It used to be that Hyundais were considered solely for value — lots of stuff for fewer dollars. Evolution has added quality, reliability and engineering. We have reached the stage where any Hyundai product can be favorably compared not only to the obvious competition — but also to more prestigious expensive brands.
Case in point — the 2020 Hyundai Pallisade. This new three-row crossover competes with vehicles from Ford, GM, Honda, Mazda, Nissan and Toyota. In head-to-head comparisons it comes out on top in terms of value, offering more content for less money than the others. It also shows well in quality and reliability, besting the others the past few years in industry studies by the likes of J D Power and Consumer Reports. To top it off, the various safety agencies have also awarded Hyundai products top marks.
What few consumers realize, is that high-end Hyundai products can also be compared to well-known luxury brands in quality and reliability. For example, the Hyundai Pallisade reviewed this week, at $50,200 in Luxury AWD trim, could be compared to the $64,700 Mercedes GLE – except the Hyundai has many more features and a much lower price tag. I grant you, few Mercedes intenders will stop off at the local Hyundai store for a look. But should they do so, surprise awaits.
Hyundai is aware of the gap in perception and image. It has recently launched the Genesis brand to address that situation.
Built In America for Americans (and Canadians), the Hyundai Pallisade offers the value we have come to expect from this brand. But it also brings design and luxury to a segment where large families have come to expect less. The standard equipment list includes all the expected amenities like leather and power assisted everything, as well as some surprises: The side view monitor uses cameras to display the scene on the appropriate side in the instrument panel when the signal lever is activated. There are LED headlights, a qiant 26-cm infotainment screen, triple zone automatic climate control, auto levelling rear suspension, heated front and second row seats, seven USB ports, a 115-volt outlet, ultrasonic rear occupant alert, power folding/unfolding/reclining third row seats, and BlueLink Telematics.
The first row seats are truly first class, adjustability for both position and temperature. The heated buckets in the second row can also be adjusted fore/aft. The third row can be accessed through a single button that causes the second-row seats to tilt and slide forward. There is also a well-positioned grab handle on the C-pillar and provision for a child seat in that third row.
This is a family-friendly vehicle. There are USB outlets in all three rows, on the sides of the front seats for second row occupants and high up in the third row. a driver talk mode amplifies the driver’s voice through the rear speakers so you can tell the little ones to quit fighting. Should they do so, and fall asleep, those same speakers can be silenced to keep from awakening them while you listen to your favorite tunes. There is wireless charging, 14-16 cupholders, and storage pockets and spaces throughout, including under the cargo floor.
There is a full array of active and passive safety features. The Palisade comes with lane keep assist, blind spot/collision avoidance assist, surround view monitor, forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, rear cross traffic collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control and both front and rear park distance warning.
Over on the technical side, the top two trim levels come with three years of Hyundai’s BlueLink Connected car system, at no charge. Through an app on their phone, the owner can locate the vehicle, lock or unlock it, start it remotely and activate the HVAC system, and conduct diagnostics.
Dynamically the Pallisade behaves like a large, tall vehicle. Only better than most. Ride quality over poor surfaces is very good and noise levels low. Throw it into a corner or offramp too quickly and you’ll be reminded of its height and weight. The 3.6-litre V6 is a smooth and quiet companion, providing ample oomph. With all seats occupied, it could use more power.
Winter is no problem for the Pallisade. The sophisticated AWD system utilizes input from 50 sensors, processed 100 times every second, to determine how much power to send to the front or rear wheels. Grip is there when needed, especially if equipped with a set of quality winter tires. The driver can use a console-mounted knob to dial up Smart, Comfort, Sport or Eco drive modes. He or she can also select sand, snow or mud from the terrain response system.
Hyundai’s new flagship is meant for large families. The modern-day equivalent of the minivan, it is family-friendly to the extreme. It is also a shining example of how competitive this company has become – in all classes.
The specs
Model: 2020 Hyundai Palisade Luxury AWD AT
Engine: 3.8-litre V6, 291 horsepower, 262 lb.-ft. of torque, regular fuel
Transmission: eight-speed automatic, full-time all-wheel-drive
NRCan rating (litres/100km city/highway): 12.3/9.6
Length: 4,980 mm
Width: 1,976 mm
Wheelbase: 2,900 mm
Weight: 2,022 kg
Price: $50,199, $52,104 as tested, including freight
Competition: Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander, VW Atlas
Standard equipment (luxury trim): 20-inch alloy wheels, trailer prep package (wiring and HD cooling), power sunroof, LED headlights, eight-passenger seating, leather seats, 26-cm infotainment screen, triple zone automatic climate control, 12-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system, power tailgate, surround-view monitor, electronic parking brake, rear view camera, power heated mirrors, heated steering wheel, auto levelling rear suspension, heated front and second row seats, seven USB ports, AndroidAuto and Apple CarPlay capability, ventilated front seats, ultrasonic rear occupant alert, power folding/unfolding/reclining third row seats, and BlueLink Telematics
Safety equipment: Blind spot and collision avoidance systems, rear cross traffic alert, downhill brake control, hill start assist, lane keep and follow assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, park distance sensors
