Hyundai Palisade SMART Sel Full option 2022

Highlights

• 0–100 km/h in 7.8 seconds
• 291 hp from a 3.8L Naturally Aspirated V6
• Seven seats with HTRAC All-Wheel Drive

Summary

This 2022 Hyundai Palisade is a standout choice for GCC families who need a balance of power and luxury-grade cabin refinement. The 3.8L V6 provides effortless highway overtaking, a critical factor for long-distance driving between the Emirates. Finished in Burgundy—a sophisticated alternative to the common whites and silvers—this model maintains high resale appeal thanks to its premium aesthetic. With a seating layout designed for genuine passenger comfort, it serves as a more refined alternative to body-on-frame competitors. For a GCC buyer, this powertrain's naturally aspirated simplicity ensures long-term mechanical reliability in extreme desert heat.

This Car vs Other 2022 Palisades

With 102,008 km, this vehicle sits at the average annual mileage for a GCC-based highway commuter, reflecting typical use across major arterial routes. Unlike many imported regional specs, this model’s configuration is well-suited for the local climate and benefits from the strong service network presence in the region. The Burgundy exterior is a sought-after shade that offers better heat reflection than black while providing a more exclusive feel than standard white.

SMART vs Lower Trims

The SMART trim level elevates the Palisade experience by bridging the gap between basic utility and executive luxury. It typically introduces features essential for the GCC climate, including upgraded climate control systems and enhanced infotainment interfaces over the base models. You also gain key active safety aids and driver convenience features that make navigating tight city traffic in Dubai or Riyadh significantly easier.

Palisade vs Segment Rivals

The Palisade leads the Kia Telluride in terms of interior material perceived quality and offers a more refined, car-like ride than the Toyota Highlander. Its 3.8L GDi engine provides a traditional V6 response that many GCC buyers prefer over the smaller turbocharged units found in modern American rivals. With three rows of seating that actually accommodate adults, it provides superior third-row legroom compared to most mid-size crossovers in this segment.

Running Costs & Resale

Real-world fuel consumption averages around 11.5 L/100km combined, which is competitive for a heavy All-Wheel Drive V6 SUV in GCC stop-start traffic. Hyundai’s extensive authorized service center presence across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait ensures that parts are readily available and maintenance costs remain predictable. The Palisade has historically shown a shallow depreciation curve in the GCC, retaining approximately 70-75% of its value after the first three years.

Performance & Capability

The naturally aspirated 3.8L engine delivers 291 horsepower and 355 Nm of torque, enabling a smooth 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds. The HTRAC All-Wheel Drive system includes a dedicated 'Snow' mode which, in the GCC context, is highly effective for maintaining traction on loose sand and gravel during weekend desert escapes. On the highway, the 8-speed automatic transmission stays in its power band for confident overtaking at speeds of 120-140 km/h.

Comfort & Cabin

This 7-seater configuration features a spacious layout with dedicated rear cooling vents that are vital for maintaining cabin temperature during summer peaks. The cabin is engineered with sound-reducing glass to isolate passengers from highway road noise, creating a tranquil environment for long family road trips. Standard tech includes a large touchscreen with smartphone integration and multiple USB ports throughout all three rows to keep the whole family connected.

Safety

The 2022 Palisade comes equipped with a comprehensive safety suite including Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, which are indispensable on busy multi-lane highways. It also features Safe Exit Assist, preventing rear doors from opening if a vehicle is approaching from behind. Forward Collision-Avoidance and Lane Keeping Assist provide an extra layer of protection during long, fatiguing highway journeys across the region.

The bottom line

This Palisade is the ideal match for a growing family that prioritizes a premium cabin and V6 reliability without the high maintenance costs of a European luxury brand.

AI insights generated from market expert data. Always inspect the vehicle before purchase.