2022 Hyundai Palisade 3.8 GDI Luxe 8 Review

The Southeast Asian family SUV market has been heating up in recent years. Seven-seater E-Segment models have become a priority choice for families with multiple children or users requiring frequent transportation due to their balance of space and practicality. The Hyundai Palisade, as a popular player in this segment, positions the 2022 3.8 GDI Luxe 8 model with its core selling points of spaciousness, high configuration, and balanced performance. Many consumers are curious whether its actual performance matches its pricing. This test drive will focus on daily usage scenarios, thoroughly testing everything from static experience to dynamic performance to provide a reference for potential buyers.

In terms of exterior design, the 2022 Palisade Luxe 8 adopts a steady and grand styling, with overall straight and robust lines, befitting the positioning of a mid-to-large SUV. The front features a large-size chrome grille, matched with sharp LED headlamp clusters on both sides for high recognition; the side profile showcases a straight waistline extending from the fender to the rear, with 20-inch alloy wheels further enhancing the visual tension. The rear design is simple, with LED tail lights echoing the front fascia, and chrome decorative strips on the rear bumper adding a touch of refinement. The lighting system comes standard with LED light sources, with automatic headlights and daytime running lights improving everyday convenience.

Inside, the interior adopts a dark-toned theme, with the center console wrapped in soft-touch materials and accented with wood grain panels and metallic trims, reflecting its price range expectations. The central console layout is clear, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen that supports Sound Plus functionality, with decent operational smoothness. The instrument panel uses an Electroluminescent Analogue type, and a digital HUD is standard, reducing the need for drivers to divert their attention. The configuration offers many highlights: the front seats support 12-way electric adjustment (with memory for the driver’s seat), heating, and ventilation. The passenger seat also provides 8-way electric adjustment with the same seat functions. The second-row seats are equipped with independent air conditioning and heating functions, support 60:40 split, sliding, and reclining adjustments, and have a one-touch folding feature for convenient third-row access. The vehicle offers numerous storage compartments, the central armrest box is spacious, and the trunk has a standard capacity of 509L. Folding down the third-row seats creates a larger space, meeting the storage needs for family trips. Additionally, features like 220V/230V power outlets, keyless entry/start, and rain-sensing wipers are all standard.

Space performance is one of Palisade's core advantages. The vehicle measures 4980mm in length, 1975mm in width, and 1750mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2900mm, ranking it among the upper-mid range in its class. The front row offers abundant space, with sufficient headroom and legroom for passengers of 180cm in height. Adjusting the second-row seats to a suitable position provides two fists of legroom and a fist-and-a-half of headroom, allowing three people to sit comfortably without feeling cramped. The third row is slightly tight for adults but comfortable for short trips and better suited for children or teenagers. For storage, door panel compartments and cup holders are ample, meeting the needs for placing scattered everyday items.

In terms of power, it is equipped with a 3.8L naturally aspirated V6 engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 295PS and peak torque at 5200rpm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. In daily driving, the power response is smooth, starting effortlessly, and the transmission shows clear shifting logic at low speeds. When the accelerator is pressed deeply for acceleration, the mid-to-high range power reserve is sufficient, providing confidence during overtaking. Three driving modes are available: Eco, Normal, and Sport. In Sport mode, the transmission delays shifting, and the power output becomes more direct. Fuel consumption performance is moderate, with an official combined fuel consumption rating of 10.8L/100km. In practical urban driving, it reaches approximately 12-13L, decreasing to about 9L under highway conditions, meeting expectations for a large-displacement SUV.

The handling and chassis performance lean towards comfort, with the front MacPherson independent suspension tuned to be soft, effectively filtering out minor road bumps. When passing speed bumps or uneven roads, the body movement is maintained within an acceptable range; the steering wheel is light, with slight play, in line with the positioning of a family SUV. At high speeds, steering becomes heavier and stability is good. The braking system performs linearly, with a moderate stopping distance, giving sufficient confidence. As for noise control, wind noise and tire noise become slightly more noticeable at high speeds but do not interfere with cabin conversations, overall meeting the average level within its class.

In terms of safety features, the 2022 Palisade Luxe 8 comes standard with six airbags, ABS, lane change assist, lane departure warning, active braking, forward collision warning, etc. Front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera (rear camera only) are also standard, reducing parking difficulty. The vehicle comes with a warranty of 2 years or 50,000 kilometers. Although the warranty period is not the longest in its class, it covers the basic usage needs.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2022 Hyundai Palisade 3.8 GDI Luxe 8 are its spacious seven-seat layout, rich comfort features, and balanced performance. Compared to competitors such as the Toyota Highlander, the Palisade stands out with better configurations and space at a more affordable price. However, its fuel consumption is slightly higher than turbocharged models, and the third-row space is not as spacious as some rivals. This car is suitable for families focusing on practical space and comfort features, especially those who frequently need to transport multiple passengers or items. If you are looking for a midsize to large SUV that can balance daily commuting and family long-distance travel, the Palisade Luxe 8 is worth considering.