2023 Hyundai Palisade

2023 Hyundai Palisade

Business As Usual For Hyundai

Episode 4221
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

Even after spinning Genesis off as a unique luxury division, Hyundai has continued to march their own brand more and more in that direction. 2020’s Palisade was not only their most luxurious suv yet, but also their biggest. And if we’ve learned nothing else this century, it’s that Hyundai doesn’t stand pat for long. So, for 2023 the Palisade gets a host of updates that make it more appealing than ever!

While it didn’t exactly come out of nowhere, it’s doubtful many people thought that the Hyundai Palisade would become as popular as it has in just 3 short years.  And with popularity comes higher expectations of customers, but also an increased effort on the side of the manufacturer to deliver even more. That’s where this 2023 Hyundai Palisade comes in; not only highlighting numerous exterior updates, but changes in technology for both convenience and driving assistance.  

It’s hard to miss that cascading grille; it’s bigger, yes, but also with more sophisticated, upscale styling. Both the headlamps and daytime running lights have been redesigned to blend into surroundings a little more than before; and there are new wheel designs throughout the lineup; these 20-inch multi-spoke alloys specific to top Calligraphy trim. Additional features such as auto-dimming side mirrors have also been added.  

When it comes to the interior, most of what you interact with has also been updated. There’s a new dash that appears leaner and more linear, with slimmer control panels that are also more digital than before; as well as a larger housing for the 12-inch infotainment display. It still blends into the gauge cluster as before, but now does so more smoothly. There’s a new steering wheel with updated controls, nicer materials throughout the cabin, and wireless phone charging increases from 5 to 15-watts.

Lots of updates in the 7 or 8 passenger seating areas too. Front seats get new covers made of finer materials. Our tester’s second-row captain’s chairs get adjustable armrests, and 3rd row seats can now be heated.  

Front seats are still not as plush feeling as some but are definitely all-around comfortable for long trips. Second-row room is generous, there’s quick and easy access to the standard third row, and dual sunroofs allow in lots of natural light. And we love the wealth of small item storage places front to back. Cargo space remains a very plentiful 18.0 cubic-ft. behind the 3rd row, 45.8 behind the 2nd, and a max of 86.4 behind the front seats.    

Powertrain is unchanged; that means a 3.8-liter V6 and 8-speed automatic transmission delivering 291-horsepower and 262 lb-ft. of torque, but we felt a trip to Mason Dixon Dragway was still in order.   

Traction was good off the line, leaving with just a slight chirp of the tires, and delivering steady power almost immediately.  Still, this is a big vehicle, so taking a full 7.0-seconds to hit 60 is not out of line by any means. The 8-speed automatic worked smoothly, ripping through 1st and 2nd gears quickly, while taking its time with 3rd and 4th; helping the Palisade complete the ¼-mile in 15.3-seconds at 92 miles-per-hour.  

It felt good in our handling course too, with moderately weighted steering feel and only minor amounts of understeer.  Body roll was moderate, but it was easy to keep a smooth consistent pace through the cones, with very little stability control intervention, and no drama to speak of. A new tow mode has been added to bring drive mode options to 7, allowing the transmission to hold onto gears a little longer, but max towing capability remains at 5,000-lbs. It’s integrated into Hyundai’s active HTRAC all-wheel-drive system which is available in all trims and uses selective braking not only to enhance traction in slippery situations but provide handling benefits by helping the vehicle rotate through turns. Brakes were quite good as well despite a very soft pedal; only moderate nosedive, with straight and smooth stops of just 108-feet from 60.  

Safety and driver assistance technology also get upgraded, along with added Remote Smart Parking Assist and enhanced Highway Driving Assist. And finally, Hyundai follows the trend of off-road inspired utilities with a new toughened up XRT trim.   

Pricing starts at just $36,545, with top Calligraphy coming in at only $50,495. All-wheel-drive is a $1,900 option with all trims.  

So, a lot of little and some not so little things have changed about the 2023 Hyundai Palisade 3-row SUV. But, the most important thing of all hasn’t changed. That is, the Palisade continues to deliver an amazing amount of luxury, practicality, and comfort at a quite attainable price. Sounds like business as usual for Hyundai.

