Hyundai expands Palisade range to six for 2022

HYUNDAI Motor Corporation Australia (HMCA) has bolstered its local Palisade line-up with the addition of two new eponymously named entry-level variants for the 2022 model year, taking the line-up from four to six.

With the petrol priced from $55,000 plus on-roads and the diesel starting at $59,000, the new base models undercut their predecessors by $6000 and $5000 respectively while the previous versions are now badged as ‘Elite’ in keeping with the rest of the HMCA portfolio.

No changes have been made to either the 3.8-litre V6 (217kW/355Nm) or 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder (147kW/44Nm) engines with outputs and respective drive configurations – front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive – being carried over.

There have been a few omissions in standard equipment to meet the new price point, however, the most notable of which being an 8.0-inch infotainment system in place of the bigger 10.25-inch unit.

Despite the smaller screen, the base models still come with plenty of toys like wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, multi-connection Bluetooth compatibility, reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, leather appointed interior, tri-zone climate control, a 7.0-inch supervision cluster, automatic headlights and powered driver’s seat adjustment.

Both petrol and diesel variants roll on 18-inch wheels and come with a full-sized spare as well as LED daytime running lights.

Active safety credentials are provided by HMCA’s SmartSense suite comprising blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, driver attention warning, forward collision-avoidance assist, high beam assist, lane-keep assist, lane following assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, rear occupant alert, parking distance warning, tyre pressure monitoring and trailer stability assist.

To accommodate the newcomers, the standard kit lists of what are now the Elites, as well as the top-spec Highlanders, have been enhanced with some extra features, which in the case of the former, has driven prices up slightly.

Starting from $61,500 before on-roads for the petrol and $65,500 for the diesel, the Elites are $1500 more expensive than their MY21 equivalents but now come with rear privacy glass, smart power tailgate, heated front seats, a single panel sunroof, dual LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels and combination LED tail-lights in addition to the existing 10.25-inch infotainment screen, 12-speaker Infinity audio system, satellite navigation and ‘driver talk’ third-row intercom function.

As for the Highlanders, prices have held steady at $71,000 (petrol) and $75,000 (diesel) despite the addition of newly designed 20-inch alloy ‘calligraphy’ wheels, optional black leather upholstery, body coloured bumpers and body-coloured cladding.

For reference, other standard equipment highlights on the flagship trim level include a head-up display, blind spot view monitor, surround view monitor, suede roof lining, Nappa leather seats, dual sunroof with tilt function, rear door blinds, memory driver’s seat, heated front and second row seats, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, rain sensing wipers and safe exit assist.

According to HMCA chief executive Jun Heo, revisions to the Palisade are designed to “provide an even more enticing large SUV flagship for 2022, with a more accessible range-entry model”, as well as “value-packed new Elite, and enhanced Highlander”.

“Palisade continues to deliver an enticing blend of smart technologies and luxury features, in a seven- or eight-seater SUV package that is ideal for Australian families,” he said.

The updated range will begin arriving in local showrooms in the final quarter of 2021 with 2028 examples shifted this year as of July 31.

2022 Hyundai Palisade pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs