2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Black Ink Diesel AWD evaluation

Hyundai’s flagship SUV is a formidable beast.

The Palisade obtained new options and a revised mannequin vary for the 2024 mannequin yr, but it surely’s nonetheless the identical massive SUV it was earlier than.

It’s massive, imposing, and holds a commanding presence on the street, which is the whole lot you’d need from a household hauler. Hyundai gives a seven-seat format with captain’s chairs within the second row, whereas an eight-seat model can also be accessible with two three-seat benches within the again.

There are additionally two engines accessible – a petroleum and a diesel. Meaning there’s loads of alternative throughout the vary, however the query is how a lot you’d be keen to spend for a giant ol’ Hyundai.

On take a look at right here is the 2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Black Ink Diesel AWD, which is the costliest Palisade cash should buy proper now. The Calligraphy nameplate was adopted this yr, and the Black Ink model is probably the most kitted-out mannequin.

It’s acquired an all-black exterior other than some chrome trim on the perimeters and again, which suggests it provides the stealthy impression of one thing knowledgeable bodyguard would drive round in.

Does it dwell as much as that impression, or is it price saving your cash on a less expensive model? There’s sturdy competitors from the likes of the Kia Sorento, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Kluger; so there’s lots to struggle for.

How does the Hyundai Palisade evaluate?

View an in depth breakdown of the Hyundai Palisade in opposition to equally sized autos.

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Palisade

How a lot does the Hyundai Palisade price?

The Calligraphy Black Ink sits on the very prime of the Palisade vary – it’ll ring up $80,900 earlier than on-road prices.

That’s round $15,000 greater than the range-opening Elite, and $10,100 greater than the most cost effective Palisade with a diesel engine.

Though we examined a 2024 instance, costs for the Palisade’s Black Ink variants have elevated for 2025. Meaning probably the most present model of our tester is now $1731 dearer.

There aren’t any specification modifications, and all different variants have remained the identical.

To see how the Hyundai Palisade traces up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software.

What’s the Hyundai Palisade like on the within?

Upon stepping inside, there’s little doubt it is a real luxurious providing.

The very first thing you’ll discover is the sheer quantity of area you stand up entrance. There’s an enormous centre console separating you and your passenger, but it doesn’t really feel prefer it’s taking over any more room than it ought to.

It’s completed with a textured silver plastic, which is a continuing design ingredient all through the cabin. Silver accents are featured on the door’s steel speaker covers, steering wheel, and air vents, in addition to the pinstripe on the shiny sections of the dashboard.

Total it’s a cultured design, and it’s made by higher by the very fact not one of the key contact factors are completed with horrible gloss black panelling. Every part in right here is sturdy and gained’t present important indicators of use, even because the odometer studying begins to climb.

As for the remainder of the inside, the design flows naturally throughout all areas with its non-aggressive shapes and curves. It’s all very deliberate, and it helps that Hyundai has used high quality supplies all through.

The seats, for example, aren’t upholstered in leather-based like in different luxurious vehicles, and are as a substitute suede with leather-based accents. This can be a good contact as they’re far more inviting to sit down in on these chilly winter mornings, particularly with the seat heating enabled.

Above there’s an all-black headliner, which is solely completed in suede. That offers it a pleasant, comfortable look, and makes the cabin really feel cozy regardless of its beneficiant proportions.

That comfortable headliner is dwelling to the twin sunroof distinctive to the Palisade’s Calligraphy variants, which is a pleasant bonus even when it isn’t a full panoramic setup.

There’s nonetheless leather-based scattered round, notably on the steering wheel, sprint, and armrests. Given these are a few of your predominant contact factors, it’s good they’ve been completed in a sturdy materials that’s nonetheless nice to work together with.

The silver centre console is the place you’ll discover the drive mode and local weather controls. Beginning with the drive selector scenario – count on to take a second to regulate when you’re coming from an older automated.

