Hyundai Palisade 2023 Review

With the growing demand for spacious 7-seater SUVs among multi-member families, the competition in the E-segment mid-to-large SUV market has become increasingly fierce. Priced at RM 368,888, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade R2.2 CRDi EXECUTIVE 8 features a diesel-powered high torque output and a practical 8-seater layout, making it a popular choice in this segment for balancing fuel efficiency and space. This test drive will comprehensively evaluate this model's performance in terms of static design, space functionality, driving dynamics, and overall practicality to assess whether it meets the core needs of family users.

In terms of exterior design, the 2023 Palisade EXECUTIVE 8 retains the rugged style of a mid-to-large SUV. The front features a large chrome grille, paired with sharp LED headlights and daytime running lights, giving it high recognizability; the side profile has straight lines, and the vehicle's length of 4995mm and width of 1975mm create a stable posture, with 20-inch alloy wheels further enhancing its visual appeal. At the rear, vertically arranged LED taillights are connected by a chrome trim, and the dual-exhaust layout below (decorative) adds a touch of sophistication. The lighting system features full LED as standard, with automatic headlights and rear fog lights adding to daily convenience.

Inside the cabin, the interior features a predominantly black color scheme, with extensive use of soft leather and chrome trim enhancing the sense of quality. The dashboard layout is simple, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen centrally located, offering smooth operation and support for Bluetooth and CarPlay functionality. Some physical buttons are retained below, facilitating easier operation during driving. As for features, standard equipment includes a head-up display (HUD), multifunction steering wheel, paddle shifters, 12-way electrically adjustable driver seat with memory, heating, and ventilation functions, as well as an 8-way adjustable heated and ventilated front passenger seat to easily find a comfortable seating posture.

Space functionality is the core advantage of this 8-seater model. The 2900mm wheelbase ensures ample legroom for both front and rear rows. The second row features 60:40 split seats, allowing sliding and reclining adjustments, and is equipped with heating and one-touch folding functions. Even with three passengers, it remains fairly spacious. The third-row seats, though designed for emergencies, can still provide headroom and legroom for passengers up to 170 cm tall for short-distance travel. In terms of storage, the trunk offers 509L of cargo volume in its default state, accommodating four 20-inch luggage cases. Folding the third-row seats allows for further expansion of space. Interior details, such as door storage compartments and the central armrest storage box, are adequate for daily needs. Additionally, features such as rear air conditioning, a 220V power outlet, and ISOFIX child seat anchors enhance the practicality for family use.

In terms of driving dynamics, the 2.2T diesel engine produces a maximum output of 200PS and a peak torque of 440N·m, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth power delivery. Although its initial acceleration is not as rapid as the petrol variant, the maximum torque that peaks at 2750rpm provides sufficient performance for mid-to-low-speed acceleration and overtaking, especially under full load when climbing slopes or merging lanes, ensuring ample power reserve. The chassis features a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for comfort. It effectively absorbs road vibrations and provides good stability at high speeds. The steering wheel has moderate play, and the handling precision aligns with the positioning of a family SUV. As for fuel efficiency, the official combined fuel consumption is 8.8L/100km, with actual test drive results showing approximately 9.5L/100km in urban conditions and 7.8L/100km on highways. The fuel tank capacity of 71L provides a driving range of approximately 750km, meeting the needs of long-distance travel.

In terms of driving comfort, the vehicle has good control over wind noise and tire noise, maintaining a quiet cabin even at high speeds; the seats are softly padded yet sufficiently supportive, making long periods of sitting not easily fatiguing. The four-wheel-drive system enhances traction on wet or lightly unpaved roads but is not recommended for heavy off-road use. Additionally, features such as the electronic parking brake and hill-start assist reduce the difficulty of everyday driving operations.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2023 Hyundai Palisade R2.2 CRDi EXECUTIVE 8 are its practical 8-seater space, rich comfort configurations, and the fuel efficiency of the diesel engine. Compared to competitors in the same class, it is priced 10,000 MYR lower than the 3.8L petrol version, offers better fuel economy, and does not compromise on configurations; although the third-row space is only suitable for short trips and the 0-100km/h acceleration time of 10.2 seconds is not particularly outstanding, these shortcomings are acceptable for family users who prioritize space and practicality.

This model is suitable for family users who need to frequently carry multiple members, especially those who value fuel efficiency and a balanced set of features. Its spacious interior, comfortable driving experience, and reliable powertrain can meet the needs of various scenarios such as daily commuting, weekend outings, and long-distance travel.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade R2.2 CRDi EXECUTIVE 8 is a mid-to-large SUV that focuses on practicality, offering space and features beyond expectations at a reasonable price. It is an excellent choice for family users in the E-segment market.