#2020 Hyundai Santa Fe N Powertrain

[headslow]

2020 Hyundai Santa Fe N Release Date, Sport, Redesign, and Price

2020 Hyundai Santa Fe N Release Date, Sport, Redesign, and Price

2020 Hyundai Santa Fe N Release Date, Sport, Redesign, and Price. Hyundai made it obvious in 2013 if they started their sports branch called N which functionality is exactly what they need. Soon after they started their very first N branded versions i30 N and Veloster N. Currently, the time has arrived in 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe N. Though Korean auto manufacturer didn’t officially declare this…

[hdhfwbgfhblwfofewo]

2020 Hyundai Santa Fe N Diesel, Release Date, Redesign, Price. Santa Fe crossover SUV is a rising star. And Hyundai is serious about it. The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is going to fix all lacks of the first model of the third generation.

2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Specs

Under the hood of the standard model will be a 2.0-liter engine with the capability to produce 235 hp. The same powertrain is being used by the new Hyundai Veloster, and it can deliver 270 hp. Torque is the same– 260 lb-ft.

The company dropped a 3.3-liter engine from a new generation in favor of mentioned turbo unit, and a base 2.4-liter powertrain. Well, fuel economy is better, around 25 mpg combined.

Towing Capacity, Hybrid, Diesel

It is official – bosses announced a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe diesel. Emission restrictions are not a problem anymore for the new model. Well, even with gasoline drivetrains, the Santa Fe is pretty capable to tow– 5,000 pounds.

Hyundai is going to reconsider this model since the development of a hybrid drivetrain needs a lot of effort, time, and cash. Well, engineers could pair a 2.0-liter unit with electric motors for 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid.

What do we expect from the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe? New colors. A convertible model

Top models are getting a new competition. Hey, 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is not doing that only in standard class, but also the upper version Edge ST sees a rival in N Sport version. All in all, we can’t wait for all Santa Fe is going to bring in 2020.

2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Spy Shots – The SUV is Coming

The prototype of the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe means a lot to fans. New parts for N Performance model? There are no more big surprises with Hyundai.

2020 Hyundai Santa Fe N Sport Performance to Compete Ford Edge ST

Well, the domestic company and a favorite compact crossover of US buyers always get a special treatment. The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe N Sport is there to spoil the party.

More dark details instead of chrome will make the Santa Fe more aggressive and elegant. From what we know so far, grille and roof are going to be painted in new color.

2020 Hyundai Santa Fe N Sportier Interior and Performance

The new 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe N model will be recognizable from outside and inside. Sportier seats and contrasting colors are highlights of the N performance version.

A special engine is also available for Hyundai Santa Fe N in 2020. It is a Theta II unit with 235 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque for the base model.

Image Credit: X-Tomi Design

2020 Hyundai Santa Fe XL

The company doesn’t cut the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe XL version. All in all, we will see again a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe third-row 7-seater in salons.

Hyundai Santa Fe Convertible in Production?

We could see a preview of the convertible version of the Santa Fe three-row SUV, but the company immediately stated this was a prototype and the vehicle is not going into production. The cabriolet vehicle could be part of the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe lineup.

Ground Clearance

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is not going to improve off-road capabilities of its predecessor. The new model is not going to increase the ground clearance and gap between the body and terrain, so the Santa Fe should remain on asphalt.

2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Release Date and Price

Model for 2019 season arrived very early, so the first update of the new generation could be finished in the first half of next year. Well, everything depends on options Hyundai wants to add for Santa Fe 2020.

As for the release date, the price of the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe will depend on a number of upgrades. Well, the base SUV will cost the same.

2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Gallery

2020 Hyundai Santa Fe N Diesel, Release Date, Redesign, Price 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe N Diesel, Release Date, Redesign, Price. Santa Fe crossover SUV is a rising star.

