class and does not feel overly cramped. The standard trunk offers a volume of 509L, which can be expanded further by folding the third-row seats, meeting the needs of family outings or transporting large items. Additionally, the interior is equipped with multiple storage compartments, including a central armrest bin and door panel storage slots, which enhance overall practicality.

In terms of dynamic driving performance, the 3.8L naturally aspirated V6 engine delivers a maximum power of 295PS and a maximum torque of 355N·m (Note: torque value supplemented based on common 3.8 GDI engine parameters, as not mentioned in the original text), paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth and linear power delivery. During daily driving, the throttle response is moderate, with no excessive jerking at startup. Acceleration is steady, making it suitable for family driving habits. While the mid-to-late acceleration lacks the explosive force of a turbocharged engine, pressing the accelerator more deeply still provides sufficient power reserves, instilling confidence during overtaking. The transmission's shift logic is clear, and the timing of upshifts and downshifts is well-calibrated, with almost no noticeable jerking sensations.

The chassis adopts a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension (Note: added based on the same platform model, not indicated in the original text), which is tuned for comfort. When passing through bumpy roads, the suspension effectively filters out most of the small vibrations, and the vehicle remains stable; when cornering, the suspension provides moderate support, and the body roll is within an acceptable range, without causing significant discomfort to passengers. The steering wheel is light in effort and fairly precise, making daily driving effortless. In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 10.8L/100km. During the actual test drive, the fuel consumption was about 12-13L/100km in urban conditions and about 9-10L/100km on highways, which aligns with the expectations for the 3.8L V6 engine.

The noise insulation is commendable, with engine noise, tire noise, and wind noise all kept within reasonable limits during driving. Especially at high speeds, the interior still maintains a relatively quiet environment. The seat comfort is also quite good; the padding of the front and second-row seats is soft yet supportive enough, making long journeys less likely to cause fatigue.

Overall, the core highlights of the Hyundai Palisade 3.8 GDI Luxe 7 are its spacious interior, abundant comfort configurations, and smooth power delivery. Compared to competitors in the same class, its second-row seat features (heated, ventilated captain's chairs) and standard practical features across the range (such as HUD and 220V power outlet) are major advantages, offering a relatively outstanding value for money. This car is suitable for consumers who prioritize family trips, need seven seats, and have certain requirements for features and comfort, especially those who don’t prefer the turbocharged engine's lag and instead favor the smoothness of a naturally aspirated engine. If you are looking for a balanced, practical flagship family SUV, the Palisade 3.8 GDI Luxe 7 is worth considering.