Hyundai Palisade PREMIUM

Highlights

• 2,268 kg maximum braked towing capacity
• Eight seats with all-wheel drive
• Ventilated front and rear seats standard

Summary

This 2023 Hyundai Palisade is an exceptional find in the GCC market, offering a high-spec family solution with an eight-seat configuration. At three years old with 72,000 km, its mileage is exactly in line with typical GCC highway use, where vehicles are built to handle long distances with ease. The black exterior is a premier resale color in the region, ensuring strong value retention when it comes time to upgrade. As a Premium trim, it bridges the gap between everyday utility and executive luxury, featuring high-end cabin cooling and advanced driver aids. For the family buyer in the UAE or Saudi Arabia, the Palisade's robust V6 and extensive local service network make it one of the most practical flagship SUVs available today.

This Car vs Other 2023 Palisades

At 72,000 km over three years, this vehicle sits at the expected average for a family SUV in the GCC, where annual distances of 20,000–25,000 km are common. This usage level indicates the car has been broken in on smooth highways rather than idling in heavy city traffic. The black finish is among the most sought-after colors in the local used market, often commanding a quicker sale and better price than niche colors.

PREMIUM vs Lower Trims

The Premium trim adds several features that are indispensable in the GCC climate, most notably ventilated seats for both the first and second rows. It also upgrades the cabin with a larger 12.3-inch digital cockpit and premium Harman Kardon audio, features often missing on the SE or base SEL. For the driver, the inclusion of a 360-degree camera system and a head-up display provides a level of tech usually reserved for the top-tier Calligraphy.

Palisade vs Segment Rivals

The Palisade leads its segment by offering a genuinely usable third row that can accommodate adults, outclassing rivals like the Mazda CX-9 in interior volume. Against the Toyota Highlander, it offers a more powerful naturally aspirated V6, which many GCC buyers prefer for its predictable maintenance and highway overtaking power. Its 71-liter fuel tank is specifically designed for the long-distance hauls between major emirates and across borders.

Running Costs & Resale

The 3.8L V6 is a proven powertrain in the region, known for its reliability in extreme heat and compatibility with standard petrol grades. While this Korean-spec model offers high equipment levels, buyers benefit from the massive Hyundai service network across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with parts readily available at authorized centers like Juma Al Majid and Wallan. Typical depreciation for the Palisade at the three-year mark is roughly 28%, making this a stable asset compared to many European luxury rivals.

Performance & Capability

The 295 hp V6 delivers a refined 0–100 km/h time of approximately 7.7 seconds, providing ample power for merging onto fast-moving GCC highways. The HTRAC All-Wheel Drive system includes selectable terrain modes, allowing for confident handling on sand-blown roads or gravel tracks during weekend family outings. With a 2,268 kg towing capacity, it is fully equipped to handle jet ski trailers or small campers for outdoor enthusiasts.

Comfort & Cabin

This specific unit features the highly desirable eight-seat layout, utilizing a second-row bench to maximize passenger capacity. The triple-zone climate control is engineered for the Middle East, featuring dedicated roof-mounted vents that ensure row three stays as cool as row one during peak summer. Acoustic-laminated glass significantly reduces wind noise, creating a quiet sanctuary for long drives between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Safety

Safety is comprehensive with the Hyundai SmartSense suite, featuring Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance which is vital for multi-lane highway driving. It also includes Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, making heavy traffic in Riyadh or Dubai much less fatiguing. The 360-degree Surround View Monitor is a standard inclusion on this trim, simplifying parking for a vehicle of this footprint.

The bottom line

For a large family seeking a high-tech, eight-seat SUV that balances executive features with Hyundai's legendary reliability, this 2023 Palisade is a standout opportunity in a high-demand color.

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