2023 Hyundai Palisade 3.8 GDI LUXE 7 Review

The demand for seven-seater SUVs in the Malaysian market has remained stable, especially among family users who need ample seating space while also prioritizing features and driving quality. As a representative of E-segment SUVs, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade 3.8 GDI LUXE 7 enters the market with a naturally aspirated 295PS engine, full-featured comfort configurations, and a wheelbase of over 2.9 meters, directly addressing the practical needs of family users. In this test drive, we focus on its space performance, power response, and everyday usability to see if it can hold its ground in the highly competitive seven-seater SUV market.

In terms of appearance, the Palisade maintains a grand and steady design style with robust overall lines that align with its midsize SUV positioning. The front features a large grille with chrome accents for high recognition. The side profile has straight lines, slightly muscular wheel arches, and 20-inch alloy wheels that enhance its visual appeal. The rear design is simple, and the LED tail lights adopt a through-style design, creating a good effect when illuminated. Regarding the lighting system, all trims come standard with LED headlights and daytime running lights, and the automatic headlight function is very practical as it adjusts according to ambient light.

Sitting inside, the interior materials and texture are commendable. The center console is wrapped in soft-touch materials and paired with wood-grain decorative panels, enhancing the sense of luxury. The layout of the center console is clear, with a 12.3-inch touch screen that is responsive and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making daily use very convenient. In terms of features, a head-up display (HUD), a 12-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat (with memory, heating, and ventilation), an 8-way electrically adjustable front passenger seat (with heating and ventilation), and heated and ventilated captain seats in the second row all come standard. The captain seats in the second row also support sliding, reclining, and one-touch folding functionalities. The third row features a 60:40 split design, offering decent flexibility. In terms of space performance, with a body length of 4995mm and a wheelbase of 2900mm, the second-row legroom is ample, and the third row is suitable for short trips for adults. As for storage space, the trunk has a capacity of 509 liters, and folding down the third-row seats creates more space to meet the storage needs of family trips.

In terms of performance, the 3.8L naturally aspirated V6 engine delivers a maximum output of 295PS at 6000rpm and a peak torque of 355N·m at 5200rpm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. During actual driving, the start is smooth, the throttle response is linear, and its acceleration performance at low and medium speeds is commendable. When overtaking and stepping harder on the accelerator, the transmission downshifts promptly to deliver sufficient power output. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 7.8 seconds, which is decent for an SUV of this size. The driving modes include Normal, Eco, and Sport; in Sport mode, the throttle response becomes sharper. In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 10.8L/100km, with real urban driving conditions around 12-13L/100km and highway driving dropping to about 9L/100km. Overall, the performance meets expectations.

In terms of handling and chassis, the steering wheel is precise with minimal dead zones. It's light at low speeds and becomes heavier at high speeds, improving stability. The suspension system adopts a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for comfort, which filters out most vibrations when driving on bumpy roads. Passengers inside the car won't feel significant jolts. The body roll is well-controlled during cornering, and despite the large body, the handling does not feel cumbersome. As for braking performance, the front and rear ventilated disc brakes deliver stable braking effects, with a linear pedal feedback that inspires confidence.

In terms of driving and riding comfort, Palisade performs commendably. The sound insulation is excellent, with wind and road noise well-controlled during high-speed driving, making the cabin quite quiet. The seats are very comfortable, and the heating and ventilation functions for the front and second row are very practical for Malaysia's climate, ensuring no fatigue even during long journeys. The second row is equipped with independent air-conditioning vents and a 220V power socket, making it convenient for rear passengers to use electronic devices. Though the space in the third row is not as ample as the first two rows, it is also equipped with air-conditioning vents and cup holders, showing thoughtful attention to detail.

In terms of safety features, Palisade is very comprehensive. It comes standard with active safety systems such as ABS anti-lock braking, vehicle stability control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, active braking, and forward collision warning. Additionally, there are six airbags, front and rear parking sensors, and a reversing camera among the passive safety features, ensuring reliable overall safety performance.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2023 Hyundai Palisade 3.8 GDI LUXE 7 are its spaciousness, comprehensive configurations, and high comfort levels, as well as an acceptable balance of power performance and fuel consumption. Compared to the Toyota Fortuner in the same class, the Palisade excels in interior texture and configurations. Although its price is slightly higher, it offers good value for money. It is suitable for users who prioritize family travel, require large space and high configurations, especially those who frequently go on long trips with their families. Overall, the Palisade is a very well-rounded seven-seater SUV that meets the needs of most family users.