Rollout of prototype cars signals imminent release.
Korean carmaker Hyundai is preparing the arrival of an all-new, full-size, three-row SUV called the Palisade, which will be aimed at conquering the lucrative large-SUV segment in key markets globally. Based on the frequency of sightings of prototype cars, the Palisade seems further along than was previously assumed.
The Palisade was previewed by the HDC2 Grandmaster concept, and sightings indicate that a lot of the Grandmaster’s design cues will be carried into production, with minimal changes set to take place as is the norm during the transition from concept to production car. Key cues like the chrome window-lines (and the distinctive upper chrome garnish that draws downwards to the bottom of the C-pillar), large chrome grille, pronounced wheel arches and clean rear will likely be brought to the production version.
Being a full-size SUV (and the flagship of the Hyundai SUV lineup), the Palisade will pack a number of innovative tech features befitting a car of its stature. Hyundai’s Smart Sense suite of ADAS systems will feature, throwing in things like lane-keep assist, pedestrian detection, collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. Further, expect to also find convenience features like active cruise control (with traffic jam assistance) and 360º cameras to make handling the enormous SUV that little bit easier.
With a shared platform, powertrain options for the Palisade will likely also be shared with the Kia Telluride, so Hyundai may choose to pack the big-SUV with Kia’s well-received 3.3-litre turbocharged V6, offering up as much as 272kW and 500Nm. Power will be sent to the front wheels as standard via an eight-speed auto ‘box, though an all-wheel drive option will be offered as, uh, an option.
There’s also the likelihood of a 2.2-litre turbodiesel donk being offered, with 141kW and 436Nm on tap. This will likely be the mill of choice for markets outside of North America, though Hyundai’s keenness on electrification means that there’s also the possibility of a petrol-electric hybrid combination too (either as a plug-in or a mild-hybrid).
The Hyundai Palisade will be offered initially in North America, where the appeal of large family cars is strongest. Afterwhich, the Chinese and European markets will likely be the next to receive the full-size SUV, before Australasia’s business case is sized up. While we can’t say for sure if we’ll receive the Palisade, we can certainly be hopeful, right?
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