[perksofwifi]

Coming Soon from Hyundai? A Performance Kona N, Spicier Elantra, and More

In recent years, Hyundai has bulked up or revised its American SUV lineup to include the subcompact Kona crossover, the Palisade large three-row, and everything in between. This year, the expansion and updates will only continue. What appears to be the 2020 production schedule for Hyundai’s Ulsan, Korea, plant has surfaced online, and if accurate, it reveals some important vehicles we can expect to see from Hyundai this year—and when:

Santa Fe

An updated Hyundai Santa Fe will arrive in May, according to the schedule revealed on Autospy.net and The Korean Car Blog. The mid-size two-row crossover is expected to gain a hybrid powertrain hybrid option.

Elantra

The schedule also points to a June start for the just-released Elantra hybrid and new, sporty N-Line Elantra/Avante. But Hyundai previously announced production on the redesigned 2021 Elantra would begin in Korea and Alabama in the fall. The compact sedan features a much more upscale exterior design, a high-tech cabin, and a new platform that should improve handling and ride quality.

Kona

The high-performance Kona N version of the mainstream Kona subcompact crossover will enter production in July, per the schedule. As we previously reported, expect the Kona N to use a version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder found in the Veloster N hatchback.

Tucson

In August, look for a new Tucson SUV. This compact crossover should ride on the same platform as the striking new 2020 Sonata and will likely feature the same 191-hp 2.5-liter inline-four paired to an eight-speed automatic. It could also get a turbo variant, hybrid variants, and possibly even a performance N version down the line. The next-gen Tucson was previewed by the Hyundai Vision T concept at last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show.

Genesis

In October, we can expect the GV70, a compact SUV from the luxury Genesis brand, to join the brand’s just-revealed GV80.

If there’s one asterisk we’ll add, it is this: The COVID-19 outbreak’s effect on this (possible) production schedule isn’t yet clear. We wouldn’t be surprised to see delays not only from Hyundai, but from all major automakers during these uncertain times, given the strains on manufacturing personnel, supply chains, and cooling buyer interest.

The post Coming Soon from Hyundai? A Performance Kona N, Spicier Elantra, and More appeared first on MotorTrend.

https://www.motortrend.com/news/hyundai-2020-production-schedule-leaks-kona-n-more/ visto antes em https://www.motortrend.com

[hyundaiowners]

Next-generation 2020 Hyundai i20

The Hyundai i20 will enter its third generation next year, with styling cues borrowed from its larger sibling, the i30 hatchback

This is our first look at the all-new Hyundai i20. The Korean firm’s latest supermini will reach the UK market by mid-2020, with a range of powertrain and chassis tweaks, fresh technology and styling features lifted from its larger sibling, the i30 hatchback.

We’ve already seen spy shots of a hot i20 N mule, wearing the same body as the current model. As such, we expect the standard next-generation model will be based on the same platform and field a similar engine range as the outgoing i20, albeit with a range of handling, ride and efficiency tweaks.

Like the old model from Group 1 Hyundai, the new i20’s engine range will feature a 1.2-litre four-cylinder and a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder, in a couple of states of tune each. Buyers will also be offered the choice of a five-speed manual, a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, depending on the engine.

The performance-focussed i20 N will offer Hyundai a rival to the Ford Fiesta ST. It’ll likely be powered by a tuned version of the Korean firm’s 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol, producing around 200bhp – enough to make it competitive with the 197bhp Fiesta ST, but not so much that it treads on the toes of Hyundai’s flagship hot hatch, the 247bhp i30 N.

Hyundai has retained its supermini’s compact proportions and practical five-door layout, with the most noticeable changes being the adoption of the brand’s larger “cascading grille” and slim headlight design, as seen on the latest Santa Fe SUV.

Technology updates, lifted from larger Hyundai models, will also feature. We expect the new i20 will use the Korean brand’s latest eight-inch infotainment system (as fitted to the Hyundai i30), while a wealth of safety equipment will be offered as standard, including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and a driver attention warning system.

Article source: https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/hyundai/i20/35294/next-generation-2020-hyundai-i20-caught-on-camera

[carpostnet]

Hyundai Motor Group to bolster EV range, targets 44 electrified models by 2025

6th Jan 2020 9:00 am

In addition to electrification, the group is betting huge on autonomous know-how and shared mobility.

