They share the same chassis. The same 3.8-liter V6 making 291 horsepower. The same 8-speed automatic transmission. Same warranties.
They differ only in matters of execution, like the placement of interior components and the combination of features available at each trim level.
Both are getting a refresh for 2023. That gives the less-appreciated brother a chance to improve some of the small decisions that send most of the awards to its corporate sibling.
The 2023 Palisade will make its way onto sales floors this summer. Hyundai hasn’t revealed pricing yet, but we’d be surprised if it differed much from the 2022 model, which starts at $33,350 plus a $1,245 freight charge.
The Palisade comes out of its update looking more rugged. It carries a blockier design theme – rigid vertical lines take the place of the few curves of the 2022 model. A new grille loses its angular sides and ties it into the rest of the Hyundai family with a pixelated motif.
Changes from the rear angle are harder to spot, but the bumper has been reshaped with new horizontal lighting elements down low that emphasize the vehicle’s width. These visual cues all make the Palisade larger even though its dimensions haven’t changed.
Inside, the new Palisade gets a wider, 12-inch central touchscreen. A newly sculpted steering wheel is a purely visual upgrade, but it’s one of the more striking designs we’ve seen for such a simple element. Hyundai says the driver’s seat is more ergonomic now – “designed to provide comfort and help reduce fatigue during long drives.”
The rearview mirror is now a digital screen linked to a camera in the liftgate – a cool touch since it means you have a clear view of what’s behind you even when cargo blocks the rear window. Hyundai has also added a Wi-Fi hotspot, and the option for heated seats now extends to all three rows.
The 2023 Palisade gets few mechanical changes, but all-wheel-drive editions now include a tow mode. The Palisade already shipped with advanced driver aids like forward collision-avoidance assist and blind-spot collision avoidance, so the only safety upgrade for the new year is an additional set of rear side-impact airbags.
Will it be enough to steal an award from its brother this year? We’re not sure. But, with many vehicles in short supply this year, Tellurides are especially hard to find. The Palisade is worth a test drive for anyone shopping for a 3-row SUV.
