Driving Hyundai’s upper large Palisade SUV today – although launched late in 2020 the Hyundai Palisade was recently refreshed and now comes in two highly equipped luxury grades – the Elite and the Highlander, both available as a seven-seater with a no cost 8-seat option adding an extra seat in the second row. And importantly, it now gains a welcome full five-star ANCAP safety rating. Both grades in 3.8-litre V6 petrol front wheel drive or 2.2-litre turbo diesel all-wheel-drive – both 8-speed automatic with manual paddles. I tested the turbo-diesel Elite AWD with four drive modes at $76,500 drive-away. Passenger accommodation impressive – as an 8-seateR plus a stack of luggage space, great for a large family with impressive shoulder room. Now with 8 airbags including a new front centre airbag with head airbags running the full cabin length and third row seats getting their own ventilation. In fact, the distance front to back so long Hyundai has added a speaker system so the driver doesn’t need to yell. The Hyundai Palisade loaded with safety and convenience equipment, both grades getting power and heated seats in leather. And it comes with a 2,200kgs braked towing capacity. Warranty – five-years/unlimited kilometre. Servicing cost pre-paid $1,467 over three years. I’m David Berthon.

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