Motorweek Season 37 Episode 101 Hyundai Palisade

As the SUV segment continues to grow, automakers are focused on making their offerings stand out in the crowded field. One of the newest entries in this competitive category is the Hyundai Palisade, and on this episode of MotorWeek, we take a closer look at this family-friendly vehicle.

Beginning with the exterior, Hyundai has gone for a bold and boxy design that immediately communicates the Palisade's rugged capabilities. This is coupled with stylish touches like LED headlights and taillights, as well as chrome accents on the front grille and door handles. Additionally, the Palisade boasts an impressive amount of ground clearance, making it well-suited for off-road adventures.

Inside the cabin, the Palisade shines with a spacious and well-appointed interior that can seat up to eight passengers. The front seats are particularly comfortable and offer ample support, while the second and third rows feature plenty of legroom and headroom. The middle row can be configured as either a three-person bench or as captain's chairs, and both options are equipped with folding sections for easy access to the third row.

In terms of technology, the Palisade does not disappoint. The infotainment system features a crisp and responsive 8-inch touchscreen display, and comes standard with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Available features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen display, wireless phone charging, and a premium sound system with 12 speakers.

Under the hood, all Palisades come with a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. While this powertrain combination may not be the most fuel-efficient in the segment, it does provide plenty of acceleration and towing capability.

On the road, the Palisade impresses with its smooth and composed ride quality. The suspension system does an excellent job of absorbing bumps and potholes, and the vehicle remains stable and confident through corners. Additionally, the Palisade's all-wheel drive system provides surefootedness on slippery and uneven terrain.

Finally, safety is a top priority for any family vehicle, and the Palisade delivers in this area as well. Standard safety features include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a driver attention monitor. Available safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability.

Overall, the Hyundai Palisade is an impressive addition to the midsize SUV segment. Its spacious and comfortable interior, robust feature set, and capable performance make it an attractive option for families in search of a versatile and reliable vehicle. Tune into this episode of MotorWeek to learn more about this exciting new model.