Sibling Rivalry? 2023 Hyundai Palisade XRT
There is a little bit of sibling rivalry going on within the Hyundai family of brands. Since its introduction, the Kia Telluride has been a sales hit with consumers, while its more upscale sibling, the Hyundai Palisade, has loomed in the shadows.
NEED TO KNOW
- The 2023 Palisade refresh gave the XRT a more masculine, rugged appearance to compete with the Telluride.
- The 3.8L V6 produces 291 hp and 262 lb-ft, paired with an 8-speed automatic and HTRAC AWD.
- XRT is available in FWD or AWD; AWD adds downhill brake control, snow, tow, and AWD lock modes.
- Fuel economy is 19/25/21 mpg city/hwy/combined — reasonable for a three-row AWD SUV.
- Starting MSRP for the Palisade SE FWD is $34,950; the tested XRT AWD came in at $43,960.
Not content to rest in the darkness behind the Telluride, Hyundai updated the Palisade for 2023 with more masculine styling and even a more rugged off road trim in this XRT. XRT is available in FWD or AWD, and our tester was equipped with the company’s HTRAC AWD. XRT slots in below Limited and Calligraphy in the lineup and boasts features like blacked-out grille, rugged lower bumpers and door sills, roof cross rails, and dark 20-inch wheels. AWD models feature downhill brake control, snow mode, tow mode, and AWD lock.
Is this XRT model along with the rugged new looks of all Palisade trims enough to steal some of Telluride’s thunder? Or will the team at Hyundai still remain in the shadows of their sibling SUV?
2023 Hyundai Palisade XRT Specs:
• 3.8L GDI V6 Engine • 291 Horsepower
• 262 lb-ft of Torque
• 8-speed Automatic Transmission
• All-wheel Drive (Available Front Wheel Drive)
• 5 Drive Modes (Normal, Sport, Smart, Snow, and Tow)
• Heated Front H-Tex Leatherette Seats
• Second-Row Captain’s Chairs
• Seating for 7
• Power Adjustable Front Seats
• 18 Cubic Feet of Storage Behind Third Row
• 45.8 Cubic Feet of Storage Behind Second Row
• 86.4 Cubic Feet of Storage Behind Front Row • 12.3-inch Color Touchscreen Infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 12.3-inch Digital Gauge Cluster
• Proximity Key with Push Button Start
• Hands-free Smart Liftgate w/ Auto Open
• Highway Drive Assist
• 20-inch Dark-Finished Alloy Wheels
• EPA Fuel Economy 19/25/21 (city/hwy/combined)
• Starting MSRP $34,950 (FWD SE)
• Price as tested: $43,960
All images courtesy of Capturing the Machine .
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2023 Hyundai Palisade XRT AWD
PROS
- Rugged XRT trim adds blacked-out grille, dark 20-inch wheels, and aggressive off-road styling
- HTRAC AWD with snow, tow, and AWD lock modes for real-world versatility
- Second-row captain's chairs and seating for seven with 86+ cubic feet of cargo space
- Dual 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and digital gauge cluster
- Competitive price as tested at $43,960 for a three-row AWD SUV
CONS
- Still competes in the shadow of the more popular Kia Telluride sibling
- XRT slots below Limited and Calligraphy, so luxury amenities are limited at this trim