Well, hello, again! That seems like a good way to re-introduce you to the Hyundai Palisade XRT. The XRT trim joined the Palisade lineup in 2023 and I reviewed it then. A carryover for 2024, the XRT falls in the middle of the lineup. slotting below the Limited and Calligraphy. Its rugged looks are more about style than off-road capability.
Exterior
Of course, it never gets old to see a Palisade in my driveway, its looks always impressive. The XRT adds a rugged appeal to its sophisticated design. This large three-row SUV looks sharp in Steel Graphite.
It's a gorgeous hue set against the blacked-out XRT-exclusive exterior design elements: 20-inch dark-finish wheels, a dark finish grille, exclusive lower bumpers and lower door garnish. Of course, you can't go all-in on rugged looks without black roof and side rails. Up front, the entire Palisade lineup is equipped with LED headlights and daytime running lights, and in back, LED tail lights.
Powertrain
The Palisade's powertrain is a highlight. A 3.8-liter V6 delivers 291-horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It's mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration is great for an SUV this size. This XRT is also outfitted with standard All-Wheel Drive which added Tow Mode last year.
Interior
A rugged XRT vibe extends to the spacious 7-passenger cabin. It's well-designed and user-friendly. It's also not very tech-forward, so it's likely to appeal to those who prefer traditional controls.
A nice interior isn't quite as upscale as the two top trims, but it features an appropriate mix of both soft-touch and plastic materials befitting its XRT status. For instance, the XRT features a cloth headliner as opposed to a more premium Melange of Microfiber on the top trims.
Black H-Tex leatherette-trimmed seats feature detailed contrasting piping and stitching. Hyundai could stand to up the power seat adjustments up a notch. The cushiony driver's seat is 8-way power- the passenger's, 6-way. They're both heated but not ventilated. Also, sadly you don't get Hyundai's wonderful Ergo Motion driver's seat - it's only on the Calligraphy trim. You miss out on the cushion extender as well, as it's reserved for the Limited and Calligraphy.
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The leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters feels great. Above it, a driver display is bright and easy to read.
A very wide center console seems a bit outdated by its lack of tech and abundance of buttons. It houses a shift-by-wire gear shift, a drive mode select dial and a bunch of traditional controls for the climate and things like the brake auto hold and stop/start. A sliding console cover neatly hides two cupholders.
A responsive 12.3-inch touchscreen displays great graphics and map quality. The multimedia system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with Bluetooth, SiriusXM and HD Radio. I did wish for more rearview camera real estate given the screen size.
Hyundai's Dynamic Voice Recognition is exceptional. You can ask it if it's going to rain tomorrow, what time it is and more.
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Reclining captain's chairs keep the second-row passengers in comfort. They also have their own digital A/C controls plus new for 2024, manual sunshades.
One-touch sliding 2nd-row seats have electric cargo-area releases. It gives you easy access to the third row 60/40 split seat, which is big enough to fit adults. However, a power 3rd row is reserved for the top trim.
You'll get USB-C ports for the first two rows, but not the third. A wireless charger is standard.
A hands-free liftgate is standard on XRT. Cargo space doesn't disappoint and includes an underfloor storage compartment. The cargo area served well as a transport for some spring blooms for a local garden shop.
I do think the XRT would benefit from some rugged all-weather floor mats instead of carpet ones to complete the "look'.
Things you can't get on the XRT Trim include rain-sensing wipers, dual panel sunroof, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, 2nd row heated seats, a power 3rd row, Driver Talk intercom, surround view monitor, head-up display and third-row USB C ports. You miss out on a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio, too.
Ride and Drive
In the ride and drive department, the Palisade gets my thumbs up for its great acceleration as well as its smooth ride (something my mom remarked upon as well.) The steering feel isn't terribly engaging, but if that's important to you, Sport Mode will be your go-to drive mode. Overall, it's a comfortable, confident, and enjoyable daily driver both in the city and on the highway. It's quiet, too. Visibility is great as well thanks to the 8-inches of ground clearance.
Safety
Hyundai's advanced safety technology continues to be a favorite of mine. The Palisade is equipped with Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Stop N Go Cruise with Curve Control, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Safe Exit Assist, and Driver Attention Warning. The XRT is also equipped with Reverse Parking Distance Warning and Ultrasonic Rear Occupant Alert.
Highway Driving Assist I - the automaker's well-executed semi-autonomous system - is standard on the XRT. However, Hyundai's most updated Highway Driving Assist II tech, which is outstanding, is reserved for the top two trims.
What You'll Pay
Given the car market these days, it won't surprise you to learn the 2024 Palisade XRT gets a slight price bump for 2024 of $1,104. The only option on this model: $215 carpeted floor mats, bringing the total MSRP to $45,100 (vs last year's $43,960.)
Verdict
The Palisade XRT shines when it comes to its rugged good looks, but the cabin lacks some of my must-have premium convenience features offered on the higher trims. However, the Palisade, at every level, is a comfortable, enjoyable and stylish SUV that's a great value for the price.
- What I liked most: XRT looks and exterior design, ride and drive.
- What I would change: Add more amenities and exclusive XRT floor mats.
- MSRP: Base price: $43,550; As equipped $45,100.
- Fuel Economy: 19 city/24 highway/ 21 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 1,874 miles.
- Weight: 4,389 – 4,506 curb pounds.
- Spare Tire: Temporary spare tire.
- Length-Width-Height: 196.1” long/77.8” wide/68.9" high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.8 gallons with the filler on the driver side.
- Official Color: Steel Graphite.
- Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds.
- Ground Clearance: 8".
- 2024 Palisade XRT in a few words: It's easy to see why this roomy, stylish and comfortable three-row SUV is so popular.
- Warranty: 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, 7-year anti-perforation warranty.
- Final Assembly Location: Ulsan, Korea.
- Manufacturer's website: Hyundai
