2023 Hyundai Palisade 3.8 GDI LUXE 8 Review

Nowadays, the competition in Malaysia's mid-to-large SUV market is becoming increasingly intense. Consumers not only pursue spatial practicality but also value configurations and driving quality. As a representative E-Segment model, the Hyundai Palisade has always attracted family users with its spaciousness and balanced performance. This time, we test-drove the 2023 Palisade 3.8 GDI LUXE 8, whose core selling points are the smooth power of its 3.8L V6 naturally aspirated engine, the flexible 8-seat layout, and its comprehensive intelligent safety configurations. The purpose of the test drive is to verify whether it can truly meet needs in daily household and long-distance travel scenarios, and to see what advantages it holds compared to competitors in the same class.

From an exterior perspective, the 2023 Palisade leans towards a stable and rugged style. Its front features a large blacked-out grille, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides, giving it strong visual recognition; the side profile features straight lines, with a waistline extending from the fender to the rear, enhancing its sense of strength. The 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels are mainstream in this segment, paired with 245/50 R20 tires, ensuring good grip without looking out of place; at the rear, the continuous LED taillight echoes the front design, while the chrome decorative strip underneath enhances its refined look, and the rear bumper maintains the SUV's rugged vibe. The lighting system comes standard with all LED lights, and the addition of automatic headlights and daytime running lights enhances everyday convenience.

Inside, the interior layout is simple and orderly. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, adorned with silver trim, offering decent quality in this price range. The 12.3-inch touchscreen sits atop the dashboard, providing satisfactory operational fluency with support for Bluetooth, CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The instrument panel is semi-digital, displaying clear information, and the addition of the HUD head-up display allows the driver to view speed, navigation, and other information without looking down, enhancing safety. In terms of configuration, the front seats support 12-way electric adjustment (with memory, heating, and ventilation), and the passenger seat offers 8-way electric adjustment (also with heating and ventilation). The second-row seats support heating and one-touch folding, while the third row features a 60:40 split-folding design. Additionally, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear independent air conditioning, a 220V power outlet, and rain-sensing wipers are all equipped, enhancing practicality.

Space performance is a major advantage of the Palisade, with a body length, width, and height of 4995mm, 1975mm, and 1750mm, respectively, and a wheelbase of 2900mm. The front row offers ample space; a 180cm-tall individual has about a fist's worth of headroom remaining after adjusting the seat. The second row features a 2+2+3 8-seat layout, with about two fists of legroom. The seats support sliding and reclining adjustments, and the wide middle passage allows passengers to easily access the third row. Space in the third row is not particularly generous for adults, but is sufficient for short trips, making it more suitable for children or smaller passengers. In terms of storage, the trunk offers a standard volume of 509L, which can be further expanded by folding down the third row, accommodating items like strollers and suitcases without issue. The interior also includes multiple storage compartments, such as door storage slots, a central armrest box, and cup holders, taking care of details effectively.

Powertrain-wise, this car is equipped with a 3.8L V6 naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum output of 295PS at 6000rpm and a peak torque of 355N·m at 5200rpm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. During actual driving, the engine provides smooth and linear power delivery. There is no noticeable lurching when starting off, and the power reserve is ample during acceleration. When overtaking, pressing the accelerator deeply prompts the transmission to downshift actively, offering a decent sense of push. The official 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 7.8 seconds, which is acceptable for a mid-to-large SUV. The driving modes include Eco, Comfort, and Sport. In Eco mode, throttle response is more subdued, suitable for daily commuting. In Sport mode, the throttle becomes more sensitive, the transmission delays shifting, and power output feels more direct.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel has moderate weight, minimal slack, and decent precision. The chassis features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension, tuned for comfort. It effectively filters out small road bumps, and the impact of going over speed bumps is not very noticeable. While driving through corners, the body roll is well-controlled, maintaining a degree of stability. In terms of braking performance, both front and rear are equipped with ventilated disc brakes. The brake pedal has a linear feel, with even distribution of braking force, making daily driving reassuring. As for fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 10.8L/100km. During actual test drives, urban roads showed fuel consumption at approximately 12-13L/100km, while highways recorded about 9-10L/100km, aligning with expectations for a 3.8L V6 engine.

As for driving comfort, the Palisade performs commendably. The cabin offers good noise insulation, with wind and tire noise maintained within acceptable levels when driving at high speeds. The seats provide excellent support and cushioning, ensuring comfort even during long durations. The heated second-row seats are quite practical during rainy or cold weather. While the third-row seats lack heating functions, the air conditioning vents ensure passenger comfort in the rear. Additionally, the inclusion of an all-wheel-drive system enhances performance on slippery roads or during light off-road conditions. However, as a city-oriented SUV, its primary usage scenario remains on paved roads.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2023 Hyundai Palisade 3.8 GDI LUXE 8 are its spacious interior, rich features, and smooth power delivery. Compared to similar models like the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer, the Palisade offers better value for money. Additionally, its 8-seat configuration and all-wheel-drive system cater well to the needs of larger families. However, its fuel efficiency is average, and the space in the third row is not particularly spacious, which are aspects to consider.

In conclusion, this car is suitable for family users who prioritize practicality and a rich array of features, especially those who frequently need to accommodate 6-7 passengers or enjoy long-distance trips. The smooth power delivery and comfortable chassis ensure a pleasant daily driving experience, while the all-wheel-drive system allows it to handle some challenging road conditions. If you're looking for a spacious, feature-packed mid-to-large SUV, the 2023 Palisade is worth considering.