Chicago Auto Show Blog

Hyundai’s all-new, three-row, flagship SUV – the 2020 Palisade – took center stage at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show and, recently, the Chicago Auto Show team had the chance to attend Hyundai’s regional program featuring a driving excursion to Starved Rock State Park. The event was part of the Midwest Automotive Media Association’s July meeting where 25 media members had the chance to learn more about and evaluate the Palisade on an hour-and-a-half-drive (each way) to the scenic state park.

 

Hyundai’s Vice President of Product, Corporate and Digital Planning Mike O’Brien and Manager of Product Planning Trevor Lai led a brief presentation on the Palisade prior to the road test. O’Brien and Lai discussed the special features that set the Palisade apart from its competition in the already crowded three-row SUV segment. 

 

 

The Palisade name references a line of high cliffs and signifies the strength of a fortress; the SUV’s bold exterior and strong profile are reflective of its moniker. The long wheelbase is designed to deliver a pleasant ride, and 20-inch wheels give the midsize SUV a planted stance. The color palate choices are subtle and reserved, which accentuates the Palisade’s upscale positioning. 

 

The Palisade’s interior has a high-end look; the top-line Limited model includes luxury features such as quilted Nappa leather seats, ambient lighting, Harmon Kardon premium audio system and a surround-view monitor. Cargo space abounds; there’s 18 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seats, growing to 86.4 cubic feet with the second- and third-row seats folded. The standard second-row bench seat provides eight-passenger seating, but second-row captain’s chairs are also available for seven-passenger capacity and easier access to the third row.

 

 

The Palisade also offers loads of convenience features, including one-touch third-row access (where the second-row seat folds and slides with a press of a button when entering or exiting the vehicle) and available power-folding third-row seats. 

 

In terms of tech, the Palisade features an all-new digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch widescreen navigation system, available “driver talk” in-car intercom (to broadcast the driver’s voice through the rear speakers) and a “quiet mode” feature (which mutes the speakers in the back so parents can listen to music/podcasts while kids sleep, for example). 

 

Hyundai’s SmartSense safety technology also comes standard on every Palisade. Features include: adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, high beam assist, driver attention warning, safe exit assist, highway drive assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, ultrasonic rear occupant alert and lane following assist. 

 

 

The Palisade is available in three trim levels, with the SE starting at $31,550, the SEL at $33,500 and the Limited at $44,700. 

 

Hyundai’s currently offering a $50 reward card just for test-driving a Palisade. Visit Hyundai’s Palisade website for more information on the promotion. For those interested in test-driving an all-new Palisade, visit DriveChicago.com to find the closest dealership.