Hyundai Palisade 2021 review: 8-seat petrol

Every so often a car comes along that transcends boundaries, and the Hyundai Palisade is one of them. It’s an eight-seater SUV - yes, eight-seater, which is as many as you can fit into a people mover van, but this is an SUV. So it will fit one extra person compared with cars like the Mazda CX-9 and Kia Sorento, but still looks decent.
There are two variants in the range which keeps things simple, I test drove the base model in petrol, which costs $60,000 before on road costs (it also comes in diesel AWD for an extra $4000).
Here’s how it did over the glorious, fun-filled two week Christmas and New Year in Sydney, with my family of four and I for this week’s family review.
How does it drive?
One of the best things about the Palisade is the way it drives. I test drove the petrol version which has a 3.8-litre, six-cylinder engine, and the remarkable thing is that it doesn’t feel heavy on the take-off.
There’s not really any lag, which you would normally get in a seven-seat SUV, so that’s pretty great. The other thing is, it doesn’t feel too floaty, the steering is good and the car has nice precision while turning.
This petrol version is a FWD and if you’re looking for an AWD you can choose the diesel variant.
This means that even though it’s a giant car, parking is not too bad, as long as you pick a park big enough. Even at the shopping centre it sticks out as one of the largest in the parking lot. There’s a good reverse parking camera with line guides to help you direct it into place.
It does use a bunch of fuel in the petrol version - a claimed 10.7L/100km and I averaged 15.8L over the two weeks of driving on city roads and highways.
One thing that is quite different to every other car I’ve driven is the lack of gear shifter. There are buttons for gears which work instantly so there’s no hesitating when you change gears.
Yes, it feels less like you’re driving the car, but I think we all gave that up when we gave up manuals, so this could be the next logical step.
Read Nedahl's full review: carsgui.de/3cw8Ty5
Visit our Hyundai Palisade hub: carsgui.de/2Kb...
Check out our content type guide: carsgui.de/2qpbJia
CarsGuide - Go beyond the test drive
Check us out: www.carsguide.c...
Subscribe to our channel: carsgui.de/2aMzFTT
Follow us on Twitter: carsgui.de/2ah6eta
Like us on Facebook: on. 17kv9Ui
See our Instagram: carsgui.de/2aQ0M1H
#CarsGuide #Hyundai #Palisade

[@cjmasters3704]

Honestly love your reviews! So fun and informative.

[@nivinhanna]

While it looks bulky, I think the design has some class to it. Not badly priced for an 8 seater either. Great review like always!

[@BLackCobraPictures]

Digging this lady’s vibe haha 😂

[@Lesiba2]

I don't know, but in South Africa, these kind of vehicles are not usually family oriented cars. These are considered as people mover cars. I would have this car to transport children to and from school, but then again there are far cheaper and less luxurious cars which fit the purpose as well. It can also be a shuttle, so here in SA we have a much bigger car called Hyundai H1, hence we do not have a palisade here which makes sense for a South African market because if you want a family SUV, you can opt for a Hyundai Santa Fe which is a bit smaller in size but carries as much passengers as the Palisade.

[@belalali3588]

Be aware, there are currently 2-3 week delays in Hyundai Australia actually supplying this vehicle as there is an electronic module that requires changing that Hyundai will not release a vehicle without but are not telling customers about up front...

[@radissimo1]

I think the white exterior looks actually great offsetting the huge chrome grill. I like

[@cryptojihadi265]

I saw this white SUV in a parking lot at night pulling out in front of me and I was like, damn that thing looks NICE! It was a Palisade! First time I considered going with a White vehicle.

[@mugishadanyvassyli3354]

Lovely

[@Raven1180]

Loved the review

[@robertdsouza7640]

Awesome

[@philross1680]

Amazing that the push button auto transmission has returned, when I was growing up my parents had a 1962 Dodge Phoenix with a push button transmission , maybe a case of everything old is new again ? 😊

[@letsseeif]

Yep. As the sixties arrived, had an VICMelb-Aussie Chrysler/Plymouth/Dodge Valiant (Signet) in that Art Deco fluting which I LOVED! Chrysler led the way with the buttons on the panel auto transmission, but Ford and GM whined that company cars and rental people wouldn't be able to cope. An example of how progress is sometimes hindered by those who have the leverage to reverse it.

[@petron1954]

Same thing with push button start. Appears in the top model of some cars these days, but was standard many years ago before the marketers decided we needed keys.

[@philross1680]

@@letsseeif yes the good old Torque Flite transmission. Unfortunately after about 12 years ownership the push button mechanism was starting to fail and in those days spares for that car were almost impossible to obtain and so it got traded in for another Chrysler but even to this day I still miss the old Phoenix .

[@letsseeif]

@@philross1680 Yes. A great car produced by "the innovative engineering company - Chrysler".

[@jerrymyahzcat]

Pity there’s no roof air vent for the 2nd and 3rd row middle seating position. I presume if you use all three isofix points (they are in the second row) it makes getting into the third row impossible?? So there probably should be 2 more isofix points in the 3rd row. Also what is the cargo space with all the seats down and what is the other spec version? Diesel? AWD? And no power tailgate - wow!