Specifications

  • Engine: 3.8L V6
  • Horsepower: 291
  • Torque: 262 lb-ft
  • 0-60 mph: 7.0 seconds
  • 1/4 Mile: 15.3 seconds at 92 mph
  • 60-0 Braking: 108 feet (avg)
  • EPA: 19 City / 25 Highway / 21 Combined
  • MW Fuel Economy: 24.9 mpg
Honda Prologue Reinvigorates Brand’s Electric Efforts

2024 Honda Prologue

Honda Shows Up Late To EV Party, Brings Best Appetizer

Episode 4329
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

Except for some very limited run vehicles over the years, Honda has largely been sitting out the EV revolution. But that all changes now their first high volume effort, the Prologue. So, let’s find out if it is indeed the start of a great run for Honda.

The 2024 Honda Prologue is not only the brand’s first serious battery electric effort, but it’s also a substantial midsize five-passenger SUV, coming in about 3-inches longer than the internal combustion Passport. Though it’s worth noting, they got here with the help of General Motors and their Ultium EV platform.

So, Honda came to play, both with ultra-competitive pricing and segment leading 296 miles of range. That’s with the standard single-motor front-wheel drive EX rated for 212 horsepower, but top Elite doesn’t sacrifice all that much, coming in at 273 miles. The additional rear motor raises total output to 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft torque.

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Relatively low output numbers in the EV game, but the Elite’s all-wheel drive setup delivered plenty enough acceleration to get our blood pumping during some early and very wet drive time through the recent historic downpours in Northern California.

And while Honda did get here with the help of GM and their Ultium chassis, the multi-link suspension bolted to it has been optimized by Honda for a “dynamic driving experience.” It was indeed plenty of fun to drive, nimble for its size with responsive steering, though we were also happy to find it comfortable and safe feeling in those weather conditions. It also has great visibility and a very natural feel to it that quickly has you forgetting you’re in an EV.

Comprehensive drive modes address just about every aspect of the driving experience, from power delivery to steering response and even braking power; but also changes things up inside with lighting and displays as well as active sound control.

For now, all Prologues come with an 85-kWh battery that will accept up to 150-kW fast charging for 65 miles of range for every 10 minutes on charge.

It also has great visibility and a very natural feel to it that quickly has you forgetting you’re in an EV.

As we’ve come to expect from Honda, the Prologue’s interior is minimalistic and practical, though not fully simplistic as there is plenty of tech on display, including the very high-mounted 11.3-inch touchscreen display. It has a Google-based operating system built into it like in the latest Accord Touring, and you can still use your Apple Carplay and Android Auto phones, both of which connect wirelessly.

Just below that display is some refreshingly easy to use traditional climate controls, and behind the steering wheel is a hoodless 11-inch tablet-style gauge display. Honda worked with Bose to develop an EV-specific sound system with 12 speakers. The standard EX’s system works with six speakers.

Being an EV means more space inside for both front and rear passengers than a vehicle built around a conventional drivetrain. Though with a substantial dual-level center console it doesn’t have the open floorplan of some EVs. The top layer of that console houses dedicated cell phone storage, mega-sized cupholders and Honda’s first use of a pocket-type wireless phone charger, which is standard. There’s space in back for 23.7 cubic-feet of cargo; 54.5 cubic-feet with the 60/40 split rear seatbacks folded; plus, more space under the cargo floor.

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And while length and ground clearance are in the ballpark with the Passport, the Prologue’s wheelbase is nearly a foot longer, and it sits much lower, with a design theme that Honda calls “neo-rugged.” Its slick shape and smooth body panels are clearly designed for enhancing aerodynamics, yet the overall design doesn’t necessarily shout it from the rooftops. Aero-optimized 19-inch wheels are standard, with Elite rolling on 21s, a first for Honda. Roof rails, panoramic roof, and power liftgate are standard on all but the base EX.
With the launch of this new generation of Honda comes new badging that looks to the past with throwback-looking Honda script now spelled out across the back. The Prologue and future Honda EVs also get a new “e” series logo.

Comprehensive Honda Sensing safety features are included on most Prologues, with just rear pedestrian alert and a Surround Vision camera system reserved for Elite.

Pricing starts, before incentives, at just $48,795 for a front-wheel-drive EX, top Elite comes with all-wheel drive and starts at $59,295.

Like most brands, Honda has big plans to deliver a full array of battery electrics in the near future, making significant investments here in the U.S. to make it happen. It may have taken a little help from General Motors to get them started, but Honda is in the EV game for real now, and it arrives at a great time when competition in the midsize SUV EV ranks is getting serious. So, the 2024 Honda Prologue does indeed look like the start of something special for Honda, and for all of us.

Specifications

As Tested

  • Motor Setup: Dual Motor
  • Horsepower: 288
  • Range: 273 miles
  • Battery Size: 85-kWh
  • Torque: 333 lb-ft
  • Peak Charging Rate: 150-kW