In India, Hyundai’s flagship SUV has so far been the Tucson. Although the Tucson sells as many units in a month as Toyota’s Fortuner, it sells out in a matter of hours. The reason is simple, the Tucson looks like a bigger Creta, offers only 5 seats, and doesn’t have the road presence that SUV buyers in this segment expect.
Now, Hyundai is gearing up to change that image with its largest and most premium SUV, the Palisade. Expected to launch in India soon, the Palisade is being positioned as a more affordable alternative to the Range Rover while taking a direct aim at the Toyota Fortuner.
Hyundai Palisade Globally
Before the Palisade, Hyundai sold a car called the Santa Fe XL in markets like North America. However, its design and proportions didn’t appeal to buyers. In 2018, Hyundai showcased the Grandmaster concept, a bold and boxy SUV that hinted at a new design direction. Surprisingly, within three months, Hyundai launched the production version of the Palisade at a price of $32,000.
With seating for up to 9 passengers, two sunroofs, modern features, and styling that rivaled larger American SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade, the Palisade quickly became popular. Over the years, Hyundai has refined it further with a facelift in 2022 and a new second-generation model in 2024, which resembles a Range Rover with its boxy design and premium details.
Design and Variants.
The Palisade is offered in 6 trim options globally, most of which are suitable for India.
Base variant: Gets 9-seater layout, basic interiors, small alloys and plastic bumpers.
Mid variants: Fabric seats, optional sunroof, electronic seat controls, large infotainment and powered tailgate.
XRT Pro: Defender-inspired design with sturdy wheels, off-road tyres, limited-slip differential and orange toe hooks for an adventurous look – it is the off-roader variant.
Limited: 20-inch alloys, reclining seats and more premium cabin features.
Calligraphy: The flagship variant with Range Rover-like styling, 21-inch alloys, body-coloured trims and the most luxurious features.
For India, the XRT Pro and Calligraphy trims seem to be the most suitable, one for off-road enthusiasts and the other for those who want a luxury SUV vibe.
Dimensions and road presence.
The Palisade is almost 5 metres long and 1.9 metres wide, making it bigger than the Fortuner and the same size as the Range Rover Sport.
Length: 5 metres (longer than the Fortuner).
Width: 1.9 metres (wider than the Fortuner).
Wheels: 18-21 inch options available depending on the trim.
Exterior highlights.
- Boxy front design with horizontal slats and vertical DRLs.
- High-beam lights integrated into the grille give a futuristic effect.
- Adaptive front bumper flaps are available for better aerodynamics.
- Two sunroofs are available for the front and rear rows.
- The tail-lamps, with a vertical design, look slightly rounded, though.
- Multiple alloy options are available, ranging from 18 to 21 inches, depending on the variant.
Interior and Features.
The Palisade offers a true luxury SUV experience and modern conveniences on the inside, with the following features:
- Steering-column-mounted gear selector with start/stop control.
- Dual connected displays for infotainment and instrument cluster.
- 100W wired charging, capable of quickly charging devices.
- A captain’s seat option is also available for 3rd-row access.
- Electronic 3rd-row seats that fold/unfold at the touch of a button.
- All seats fold to create a 2000-litre luggage space.
- A camera-based IRVM is available for a clear rear view.
- A driver-to-passenger intercom system allows voice to be transmitted to the last row.
- Blind spot detection on the doors, which alerts passengers before opening the doors.
Engine options (Globally)
Globally, the Palisade is offered with multiple powertrains:
3.5L V6 petrol: Approx. 300 hp (unlikely for India).
2.5L petrol hybrid: 329 hp combined output, ~12 km/l efficiency.
2.2L diesel: 200 hp, most likely for India (same as the engine in the Kia Carnival).
Fuel tank: 80 litres, estimated range of 1000 km (claimed).
AWD system: Hyundai’s HTRAC with all-terrain modes.
For India, a 2.2L diesel and possibly a 2.5L petrol hybrid are expected. The XRT Pro trim adds a limited slip differential + extra ground clearance for real off-road capability, making it a suitable option for Indian roads.
Why it could work in India.
The Indian SUV market above ₹40 lakh is dominated by the Toyota Fortuner, with a segment share of over 90%. Other competitors like the Jeep Meridian, Skoda Kodiaq and MG Gloster struggle for various reasons, be it the lack of diesel engines, concerns over Chinese branding, or smaller dimensions.
However, the Palisade ticks several boxes. Which are strong points for it.
- It is larger and more premium than the Fortuner.
- Available in diesel and hybrid options.
- Has both the aura and road presence to rival luxury SUVs.
- Off-road capable XRT Pro, and Range Rover-like – Calligraphy trims.
Expected launch and price in India.
Hyundai has confirmed the launch of the Palisade in India before 2028. The SUV will come as an import in CKD (Completely Knocked Down) units, which helps keep the cost competitive. With reduced import duties and taxes, the expected prices are.
Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro: ₹55 lakh (Ex-showroom).
Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy: ₹60 lakh (Ex-showroom).
At this price, the Palisade offers a Range Rover-like presence for the Fortuner money, making it a very attractive option for Indian buyers.
