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Introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2018, the mid-size crossover Hyundai Palisade replaced the Santa Fe XL in Hyundai’s SUV lineup. The flagship Palisade received an overhaul early in 2022, including an exterior facelift that widened the grille with a bolder style and a new back bumper design complete with a horizontal red stripe above a silver-painted body panel. However, the big news is the 2023 Palisade’s updated interior and tech

2023 Hyundai Palisade specs and features

A dark colored 2023 Hyundai Palisade midsize crossover SUV model framed by leafy tree branches
2023 Hyundai Palisade | Hyundai Motor America

The updated 2023 Hyundai Palisade has a starting price of $34,950, an increase of $1,350 over the 2022 price, which started at $33,600. An AutoBlog article compares the 2023 Palisade against the 2021 model and found the new grille “the most glaring change” to the exterior. Another noticeable change is how the doors lock and unlock with a new touch-sensitive electronic system, replacing the former push-button style. 

Inside the 2023 Hyundai Palisade is a new digital climate control screen between the expected control dials. While using the traditional dials to control the temperature up front is more straightforward, the digital control panel allows access to the rear climate controls without using the infotainment screen. 

Next is the new rearview mirror camera. Previous Palisade models used a standard rearview mirror that failed to provide a view out the back window anytime cargo or luggage reached above the rear seat backs. Hyundai remedied that potential shortcoming with a rearview camera that includes adjustable brightness and latitude, allowing a personalized view of the world behind you. 

With the Palisade’s adaptive cruise control engaged, it will provide automated lane changes at the touch of the turn signal if the cameras sense it’s safe. Additionally, the same camera system provides assisted lane-centering whether using adaptive cruise control or not. These driver-assist features and the virtual display of surrounding vehicles in the Palisade’s heads-up-display (HUD) help lower the stress level when navigating heavy traffic or narrow streets. 

Upgraded seating provides more comfort and functionality. For example, the Palisade’s driver seat offers a massage function, and the side bolsters automatically tighten when you switch drive modes or drive aggressively. In addition, the passenger captain’s chairs now provide small mesh cargo nets on the sides for extra electronics or snack storage, and the third-row seats are now available with heat. 

Finally, when parking, you might appreciate the new side-view camera. However, the top-down view lets you see your position relative to the parking space or other obstacles. Are the different views necessary? Probably not, until encountering a situation where the slight variations might be helpful. 

Is it worth upgrading to the 2023 model year Palisade?

If you’re already driving a Hyundai Palisade, it’s likely not worth upgrading to the newer model. But, on the other hand, if you’ve reached your usual limit for keeping a vehicle and the 2023 Hyundai Palisade is the right size to fit your needs, it is worth a look. 

Indeed, the Palisade isn’t winning any fuel economy awards. Still, its five-year or 60,000-mile basic warranty plus its ten-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty lead the class. Finally, the 2023 Palisade is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award winner with standard driver-assist technology that often requires additional cost in other models. 

Related 6 Best Hyundai Palisade Features That Make it Better Than the Rest

6 Best Hyundai Palisade Features That Make it Better Than the Rest