[@SirGregory]

It's all on the Hyundai web site.

[@lindonandlisa8114]

Another great review shame the cars is not exactly best looking thing on the road

[@BadDriversOfTheIllawarra]

I wish Kia would bring their version of this car to Australia. Its called the "Kia Telluride" and its so much more attractive

[@letsseeif]

Jolly good SUV. It trumps the old badge/snobbery.

[@bernaridho]

Good coverage

[@stevendavenport364]

Looks great. Sadly I'm in the U.K. so we won't be seeing it. For some reason we miss out on many interesting new cars.

[@michaelwiebe4282]

Same here in Germany!

[@goran2009]

@@michaelwiebe4282 why do you want to drive Korean car in Germany?

[@stevendavenport364]

@@michaelwiebe4282 Who said we don't have anything in common.😁

[@michaelwiebe4282]

@@goran2009 I don't buy this kind of cars, but the Pallisade would be a gain in the European markets, esspecially with a strong Diesel engine.

[@goran2009]

@@michaelwiebe4282 I’ve visited Überlingen in 2019 and to be honest, I would stick to germans and french.... But, ok, if you like Hyundai , fair enough...

[@thikhathalinemutanzhela4976]

nice family car indeed

[@Jordanm712]

8 seems to bet her go to score, I feel like everything I’ve watched her review is an 8 🤔

[@thatbikedad8252]

So much more choice in that part of the world ….the 7 seater upwards market in the UK is terrible

[@jvcex]

thanx for review, also beautiful dress

[@StephenFogarty2023]

Great review Nedahl. Real shame that some guys are male chauvinistic pigs, that just comment with disgusting misogynistic opinions etc Cars Guide and Moderator should review these comments and Block these people immediately It’s 2021, and this crap is very poor form. So sorry it happens Keep doing what you do. It’s great. 👍👍

[@jimbrown7082]

Is the Kia Telluride available in Australia? I am from the U.S. and have driven the Telluride and really like it.

[@StephenFogarty2023]

No No Telluride here Kia looking at it Maybe by late 2021 ??

[@arabsaracen]

@@StephenFogarty2023 yeah don’t think so Stevo !!!

[@StephenFogarty2023]

@@arabsaracen U r a DH !! Def no Telluride in Australia Look up Kia www in Australia Def no Telluride here Get off the meth u DH...

[@chrisneale6781]

Not sure who's on the meth with a reply like that...I took it as it's not here and we're not getting it, which is what Kia have said all along. Unlike the Palisade, it's only made in the states and they can't even keep up with LHD demand

[@StephenFogarty2023]

@@chrisneale6781 Jim Brown asked a question I accurately replied Mr. Abracadabra made a stupid and incorrect reply to my comment I replied to him appropriately Now, u enter the chat ! Can u not understand English ? Hyundai now sell the Palisade in Australia in RHD Kia do not sell the Telluride in Australia Kia Australia have said they are considering Telluride for Australia But have yet to officially confirm the Telluride will b sold in Australia What part of this don’t u understand !! OMG !! Did u not watch this review of the Pallisade ? The reviewer is driving a RHD Pallisade in Sydney, Australia 🙄 🙄

[@alphabravo3304]

You can turn those alarms off ie speed alarm

[@farokhbulsara4890]

You must be greek with a name like stellio, great review and greetings from a fellow greek

[@yourfavouriteaircon]

Question, on the website, it shows the grades for example the S grade, then the Elite, does it add with the S grade?

[@belalali3588]

It is very strange that the drivers seat has grooves and cut outs in the ceiling corner mould for pull down grab handles but no handles... in such a big vehicle... does the front passenger have one at least?

[@arabsaracen]

Belal it is a Hyundai not a rolls Royce

[@ezymarkz]

c'mon it is a people mover styled as an SUV with the disadvantage of non-sliding doors ;)

[@King-J-Reing]

How the heck, the price went UP just for CROSSING the Atlantic. Mate?? IF THAT IS THE UK PRICE BETTER GO FOR EXPLORER OR DEFENDER!!!!

[@henrikkoukku2896]

Overall, what’s new in the 2021 model versus the 2020 model?. 🤔

[@stingers1]

There is no 2020 model. We've only had the Palisade in Australia since just after christmas.

[@mahmood1431]

Can we request seat leather to be same as roof

[@user-nx8ux5ls7q]

Pressing a button for shifting gears is cool. It would be great if you tell what type of transmission it is (probably a cvt) and how reliable they can b in future. I think only Toyota makes the solid reliable cvt's at the moment. Just an example because all cars looks and feels great when they are brand new but a family is not going to throw out a car every 5 years

[@petron1954]

Mitsubishi, Suzuki and Subaru all make reliable CVT transmissions.

[@user-nx8ux5ls7q]

@@petron1954 Mitsubishi? I am surprised. Can you tell me a car model?

[@petron1954]

@@user-nx8ux5ls7q Mitsubishi ASX. I purchased a new ASX in 2011. The car is still in the family and used by my daughter. It has performed faultlessly. The ASX is still under manufacturers warranty, as it was supplied with a 10 year warranty on the drivetrain.

