First Drive: Hyundai Palisade XRT

by TGR Staff - 06/02/2023

The Hyundai Palisade is a testament to the fact that a true luxury SUV doesn't have to be exorbitantly priced. This top-tier Hyundai model delivers a combination of high-end features, handsome looks, and cutting-edge technology, all at a fraction of the cost compared to luxury brand alternatives. In fact, the only thing we found you didn't get with the Palisade is a higher car payment, and perhaps some clout at the local country club.

We had a chance to drive the new Hyundai Palisade at the Texas Motor Press Association off-road invitational event in Bryan, Texas. While the Palisade might not be the most off-road capable SUV, we did have a great time testing it out on some of the lighter trails before taking it on a short road trip to the Aggieland Safari Park for an adventure. 

Inside the only telling factory that you are in a Hyundai is the logo on the steering wheel, surrounded by supple leather, a massive infotainment screen, and a collection of intuitive buttons. There isn't anything lacking you wouldn't find in your more expensive SUVs with a third row. The roominess is what stands out the most, the interior isn't much larger than most of its competition, but it feels much larger thanks to the use of space.

The Palisade offers a smooth and quiet ride, with adequate acceleration, don't expect to win any drag races. Both on and off-road it feels agile, but at speed, the steering can feel a little vague. We didn't get to do any fast loose surface drifts, as we didn't want to hit a Yak, but I don't think most Hyundai buyers are looking for a rally fighter in their seven-passenger SUV. 

The tester we were driving was the XRT trim package which Hyundai describes as having "off-road styling," however, the HTRAC AWD is not standard with the XRT package, it is a $1,900 option. The XRT gets blacked trim and wheels as well as a sporty roof rack. While it does look great, it would be great if the XRT was a little more off-road focused. While we enjoyed driving the Palisade we would love to see a hybrid version to go head to head with the Toyota Highlander and its cousin the Kia Sorento. With an MSRP of $43,100, it is hard to beat the value that the Palisade XRT offers in style and utility.