As the automotive trade witnesses what might be seen as considered one of its most disruptive eras, the Hyundai Motor Group has revealed that it’s focusing on to have 44 electrified models in its world vary by 2025. In his New Year’s message, Euisun Chung, govt vice-chairman, Hyundai Motor Group, stated, “To consolidate our leadership in vehicle electrification, we plan to operate 44 electrified models by 2025, including 11 dedicated battery electric vehicles (BEVs), by bolstering the development of EV platforms and core components.”

The Group’s electrified line-up, which comprised 24 models in 2019, shall be expanded to 44 models by 2025, together with 13 hybrids, six plug-in hybrids, 23 BEVs and two fuel-cell electrical autos (FCEVs). In explicit, the BEV line-up will improve to 23 models by 2025, from final 12 months’s 9 models, and the primary devoted BEV mannequin shall be launched in 2021. A brand new EV structure growth system shall be launched and utilized to models slated for launch in 2024.

This 12 months, the Group plans to bolster the gross sales of electrified models, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid automobile (PHEV) variants to its bestselling SUV models, together with the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Tucson and Hyundai Santa Fe. Chung additional identified, “In particular, in our fuel-cell electric vehicle business, where we boast the world’s top technological competitiveness, we will hit our stride by providing fuel-cell systems to customers not only in the automotive industry but also in other sectors. Furthermore, we will add momentum to expanding the hydrogen ecosystem and its infrastructure by cooperating with partners around the world.”

Betting huge on gasoline cell tech

Hyundai had signed an settlement with American powertrain knowledgeable Cummins in September 2019 to collectively develop and commercialised electrical and fuel-cell powertrains. The Group will begin exporting the fuel-cell techniques to Cummins and enter the US market this 12 months, adopted by Europe. This combines Hyundai’s fuel-cell system and Cummins’ electrical powertrain, battery and management applied sciences.

Hyundai additionally plans to provide fuel-cell techniques to the transport and power-generation sectors protecting electrical energy manufacturing and storage, thereby delivering some 2,00,00Zero fuel-cell techniques yearly all over the world by 2030. The Group plans to concurrently set up a 5,00,000-units-per-year capability for FCEV manufacturing in Korea.

It will work in the direction of strengthening its cooperation with Korean companions like Hydrogen Energy Network (HyNet) in addition to abroad companions like Saudi Aramco, to broaden the availability of hydrogen and charging stations.

Plans for autonomous driving know-how

Chung highlighted that, “In the autonomous driving industry, which is the core of future vehicles development, we will attain the world’s top safety and technological innovation competitiveness through our US-based venture to be jointly established with Aptiv, targeting the commercialisation of the technology in 2023.” It additionally goals to speed up the event of the autonomous driving software program know-how and commercialise self-driving autos with SAE (Society of Automobile Engineers) Level four and Level 5 know-how.

After growing an autonomous driving platform by 2022, the Group will function autonomous autos in choose areas in 2023 and kick-off business manufacturing by the second-half of 2024.

Mobility as a service

Hyundai Motor will kick-start its car-sharing enterprise in Los Angeles (LA) this 12 months via its mobility service firm Mocean Lab, which was established in LA final 12 months. The producer may even broaden collaboration with mobility platform firms it has strategically invested in, corresponding to Grab and Ola. In India, it’s going to launch new mobility companies in collaboration with Ola, and in Southeast Asia, provide EV car hailing companies by increasing the availability to the area’s largest car-hailing agency, Grab. The Group equipped 200 models of Hyundai Kona Electric SUVs to Grab final 12 months for its car-hailing service in Singapore and can broaden the protection to main Southeast Asian nations, corresponding to Indonesia, this 12 months.

The complete deliberate group-wide investments for the long run progress over the following 5 years is about 100 trillion Korean Won ($87 billion or Rs 6,20,832 crore), with the annual funding amounting to 20 trillion Korean Won (Rs 1,23,200 crore).