There are 4 buttons rather than a conventional gear selector or dial, which does simplify the method however is a bit unusual. You additionally gained’t discover a lever or button for the parking brake, however to not fear; it’s robotically activated whenever you put the Palisade in park.

Adjusting the drive mode is completed by way of a central dial, which is punctuated by clear and legible icons to greatest match the kind of driving you’re doing. Messing with the dial may even deliver up a menu on the instrument show forward of the steering wheel.

Flanking the drive mode selector are 4 buttons for auto-hold, hill descent management, and parking cameras, with a collection of buttons beneath for seat heating and air flow.

There’s additionally a button for the heated steering wheel, which capabilities a bit too nicely. It really works shortly to warmth up the wheel, however it will probably find yourself getting too scorching to the purpose the place the automotive has to intervene and switch it off by itself – actually a bonus when you have additional chilly arms.

The local weather management system is considerably distinctive. It’s a mixture of knobs, buttons, and a touchscreen, which all work collectively to supply an interface that’s simpler to function than you would possibly count on.

It’s a dual-zone system up entrance, with sync and temperature management by the 2 knobs. Beneath are the usual window demisters, and a handy button to modify the entire system off if wanted.

Each different perform is managed by the small touchscreen. Usually touchscreen local weather controls are a hindrance, however I used to be stunned by how straightforward the Palisade’s system was to make use of.

There are massive, clearly marked icons for the air route, fan pace, temperature, and even the rear local weather system, which fall handy properly whenever you’re driving. It’s additionally graphically crisp and responds shortly and persistently to inputs, that means it isn’t as irritating what another vehicles provide.

Above that’s an array of buttons, that are linked to the touchscreen infotainment system on prime. Usually talking it’s a strong unit, with nice native graphics and intuitive controls to navigate the assorted menus (which is one thing you’ll wish to do – extra on that later).

In the event you can’t work out the display screen itself, the massive, clearly marked buttons make it so you’ll be able to hop between the completely different screens at any time when it’s worthwhile to. Moreover, there are two discreet knobs for quantity and tuning.

One draw back to this infotainment system is the shortage of wi-fi Apple CarPlay. It stunned me at first, as a result of in a automotive like this you’d count on one thing like that to be included.

Alas, you’re restricted to carrying round your lightning-to-USB-C cable if you wish to hook up your telephone. It’s not a giant deal if that is the one automotive you drive, as you’ll be able to go away that neatly hidden within the shallow cubby beneath the centre console’s sliding cowl.

No less than there’s a great deal of storage all spherical. There’s a big centre console field, glovebox, and cupholders within the doorways and third-row armrests. There’s additionally an enormous storage tray beneath the centre console for unfastened gadgets.

Forward of the driving force is the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which is graphically easy however matches the model of the remainder of the cabin. In its commonplace association you get two gauges, with a alternative of central shows.

The graphics are crisp, and its color scheme modifications relying on the chosen drive mode. It matches the remainder of the inside greatest in Eco mode, which provides you a teal color that enhances the silver seen elsewhere.

Behind the wheel are additionally the usual stalks for lights and wipers, that are gloss black with geometric bumps on every finish for added grip. You additionally get paddle shifters, that are a pleasant addition whenever you’re in Sport mode.

In contrast to what we’ve seen in different Hyundai and Kia merchandise, the instrument cluster and infotainment show don’t share a panel. The separation is an effective factor, as a result of having a cluster with a extra conventional form simply makes it really feel a tad extra elegant.

Topping all of it off is a gloss black bezel, which is generally out of the way in which of grubby fingers. It’d virtually make the infotainment display screen look borderless too, if it wasn’t for the small panel hole round its show.

The second row of the Palisade is nearly as good because the entrance, which suggests it’s snug and well-appointed for lengthy distance journeys. Getting in is straightforward too, because the rear doorways are massive, open large, and reveal a big opening with a excessive roof to climb up and into the automotive.

