Palisade Performance for Australian Roads and Long Trips

Australia’s mix of smooth motorways, patchy rural bitumen, and winding coastal routes can expose weaknesses in any large SUV. The Hyundai Palisade focuses on calm, quiet progress, confident overtaking, and fatigue reduction over hours behind the wheel. Its accommodating cabin, well-judged suspension tune, and thoughtful technology work together to deliver consistency on city commutes and extended interstate trips alike.

Why the Palisade stands out in its class

While officially classed as a large three-row SUV in Australia, the Palisade feels approachable to drive thanks to light steering at low speeds and stable weighting on the highway. What distinguishes it on long trips is the blend of space and refinement: three usable rows, broad shoulder room, and a ride that stays composed over expansion joints and corrugations. Sound insulation helps keep wind and tyre noise low, supporting easy conversation at 110 km/h. For families juggling prams, luggage, and sports gear, the cargo area is practical and the split-fold seats enable flexible packing for week-long holidays.

Distinctive design and premium interior features

The exterior’s upright stance and wide grille aren’t just for presence; the long wheelbase benefits cabin room, and the squared-off rear aids visibility and luggage access. Inside, materials and switchgear feel robust yet tidy—ideal for daily wear and tear. Higher trims can include quilted upholstery and soft-touch surfaces, while even mid grades offer supportive seating with adjustable lumbar. Seven-seat configurations with second-row captain’s chairs create an easy walkthrough to row three, useful for frequent school runs. Multiple USB-C ports across all rows, available wireless phone charging, and plentiful storage keep devices powered and clutter at bay during extended drives.

Technology and infotainment for a connected drive

A wide touchscreen pairs with a digital instrument cluster on most variants, delivering clear mapping and trip data at a glance. Smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto supports navigation, music, and hands-free communication. On compatible models, connected services can enable remote locking, vehicle status checks, and emergency assistance. Useful long-trip touches include a cabin intercom that projects the driver’s voice to the third row and a quiet mode that reduces rear speaker volume so younger passengers can rest. The head-up display (where fitted) helps keep eyes forward by showing speed and navigation prompts directly in the driver’s line of sight.

Comprehensive safety for driving confidence

Hyundai’s safety suite aims to reduce workload and enhance awareness on crowded motorways and rural highways. Features commonly available across the range include autonomous emergency braking (with pedestrian and cyclist detection), junction-turning assistance, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic braking, lane keeping and lane following assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go. Highway Driving Assist can help maintain a set distance and lane position on suitable roads, easing fatigue during long stints. Surround-view cameras and ultrasonic sensors make parking and trailer alignment more manageable. Models built from late 2022 received a five-star ANCAP safety rating, reflecting updates to safety equipment and testing protocols.

Robust performance for long journeys

The Palisade lineup typically offers a smooth 3.8‑litre petrol V6 (front-wheel drive) and a torque-rich 2.2‑litre turbo‑diesel (all-wheel drive), both paired with an eight‑speed automatic. The petrol engine favours quiet, linear acceleration and relaxed highway cruising, while the diesel’s strong mid-range pull suits hilly terrain, towing, and fully loaded trips. Real‑world efficiency varies with payload and terrain, but the diesel generally sips less on extended highway runs, which can reduce fuel stops across regional distances. The suspension prioritises comfort without excessive float, and available AWD adds extra traction on wet roads or light gravel. Ground clearance and approach angles are oriented to touring rather than serious off-roading, which aligns with most Australian family use.

Why it suits Australian roads and long trips

Long distances reward consistency: steady cabin temperatures, ergonomic seats, and predictable handling. Dual or tri‑zone climate control keeps different rows comfortable, and available heated and ventilated seats help manage Australia’s hot summers and cool alpine mornings. Lane centring and adaptive cruise reduce micro‑corrections on straight highways, while clear outward visibility and strong LED lighting aid night driving on regional routes. Thoughtful details—like a wide-opening tailgate, low loading lip, and easily reachable child-seat anchors—simplify travel logistics. For families alternating between city life and coastal or country escapes, the Palisade’s balance of space, efficiency (especially in diesel form), and quiet road manners makes it well suited to the Australian routine of long-haul journeys.

Ownership and practicality considerations

Beyond the drive, practicality shows up in how easily the vehicle fits the week. Multiple seating layouts allow you to prioritise people or cargo on demand, and flat-folding seats create a long, usable floor for bulky items. Service intervals and warranty provisions vary by model year, and maintenance support from Hyundai’s dealer network in your area helps keep long-distance travellers on schedule. Tyre choice also matters: choosing touring-oriented tyres can further improve ride comfort and noise levels on coarse-chip bitumen, common on Australian regional roads. Pairing those with sensible loading and regular alignment checks keeps the Palisade tracking straight and riding smoothly over time.

Final thoughts

For Australian conditions—big distances, mixed surfaces, and family-sized packing lists—the Palisade emphasises the qualities that matter on the open road: calm dynamics, space used intelligently, and driver assistance that reduces fatigue. Whether chosen with a smooth petrol V6 or a torquey diesel AWD, it delivers a reassuring, quiet, and well-equipped platform for long trips without feeling cumbersome in everyday traffic.