2023 Hyundai Palisade Debuts Bold Design Refresh, New XRT Model

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade is revealed, at long last. Hyundai actually revealed the most significant change to its full-size SUV a few days ago, leaking the updated face in its livestream video preview. Now we have full disclosure, and the changes go beyond that new cascading grille.

Cascading is what Hyundai calls it, but whatever you choose to call it, the wider grille with the thin wings at the top dominates the Palisade's front clip. It sits above a new lower fascia and in-between vertically-oriented LED daytime running lights and headlight clusters similar to the previous model. These are the only lights you'll find in the front. Unlike the Hyundai Tucson, this grille doesn't incorporate any lighting features.

Also unlike the Tucson, the Palisade's rear doesn't incorporate a split taillight design like we were expecting. In fact, Hyundai pulled a fast one with its heavy camo on the backside of prototypes, because it's nearly identical to the 2022 model. Changes are relegated to the lower fascia, which is redesigned with a horizontal red reflector incorporating reverse lights spanning the width of the SUV. Square exhaust finishers replace the odd trapezoid tips of the old model. It also rides on new multi-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels, completing the exterior updates.

Moving inside, we see a new steering wheel front and center, but the dash is also revised. The theme is similar to the old model, but audio controls are relocated and HVAC vents are now incorporated into an elegant strip stretching from the instrument cluster to the passenger door. Speaking of instruments, the panel is redesigned for a "more voluminous appearance" and gains new lighting. There's an available full-display digital rearview mirror, and the driver sits on a new Ergo-motion seat. Second-row passengers get wing-out headrests and seat ventilation options. Third-row passengers gain heated seats.

As for tech, the Palisade gets the latest version of Bluelink connected services. There's also 12-inch navigation displayed in 720p; the SUV gains WiFi hotspot capability, and there are upgraded USB-C ports inside. The company's Digital Key 2 Touch system is compatible with Android and iPhone wireless devices, and you can now charge those devices even faster with a 15-watt wireless charging upgrade. On the safety/assist side, rear side-impact airbags are now standard. A suite of driver assists including forward collision avoidance, nav-based smart cruise, highway driving assist, reverse collision assist, and remote parking are available.

In an effort to keep up with the competition, of course you can now get a more rugged version of the Palisade. It's called the XRT, and like similar trim levels on the Santa Fe and Tucson, it's an appearance package that adds darkness with gruff, off-road-style features. Its 20-inch wheels gain a dark finish, as does the grille. The roof rails are black, and you'll find "skid plate design elements" on the front and rear fascias. Inside the Palisade XRT are black leatherette seats and a standard-issue power sunroof.

Underneath it all, you'll find the same powertrain from the outgoing model. As a refresher, that's a 3.8-liter V6 developing 291 horsepower (217 kilowatts) going to the ground through an eight-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available.

Pricing for the updated 2023 Palisade isn't available yet, but Hyundai says it will reach dealerships in the summer.