Our tester was a seven seater, which suggests the second row will get particular person captain chairs somewhat than a bench. Meaning there are echoes of the entrance again right here, even when the steering wheel is swapped out for armrests on every chair.

Moreover, there’s a local weather management interface on the again of the centre console. It additionally gives a display screen and buttons, and whereas it’s not a touchscreen it’s nonetheless straightforward to make use of – extra of a simplified model of what you’ll discover up entrance.

A pleasant bonus is heating and air flow for each rear seats. If it’s worthwhile to cost up, you’ll discover a 12-volt outlet under the rear local weather management system and USB-C retailers on each entrance seatbacks.

Different charging choices within the automotive embrace two extra USB-C retailers within the third row, whereas the entrance features a wi-fi telephone charger, 12V plug, and a few extra USB ports.

The boot of the Palisade is greater than sufficient to get you by. Not solely is there a great deal of area with 4 seats up, you continue to get a decent cargo capability when you’re utilising the total array of seating.

Hyundai doesn’t quote a full boot capability with each rear rows folded, however you’d don’t have any hassle becoming something you’d want in everyday use even when it’s not in its most spacious configuration. When not in use, the third row folds away neatly to offer you a flat load ground.

The loading top is tall, however that’s to be anticipated of an SUV just like the Palisade. There’s no lip on the again both, which suggests you’ll have the ability to slide cargo up and in to the large, flat loading space with out having to lean into the boot.

You even get a full-size spare wheel, mounted beneath the rear of the automotive. That makes the Palisade a strong choice for high-capacity street journeys.

To see how the Hyundai Palisade traces up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software.

What’s beneath the bonnet?

There are two powertrains accessible throughout the Palisade vary – a 3.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol V6 and a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel. Our tester was fitted with the latter.

Each powertrains are mated to an eight-speed automated transmission, although you’ll solely get an all-wheel drive setup with the diesel engine. Choosing a petroleum V6 means FWD-only.

To see how the Hyundai Palisade traces up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software.

How does the Hyundai Palisade drive?

The Palisade backs up its bodyguard transporter façade with a strong on-road expertise, although it isn’t excellent.

Stepping in virtually looks like getting behind the wheel of a toned-down navy car, and the quantity of steel round you makes it straightforward get snug in your individual area on the street.

Firing up the diesel engine is completed by urgent the button to the left of the wheel, however its idle is refined. You’d realize it was a diesel when you have been informed or had a skilled ear, however to the typical commuter it gained’t sound too completely different to any of the opposite vehicles you see on a regular basis.

Getting snug is straightforward on account of the powered seat adjustment up entrance. The suede materials can also be good to sit down on, and even the steering wheel is straightforward to get into place even when it solely options guide adjustment.

When you press that drive button on the centre console, you’re good to go. Manoeuvring out of a parking area is straightforward due to the Palisade’s massive steering wheel, and whereas it doesn’t have extremely gentle steering it’s nonetheless good and nimble when it must be.

Becoming a member of the open street reveals a responsive accelerator related to a beefy motor. It’s a giant automotive, however the engine does nicely to get it shifting with no fuss.

The automated transmission it’s mated to can also be a top quality unit, and it hardly ever stumbles or will get caught out within the improper gear. It being an eight-speed gearbox additionally means there’s loads of vary for all kinds of various speeds, which provides it strong acceleration from a standstill and a comfortably low rev rely when cruising on the freeway.

Our week with the Palisade had a heavy skew in direction of freeway driving, which with the well-tuned gearbox allowed us to realize a extra economical gas consumption determine than what Hyundai says the automotive can do. When gas costs are as excessive as they’re, it’s refreshing to see such a big automotive be that frugal.

As with different Palisades, our tester was fitted with paddle shifters for whenever you wish to take issues into your individual arms. Pairing them with Sport mode makes driving the Palisade a bit extra enjoyable, even whether it is principally simply taking part in faux.

To my shock the brakes on the Palisade are additionally potent, which suggests it pulls up shortly each time. To reiterate – the Palisade is massive, so it’s comforting to know you could have the mandatory stopping energy beneath your foot.

Visibility out of the Palisade can also be excellent, due to its excessive, massive home windows and beneficiant mirrors. There’s blind-spot monitoring to assist place your self on the street, and when you begin drifting out of your lane there are programs in place to warn you and set you straight if want be.

The one challenge is that the lane hold help is a tad overreactive, because it typically looks as if it throws up a warning or makes a sound simply to remind you that it’s, in reality, put in.

The headlining function on the Calligraphy Black Ink is its blacked-out exterior, which extends to its grille, badges, and wheels. It’s onerous to not really feel such as you’re somebody vital whenever you’re driving round due to how imposing it seems on the surface.

As a driver you additionally sit fairly excessive, which suggests you’re bodily above most different folks on the street. All of that makes it a confidence-inspiring expertise, even when you’re used to smaller vehicles.

On that entrance, it’s onerous to think about anybody having a tough time getting themselves arrange and used to driving the Palisade. Every part is correctly, and when you’ve been in different fashionable Hyundai or Kia vehicles it’s all very acquainted.

Whereas that’s good for the ergonomics and driving expertise, it’s unhealthy information for the driving force help capabilities.

As is understood with Hyundai vehicles, the pace restrict warning and help system is extremely obnoxious. It’ll beep at you when you’re over the restrict in any respect, and whilst you can flip off the warning sound by means of the infotainment display screen, it’s by no means absolutely off.

Fortunately, Hyundai is taking a step in direction of enhancing that perform by permitting drivers to show it off within the facelifted model of its smaller Tucson SUV.

There’s an argument to be made about not dashing generally, however there are occasions when it’s worthwhile to go a kilometre or two over the posted restrict – prefer to sustain with the movement of site visitors.

In the event you’re travelling greater than 10km/h over the restrict, the automotive will beep at you relentlessly till you gradual again down. Usually you wouldn’t be going that quick, however there’s additionally a difficulty with the automotive’s in-built pace restrict detection.

On a number of events the Palisade drastically misjudged the posted pace restrict. On sure sections of the Hume Freeway which might be at all times 110km/h, it thought the pace restrict was 100km/h. Join the dots to determine why that may be an issue.

It goes each methods too, as some 80km/h sections of freeway nearer to Melbourne have been wrongly interpreted as 100km/h. The very fact you’ll be able to a minimum of dumb down the pace restrict warnings is sweet factor, however given another vehicles can accurately recognise pace limits on a regular basis I’d need it to be higher in Hyundai vehicles than it’s right here.

No less than there’s a lightweight on the finish of the tunnel.

All that apart, it’s nonetheless a strong driving expertise. It’s simply disappointing it’s considerably undermined by annoying tech that’s there it doesn’t matter what you do.

Alongside the refined drivetrain, steering, and brakes, the Palisade permits minimal street and wind noise to breach the cabin. It handles opposed climate with no points as nicely, and it shrugs off gusts of wind with the convenience you’d count on from a automotive that weighs two tonnes.

With the pace restrict and lane hold help programs higher calibrated, this might be a really spectacular bundle on the street. Because it stands, it’s nonetheless good albeit a bit disappointing.

What do you get?

The Palisade is bought in two distinct variants, although there are some variations whenever you look between the traces.

Palisade Elite commonplace tools:

• 7 or 8 seats
• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Full-size spare wheel
• Computerized LED headlights
• Computerized high-beam
• Single-pane sunroof
• Arms-free energy tailgate
• Acoustic laminated entrance door glass
• Acoustic windscreen
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Satellite tv for pc navigation with telematics
• Voice recognition
• Wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• Wi-fi telephone charger
• 12-speaker Infinity sound system
• Driver Speak perform
• Quiet Mode perform
• Tri-zone local weather management
• Electrochromatic rear-view mirror
• Distant begin
• Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
• Heated steering wheel
• Leather-based upholstery
• Heated entrance seats
• 10-way energy adjustable driver’s seat
• 8-way energy adjustable entrance passenger seat
• Melange knit headliner and pillar trims
• Wooden-look inside trim inserts
• Alloy scuff plates
• Cargo carpet mat

Palisade Calligraphy provides:

• Rear AEB
• Blind Spot View Monitor
• Backup gentle information
• Distant Good Parking Help
• Encompass-view digicam
• Twin sunroof
• Unique grille and skid plates
• Physique-coloured cladding and bumpers
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Water-repellent entrance door glass
• Acoustic laminated rear door glass
• 10.0-inch head-up show
• Contact-type local weather management buttons
• Digital rear-view mirror
• Computerized defog
• Rear door blinds
• 4-spoke, two-tone leather-wrapped steering wheel (single-tone with black inside)
• Gloss black trim (black inside solely)
• Quilted Nappa leather-based upholstery
• Heated and ventilated entrance seats
• Heated and ventilated second-row seats
• 12-way energy adjustable driver’s seat
• Driver’s seat reminiscence
• Second-row wing-out headrests

Palisade Calligraphy Black Ink provides:

• Gloss black 20-inch alloy wheels
• Darkish tinted grille
• Darkish tinted bumper garnish
• Darkish tinted entrance and rear skid plates
• Darkish tinted decrease door garnishes
• Darkish tinted tail gentle garnishes
• Gloss black roof rails
• Black suede headliner
• Black suede and leather-based upholstery

Is the Hyundai Palisade secure?

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade wears a five-year ANCAP security ranking following a re-evaluation of the mid-life up to date SUV in 2022.

Commonplace security options embrace:

• Entrance and front-side airbags
• Entrance-row centre airbag
• Curtain airbags for all three rows
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • Automobile detection
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Bike owner detection
  • Junction-turning help
• Blind-spot help
• Driver consideration warning
• Clever pace restrict help
• Multi-Collision Braking
• Protected exit help
• Lane-keep help
• Lane Following Help (lane centring)
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Rear occupant alert
• Main car departure alert
• Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
• Reversing digicam
• Entrance and rear parking sensors
• Tyre strain monitoring system
• Bluelink related providers

Palisade Calligraphy provides:

• Rear AEB
• Blind Spot View Monitor
• Encompass-view digicam
• Backup information lights
• Distant Good Park Help.

How a lot does the Hyundai Palisade price to run?

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade is a correctly good automotive, but it surely’s let down by annoying driver help tech.

Its inside is luxuriously appointed and well-laid out, which suggests it’s each snug and pleasing to the attention. That shiny pinstripe and quilted leather-based combo on the dashboard and door playing cards is a spotlight right here.

The surface is imply and stealthy due to the gloss black trim. Certain, it may be onerous to maintain clear, however its consistency throughout the entire automotive means it seems miles higher than the DIY rattle can P-plater particular.

It actually seems the half, and whenever you’re driving round city or within the metropolis it does the whole lot you’d count on it to.

Solely whenever you hit the open street does the frustration settle in – its arrival signalled by the beeps and bongs of the driving force help programs.

Whereas the lane-keep help isn’t excellent, it’s the pace restrict warning that sours the expertise massive time. If there was a solution to fully flip it off, no matter whether or not there’s a devoted button or a trawl by means of the touchscreen menus, it’d be significantly better than it’s.

The best way it’s, it’s simply not an satisfying expertise on the freeway. It’s good Hyundai is fixing that on its upcoming fashions, and hopefully the Palisade will see that someday quickly too.

That apart, this Palisade remains to be a fantastic alternative for a household hauler. It instructions a excessive price ticket, however its diesel engine is arguably the higher of the 2 accessible, and you may’t actually go improper with all-wheel drive.

The cheaper variations will get you by simply superb, but when cosmetics are your factor it’s onerous to look previous the Black Ink.

Click on on the photographs for the total gallery

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