[@user-nx8ux5ls7q]

@@petron1954 Good to hear!

[@stingers1]

That is pretty crap for fuel economy. We went to our local Hyundai Dealer at Tuggerah, NSW and they showed us this car straight away as we have a family of 6 and need the room but didn't want a van. When we asked the dealer about a diesel option he said they were only ordering the 2.2L diesel version in at this stage, they are a lot more economical and this car has only been in Australia since Christmas. I can see why. The price is a bit over the top as well.

[@Rally4Life1982]

Why would you not consider a van? These big SUVs are soo compromised compared to vans. Sliding doors rock.

[@stingers1]

@@Rally4Life1982 We had a Kia Grand Carnival for a number of years and hated the size of the damn thing as well as the fuel consumption. The Palisade may be a large SUV but nothing compared to the van.

[@StephenFogarty2023]

Mazda CX-8 7 seater Diesel motor is available Not a huge size vehicle But If u want big room in Row 3 of an SUV, it will be a big vehicle. 🤷🏻‍♂️ 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Rally4Life1982]

@@stingers1 I do get what you mean. We love our Ford Escape but at 4.5M there is only so much boot space. The 4.7m long Mondeos boot would swallow anything. We should have really bought the most recent Mondeo to replace the 2008 Mondeo. I recently looked at a CX8 but at 4.9m its not short and the Escape is far easier to park and feels quicker. The length thing is why I do not understand why people buy utes if they are not tradies...they are pretty crap in town. For us we would like something that is longer but not massively longer. And I am afraid that there is is no 5 seat middle ground.

[@Rally4Life1982]

@@StephenFogarty2023 I'm not sold on Mazdas 2.2L diesel. They are not overly reliable.

[@boncell7197]

Why Sorento? Kia has the Telluride.

[@radissimo1]

not in Australia

[@arabsaracen]

Why Santa Fe? Hyundai has the Palisade

[@cryptojihadi265]

Why does it look like a caligraphy on the outside but an SEL with no sunroof on the inside?

[@jobycyriacvaithara2660]

Good. On the other hand, you haven't reviewed the sunroof in detail, also about the internal roof design and material. Finally, is the height of heads-up display adjustable?

[@victormhango8078]

Is a panoramic sunroof an optional extra ?

[@sleepyjoescumbag1663]

Yes

[@lebraa]

15L/100 kilos. Noice!!

[@tomskellern6128]

looks like a heavily modified trailblazer from holden

[@Locknuts84]

I thought she put it in reverse while driving there for a second.

[@jesuisperdu7498]

Elle coûte combien svp?

[@trancenut81]

A $64k CAD car becomes an $80k AUD car in Australia. F off Hyundai

[@KFCezikiel]

Yeah it’s crazy we pay about 25-40% more for the same vehicle here vs Canada

[@alokdash35]

Hybrid is environment friendly.

[@arabsaracen]

Ok alok I do not know where you got “hybrid” from but this is “Hyundai” - they are 2 different things

[@alokdash35]

@@arabsaracen I meant, hybrid models are fuel efficient and environment friendly then gas only models like this one..😊

[@abdulahmed6214]

I though she's speaking different language. It turn out to be English lol

[@King-J-Reing]

HYUNDAI PALISADE CALIGRAPH $46K THIS ONE IS MAX RANGE IN THIS CLASS, SO. THAT PRICE YOU GIVE US IS DUMB

[@MrBENTPIN]

No its australian price. Are you dumb?

[@chrisneale6781]

Great car but the review was almost as bad as it's looks

[@stendecstretcher4983]

Had a look at one at the dealer, looks awkward, bland and ugly no thanks.

[@yungfulla]

I like her reviews but her comment at the end about looking forward to electric cars is ill informed. People do not seem to realise that making the batteries is highly energy absorbing and environmentally damaging and we still have no efficient way of disposing of and/or recycling of the batteries. Lithium is highly toxic to the environment and will pose far greater environmental damage than burning fossil fuels in the long term

[@arabsaracen]

I agree Fungyulla

[@Aderin.]

You defo watched a donut media video and just repeated what they said. The lithium they farm does create emissions but no where near as much as ice cars. I still prefer fuel powered cars though

[@Rally4Life1982]

This thing is not nice looking. The rear is very American but on this thing it looks ok. I'd honestly rather have the Kia 'van'. Sliding doors rock. You know that 99% of people buying these things are more concerned with 'status' and will not buy the superior 'van'.

[@jamaicasysbm2580]

I can’t understand if men are walking away from marriage why are these big vehicles being built

[@rogerroger6049]

It addresses what women have been complaining about since the first motorcar hit the roads. It has space under the central console big enough to put a Christmas cake, a huge vanity mirror and it has great park assist features - you can see that it has so many gynocentric features it could have only been designed by a woman.

[@jamaicasysbm2580]

@@rogerroger6049 it was designed by a guy who is the chief of design at Hyundai, he previously worked at BMW

[@ruthradford7648]

Pity it's so unattractive.

[@arabsaracen]

Be careful Ruth the same can be said about you

[@cryptojihadi265]

I think it looks amazing. Best looking SUV out there.