The 2020 Hyundai Palisade will be a mid-size three-row SUV that will probably replace the Santa Fe XL model. Everything about the existing model is confusing. The company offers three different versions – normal, Sport, and XL. Buyers are usually confused which one belongs to which category. But now, with the arrival of Palisade, it will be easier to pick a 3-row model.
Probably the biggest indicator of failure with Santa Fe XL is sale numbers. Last year, Hyundai sold only 30,000 units in the US. For example, some vehicles in the same category managed to achieve 200k sales. So, radical changes were required and buyers are getting the new SUV. The 2020 Hyundai Palisade debuted at the latest auto show in LA. However, sales will start later this year.
2020 Hyundai Palisade Design
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade is the largest SUV in the lineup. The Korean company never had such a big model. At first sight, we can say it is one of the most aggressive vehicles Hyundai is making. The big grille is pickup lookalike. However, there is not too much chrome on it. Vertical headlights are unique in the segment. They are bringing a distinctive look. At the top of these, designers installed daylight running lights. Taillights are using a similar design. The panoramic moonroof is standard for all trim levels.
The new Palisade is going to use 18-inch wheels. Optionally, you can upgrade them to 20-in. Of course, this is not the only upgrade available, and the SUV is going to appear in few trim levels. The company is yet to unveil the complete lineup. We can hear that off-road model is a part of the squad. The exclusive offer is going to offer a different version of the grille with chrome inserts and totally new layouts.
Interior
First images are boosting the expectations from the new Palisade. These are showing a completely new design language which will make the cockpit simple, practical, and transparent. The quality of materials is much better than for the Santa Fe and other crossovers. The new 2020 Hyundai Palisade is also longer than its sibling. Around 4 inches will be used cleverly to improve legroom in all three rows. We still don’t have capacity volumes.
The company announced there will be a 7- and 8-seat model in the market. The second row is going to offer either bench or captain’s chairs. Up front, we will find a 10-inch touchscreen display as the center of the infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as well as the wireless charging.
2020 Hyundai Palisade Specs
Under the hood of the 2020 Hyundai Palisade will be a 3.8-liter V6 engine. The huge displacement is capable to produce 290 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission is a power router. On this vehicle, the gearbox sends energy to front wheels. We expected a rear-wheel drive, but engineers decided to power the other axle. However, the new Palisade is getting an all-wheel drive as another option.
The competition in the mid-size segment is widely using smaller engines in combination with turbochargers. At this point, it is unlikely that Palisade will ever get such configuration. On the other hand, a certain thing is a hybrid model, but not for the next season. Hyundai is speaking openly about such ideas and it is just a matter of time when the Korean company is joining the party. Diesel engine might be part of the lineup for non-US markets. However, Hyundai is yet to unveil these plans, details, and specs of such powertrain.
Expectations
The Korean company enjoys the success of its compact SUVs. But, the big game is not for everyone. Development is more expensive and buyers want more for their money. We will see if the 2020 Hyundai Palisade is going to fulfill their needs and expectations. On the other hand, the chiefs are very ambitious. But, they also realize that 2020 Palisade can’t threat to overthrow Toyota Highlander or Ford Explorer. Years of development and multiple options are needed to even think about it.
Well, one thing is certain – the Palisade will achieve better sale numbers than Santa Fe XL. Unique and eye-catching styling is key. Also, the big engine is larger than the 3.5-liter we see under the hood of Honda’s and Toyota’s mid-size three-row SUVs. Last year, Santa Fe XL achieved 30,000 sales, and the new 2020 Palisade will break this record right from the start. The most optimistic opinions are saying the mid-size model can go up to 100,000.
2020 Hyundai Palisade Price
The new 2020 Hyundai Palisade will cost around $32,000. However, you will like upgrades such as AWD, navigation, premium audio, and leather. The price of fully-loaded SUVs will exceed $50,000. If the company decides to go with an off-road model, this version will need special upgrades on the drive system. Well, the interior is not going to get too many premium options. The cost of this model could start around $45,000.
