2023 Hyundai Palisade R2.2 CRDi EXECUTIVE 8 Review

Nowadays, Malaysia's mid-to-large SUV market is highly competitive, and family users have become increasingly clear about their needs for spaciousness, comfort, and value for money. The 2023 Hyundai Palisade R2.2 CRDi EXECUTIVE 8, as one of the popular contenders in this segment, has made adjustments to its configuration and details in this facelift, with its core selling points focused on the practicality of the three-row space, high-standard seat configuration, and the balanced performance of its diesel engine. Our test drive aims to verify its actual performance in daily family usage scenarios and see if these upgrades can truly appeal to target users.

From the exterior perspective, the overall style of the 2023 Palisade leans towards stable and robust, fitting the positioning of a mid-to-large SUV. The front features a large shield-shaped grille with a mesh structure inside, flanked by square LED headlights, which have high recognizability. The side profile of the vehicle has straight lines, and the 20-inch alloy wheels are appropriately sized, with tire specifications of 245/50 R20, ensuring both visual appeal and comfort. The rear design is simple, with a through-type taillight setup connected by the Hyundai logo in the middle. A silver skid plate at the bottom of the rear bumper enhances the SUV's rugged appeal. In terms of lighting, LED headlights, daytime running lights, and rear fog lights are all standard, and the automatic headlight feature adds convenience for daily use.

Stepping inside, the overall layout of the interior emphasizes practicality, with most touchable surfaces covered in soft materials, complemented by silver trims for added texture. The most prominent feature on the center console is the 12.3-inch touchscreen, which has a clear interface and smooth operation, supporting commonly used multimedia functions. The instrument panel is of the Electroluminescent Analogue type, providing abundant information, and when paired with the HUD head-up display, it is convenient to check data while driving. In terms of configurations, the front seats offer 12-way electric adjustment (with memory function), as well as heating and ventilation. The passenger seat also has 8-way electric adjustment and the same heating and ventilation features, which are considered quite high-end within its class. The rear seats support 60:40 split, sliding, and reclining adjustments, while the second row also features heating and one-touch folding for easier access to the third row. Regarding space, the dimensions of the vehicle are 4995mm×1975mm×1750mm, with a wheelbase of 2900mm. The legroom in both the front and second rows is very generous, and adults can also sit in the third row for short trips without issue. The trunk has a standard capacity of 509L, and folding the third-row seats creates a larger storage space to meet the loading needs of family trips. Additionally, there are multiple storage compartments inside the vehicle, such as the center armrest box and door storage slots, which enhance practicality. The air conditioning system is dual-zone automatic control, and the rear also has independent air vents to ensure consistent temperature across all areas inside the vehicle.

In terms of power, this model is equipped with a 2.2L turbocharged diesel engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 200PS, maximum power output at 3800rpm, and a peak torque of 440N·m. It is paired with an automatic transmission and features an all-wheel drive system. During actual driving, the car accelerates smoothly, with good low-end torque performance. Power delivery is responsive during daily city driving, and overtaking feels effortless. The transmission's shifting logic is clear, offering good smoothness with almost no noticeable jerks. Various driving modes are available, and switching to sport mode results in more aggressive throttle response. In terms of handling, the steering wheel has moderate weight and precise overall control, making daily driving quite easy. The suspension system uses a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned towards comfort. It effectively absorbs most vibrations on bumpy roads, ensuring passengers inside don't feel significant discomfort. Body roll is well-controlled during cornering, providing good stability. The all-wheel-drive system offers better traction on slippery roads, enhancing driving safety. Regarding fuel consumption, the official combined fuel efficiency is 8.8L/100km. During our test drive, city driving averaged around 10L, whereas freeway conditions reduced it to approximately 7.5L. This is relatively economical for a mid-to-large SUV. In terms of braking performance, the vehicle uses ventilated disc brakes for both front and rear. The braking effect is stable, and the brake pedal feels linear, providing a sense of confidence.

In terms of driving and riding comfort, the seat support and wrapping are quite good, making long periods of sitting comfortable without feeling fatigued. As for noise control, wind noise and tire noise are not significant during high-speed driving, and the noise from the diesel engine is also well suppressed in the cabin, ensuring it does not interfere with conversations among passengers. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with practical features such as rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry/start, and a 220V/230V power supply, enhancing the convenience of daily use.

Overall, the core highlight of the 2023 Hyundai Palisade R2.2 CRDi EXECUTIVE 8 lies in its balanced performance. Whether it is space, configuration, or fuel efficiency, it can meet the needs of family users. Compared to competitors in the same class, its seat configuration and space performance hold more advantages, and it also offers good value for money. This car is suitable for family users who prioritize practicality and comfort, especially those who often travel with family members. If your budget is within this range and you desire a spacious, well-equipped, mid-to-large-sized SUV, then this car is worth considering.