Priced from RM 329k, 2022 Hyundai Palisade launched in Malaysia to challenge Mazda CX-9

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has just launched its latest model, the 2022 Hyundai Palisade in Malaysia. The large SUV is the fourth model to be launched by the Korean ‘Lambang H’ in Malaysia in 2021 after the Elantra, Kona facelift, and Staria.

Fully imported (CBU) from Korea, the Palisade is available here with a choice of two engine options split across four variants which are:

• 2.2 Diesel 8-seater (Executive 8) - From RM 328,888
• 3.8 GDI 8-seater (Luxe 8) - From RM 338,888
• 2.2 Diesel 7-seater (Executive 7) - From RM 348,888
• 3.8 GDI 7-seater (Luxe 7) - From RM 358,888

The two engines offered for the Palisade are the 2.2-litre CRDi 4-cylinder turbodiesel (200 PS/440 Nm) and the naturally-aspirated 3.8-litre Lambda II V6 petrol (295 PS/355 Nm). Both engines are paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission but power is sent to different drivetrains.

The diesel engine is available with four-wheel drive (4WD) while the petrol units send power only to the front wheels.

Externally, the petrol and diesel variants look the same with the only visual cue being the badges denoting their displacement.

The Palisade looks massive in photos but in real life, it doesn’t look quite as humongous, or as the cool kids say, a chonk. Speaking of chonk, the overall design of the Palisade resembles that of a full-size American SUV like a Cadillac Escalade or Chevrolet Tahoe.

The bejewelled parametric grille design gives off an aura of elegance that is a bit more intimidating than the Palisade’s closest rival, the Mazda CX-9 which has its own massive snout.

Both petrol and diesel variants sit on the same wheels – 20-inch alloys that are wrapped with 245/50 R20 rubbers.

Also read: Buoyed by SUVs, Bridgestone says 17-inch or larger wheels are now the norm

But if you think the exterior looks exquisite, wait till you step inside. Buyers are given a choice of three interior colour schemes which are monotone black, burgundy, and warm grey.

The burgundy colour looks very classy but it’s only offered for the 7-seater variants. The 7-seater variants come with a 2-2-3 configuration with the middle-row sporting individual seats. Just like the front row, this pair of seats come with both ventilated and heated functions though the latter seems to be a redundant feature for our weather.

On the other hand, the 8-seater variants see the middle row getting a bench instead and thus, omit the ventilated function. It does keep the heated function which again, will rarely be used here.

All variants however come with a third row that isn’t quite a tight fit, unlike many 7-/8-seaters. I’m 173-cm tall and I have enough kneeroom in the last row even with the second row up but will I or any average adult get comfortable in long journeys? Guess you’ll have to wait for the review.

Getting into the third row is also a cinch with the middle row seats moved via a one-touch function. The buttons are located on the seat as well as near the lever at the bottom. The latter is a pretty smart position that lets children operate it.

Also available as standard across the range is are a pair of sunroofs for the front and middle rows. Only the front sunroof has a tilting and sliding function while the rear is fixed.

Meanwhile, boot space for the Palisade is 311 litres with the third-row seats up and 704 litres with them folded. This volume can be expanded by folding the middle row flat which is activated through a switch in the boot area.

As rear-conditioning is important for rear occupants especially in Malaysia, the Palisade’s roof-mounted air-cond features a diffuser that can provide a focused, partially-diffused, or fully-diffused stream of air to the passengers.

That’s enough focus for the rear passengers as we move on to the front. The Palisade feels a lot accomplished with soft-touch plastics and a well-crafted fit and finish.

It is also quite practical with enough cubby holes and compartments for those essential loose items. By utilising an electronic shift button (just like the Staria and Kona Electric), it allows room for a compartment area placed below the centre console.

Besides, our local Palisade also comes with a head-up display that can be programmed in three different colours which are orange, green, and white. The traditional tachometer and speedometer gauges are flanked by a 7-inch fully-digital TFT LCD.

While that sounds great and all, the Malaysian-spec Palisade loses out on some features from other markets. Take the infotainment screen, for instance, we’re only getting the smaller 8-inch unit for all variants instead of the larger 10.25-inch screen.

HSDM said the reason for the smaller head unit is that Malaysia has no support for Hyundai Bluelink, the company’s connected car service. This service isn't provided in Malaysia given Hyundai's small presence in the country.

Nevertheless, the unit does support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto much like Hyundai’s recent offerings.

The local Palisade also does not come with a 360-degree camera and only comes with a rear-view camera. At least it has front and rear sensors that would aid in taming the hulking SUV around tight parking spaces.

The Palisade comes with Drive Mode Select which allows drivers to switch between Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart modes. However, the 4WD Executive variants get an additional Traction Mode Select that consists of Snow, Mud, and Sand modes.

Besides the additional drive modes and the badges, another key difference between the Luxe and Executive variants are the safety features. Standard on the Palisade are 6 airbags, Downhill Brake Control (DBC), Safe Exit Alert, and Rear Occupant Alert.

On the diesel-powered Executive variants, the only active safety features are Blind-spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Rear Cross-traffic Collision Warning (RCCW).

On the other hand, the petrol-powered Luxe variants come with the full Hyundai SmartSense safety suite which consists of:

• Smart Cruise Control (SCC)
• Blind-spot Collision-avoidance Assist (BCA)
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-avoidance Assist (RCCA)
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
• Lane Following Assist (LFA)
• Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA)
• High Beam Assist (HBA)
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
• Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA)

The Palisade comes available with 5 exterior colours which are Timeless Black, White Cream, Lagoon Silver, Steel Graphite, and Moonlight Cloud.

HSDM is offering a standard 2-year/50,000-km warranty for the Palisade but buyers do have the option to upgrade to a 5-year/300,000-km warranty with free 3-year/50,000-km service and maintenance.

Though this hulking Hyundai commands presence inside and out, would it make sense for Malaysian buyers to go for a premium Korean SUV?