Hyundai launches rugged Palisade XRT Pro in Australia
Hyundai’s Palisade XRT Pro enters a competitive market where off-road traits meet family-friendly practicality. This new version, arriving in Australia, merges the second-generation Palisade’s polished cabin with genuine off-road traits—without adopting the body-on-frame structure seen in rivals like the Toyota LandCruiser Prado or Isuzu MU-X. Instead, it occupies a middle ground between daily-driving SUVs and heavy-duty 4x4s, delivering enough ruggedness for light trails while maintaining comfort for everyday use.
Pricing, Competition, and Market Position
The XRT Pro starts at $79,900 (before on-road costs), placing it between the base Elite ($76,500) and the eight-seat Calligraphy ($89,828). Hyundai projects it will account for roughly 10% of Palisade sales in Australia, competing with models such as the Mazda CX-80 (from $56,100), Skoda Kodiaq (from $49,990), and body-on-frame options like the Ford Everest (from $58,990), Isuzu MU-X (from $49,900), Toyota LandCruiser Prado (from $73,200), GWM Tank 500 (from $65,990 driveaway), and the Toyota Kluger (from $62,410). Unlike the Terracan’s body-on-frame design, the XRT Pro uses a monocoque chassis to preserve on-road comfort while adding off-road elements like a locally adjusted suspension and 25mm extra ground clearance (totaling 212mm).
Power comes from a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic, producing 207kW and 422Nm. This setup allows towing of 2,200kg (braked) or 750kg (unbraked). Fuel efficiency sits at 11.2L/100km, though it trails behind competitors like the GWM Tank 500, which manages up to 3,500kg. The trade-off enables its off-road package.
Design Touches: Rugged Looks Meet Luxury
Externally, the XRT Pro features 18-inch alloy wheels with Continental Cross Contact All-Terrain tires, blacked-out bumpers, and front recovery hooks. Inside, it keeps the Palisade’s luxury touches—a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bose 14-speaker audio system, and ventilated front seats—while adding rugged details like a “mountain-themed” seat fabric and XRT branding. The cabin remains spacious, with 317 liters of boot space (expandable to 2,098 liters when all rows are folded) and a full-size spare wheel stored under the rear hatch.
The XRT Pro’s off-road features include three drive modes (Mud, Sand, and Snow), an electronic limited-slip differential, and a ground-view camera. It handled steep slopes and loose terrain better than anticipated, though its 212mm ground clearance and 20.5-degree approach angle remain modest compared to body-on-frame rivals. For weekend adventurers prioritizing comfort over extreme capability, it strikes a practical balance.
On-Road Performance and Warranty Value
On the road, the 207kW engine provides sufficient power for the SUV’s weight. The suspension blends softness for city driving with firmness to hint at rough terrain beneath. Hyundai’s seven-year/unlimited-kilometer warranty and $3,752 seven-year servicing package add value, though rivals like the Toyota Kluger (from $62,410) offer similar long-term coverage.
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Challenges include a $3,400 premium over the base Elite and a 1,300kg towing disadvantage against some competitors. Yet for buyers seeking a rugged-looking SUV without sacrificing daily usability, it meets key requirements. Whether this appeal outweighs cheaper alternatives remains unclear.
Testing Finds Aggressive Lane-Keeping Assist
Testing uncovered one issue: the lane-keeping assist behaves too aggressively, frequently correcting the steering wheel. Other safety tech, including the 360-degree camera and blind-spot monitoring, functions well, though some advanced driver aids are buried in menus.
The Palisade XRT Pro’s digital off-road tools complement its mechanical traits. The ground-view camera, integrated into the 12.3-inch touchscreen, displays real-time undercarriage views to help avoid obstacles during steep descents or uneven surfaces. Hyundai also added dedicated off-road screens on the instrument cluster and infotainment display, accessible via an XRT button on the steering wheel. These screens track metrics like pitch, roll, and tire pressures, though their everyday relevance is limited compared to off-road use.
While the XRT Pro’s off-road metrics—20.5-degree approach angle, 22.4-degree departure angle, and 18.3-degree ramp-over angle—fall short of body-on-frame rivals, they reflect a deliberate trade-off between capability and comfort. The locally tuned suspension, with adjusted springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars, keeps the SUV stable on rough ground without sacrificing the soft ride expected of a family vehicle. The electronic limited-slip differential improves traction by dynamically distributing power to the wheels with the best grip. Combined with the three drive modes, this system lets drivers adapt to different surfaces.
The XRT Pro’s interior retains the second-generation Palisade’s premium features, including synthetic leather upholstery, a Bose sound system, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Off-road touches like the “mountain-inspired” seat pattern and blacked-out controls reinforce its rugged identity without compromising the cabin’s polished look. The second row offers ample legroom for three adults, though the third row tightens unless the second row is adjusted forward. Hyundai includes a full-size spare wheel under the rear hatch, ready for minor punctures or breakdowns. Boot space measures 317 liters with all rows upright, expanding to 2,098 liters when seats are folded, making it adaptable for family trips or cargo needs.
