2023 Hyundai Palisade is one handsome-looking SUV

Last week, someone at Hyundai (accidentally) revealed the 2023 Palisade before its debut at this year's New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). It gave us an early look at the Palisade's redesigned body. But since we only got to see its exterior, we still don't know what changes Hyundai made to its interior, as well as to its powertrain.

Fortunately, Hyundai has officially revealed the refreshed flagship SUV at the annual auto show in New York. So what did the automaker change on the 2023 Palisade?

For starters, it gets a wider 'Cascading Grille' that is complemented by new vertical LED daytime running lights. It also comes with restyled bumpers, a new set of LED headlights, and auto-dimming side mirrors. Other exterior revisions Hyundai made are the bold C-pillars, panoramic side glass graphics, extended hood profile, 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, tweaked LED taillights, and a new lower fascia skid plate for the rear.

Open the doors, and the 2023 Palisade greets occupants with a redesigned dashboard, as well as a new steering wheel. While some might say it still looks the same as before, Hyundai cleverly relocated the audio controls while the aircon vents are now incorporated within an elegant strip that stretches from the instrument cluster to the passenger side door.

Speaking of the instrument panel, the gauges are now digital while the touchscreen infotainment now measures 12.3-inches. Aside from the usual Bluetooth and USB connectivity, the media display also comes with navigation and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Other neat upgrades include USB-C charging ports, an upgraded wireless charging pad, and a one-touch folding function for the second-row seats.

Under the hood, the US-spec Palisade only comes with one engine; a 3.8-liter direct-injection V6 with dual CVVT. It makes a generous 295 PS along with 355 Nm of torque and is coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission. To ensure optimum grip over any terrain, the Palisade can be fitted with an optional all-wheel-drive system called HTRAC. Front-wheel drive comes as standard on the Palisade.

Keeping the driver and passengers safe at all times is a suite of intelligent driver aids. From forward collision avoidance assist, navigation-based cruise control, highway driving assist, reverser parking collision avoidance assist, and remote smart parking assist, the 2023 Palisade is one intelligent vehicle.

With the 2023 Palisade now in the US, could it make its way to the Philippines? Before, Hyundai Asia Resources Inc (HARI) used to offer the Palisade with a 2.2-liter turbo-diesel engine. However, the company quietly discontinued selling the SUV months after it was launched during the 2019 Manila International Auto Show.

But with a new distributor set to take over operations, it might just make a comeback in the near future. For now, all we can do is wait for the possibility that the Palisade will once again be offered in the country.