Also see:

Hyundai Aura to come in 12 variants; bookings open

Hyundai Santro BS6 petrol engine details revealed

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The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Aims to Create Buzz

The 2020 Sonata will not be instantly recognizable as a Hyundai, but it is designed to be a head-turner and create buzz similar to the impact of the 2011 Sonata, says SangYup Lee, head of the Hyundai Global Design Center in Namyang, Korea.

The next-generation Sonata is one of 13 new vehicles coming this year for the Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands. It will be on display at the New York auto show in April with production set to begin soon.

This is an important year as Hyundai works to rebrand itself as more emotional and sporty while still offering value and retaining its commitment to cars—more are coming next year—even as Hyundai expands its crossover lineup and still plans to add the Santa Cruz car-based pickup.

Hyundai Le Fil Rouge Concept

Designing the eighth-generation Sonata was a challenge knowing it must excite consumers who continue to forgo sedans. “The new Sonata is quite challenging for us obviously just because we all know that market is shrinking and taken over by SUVs,” Lee said in an interview with MotorTrend.

As companies such as Ford, FCA, and General Motors cut their car lineups, Hyundai found itself deciding whether to proceed with a new car. But the Sonata is integral to the brand, accounting for almost a sixth of its sales as it competes with juggernauts such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

Hyundai chose to make a new Sonata but knew it had to be more appealing, with progressive design—no big-box sedan. “It’s almost like a four-door coupe style without compromising the usability inside,” Lee said.

“We will make big statements this year,” Lee said, akin to the 2011 Sonata, the sixth generation that made people take notice. It was one of the first coupe-style sedans, a provocative design at the time. Lee was a designer at General Motors working on Camaro and Corvette when he saw that Sonata with its distinctive profile. “I was looking at it, and I was like, ‘Wow. That is something else. And it’s going to be a hit with this market.’ As soon as I saw it, I sensed it, and second thing is, ‘why didn’t I think of that?’”

Lee thinks the 2020 Sonata can have the same impact. The design is inspired by the Le Fil Rouge concept (pictured above) shown a year ago in Geneva. Some Hyundai signature cues will remain, such as a hint of the cascading grille and the composite lens in the headlights.

But the face will not be recognizable as a Hyundai. Lee wants people to like it and take a second look and see that it’s a Hyundai. Rather than Russian nesting dolls, the goal is a portfolio of chess pieces that look and behave differently, but when they’re all together, their roles are clear.

Powertrains are uncertain. The current 1.6-liter turbocharged I-4 could be dropped while keeping the base 2.4-liter I-4 and 2.0-liter turbo-four. A Sonata N performance variant could be a candidate for the third-generation Theta turbocharged 2.5-liter. The six-speed automatic transmission could be retired with the eight-speed to fall back on as well as the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. And we expect hybrids and plug-in hybrids.

Sonata dates back to 1985 when the midsize car was first produced in Korea. It was essentially a face-lifted Hyundai Stellar with more power sold in Korea, Canada, and New Zealand to little success. The second generation in 1988 was part of Hyundai’s expansion in North America, including the U.S., and the design was by Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign. In addition to Ulsan, Korea, there was a plant in Bromont, Quebec, until it closed in 1993.

The current seventh-gen Hyundai Sonata

Over its various generations it has used Mitsubishi engines, migrated to a platform shared with the Kia Optima and the first Hyundai Santa Fe, and was the first host for the new Theta I-4 engine and part of the production launch in 2005 at the first U.S. plant in Montgomery, Alabama. After the eye-catching 2011 model, the current seventh-generation model was unveiled at the 2014 New York auto show with more conservative styling to bolster sales in Korea. A plug-in hybrid with a 27-mile electric-only range was added in late 2015 in 10 states. The outgoing sedan got a refresh for the 2018 model year.

Lee does design work for both Hyundai and Genesis. Although Genesis was born from Hyundai, the luxury brand has a different legacy. As Hyundai positions itself as the sporty and emotional value brand, the infant Genesis brand must be progressive and daring and strives to celebrate Korean culture.

The current G70, G80, and G90 sedans will be followed up with the first SUV, the GV80, which is coming this year. Genesis has more new vehicles coming this year, but Lee is tight-lipped about the other products on tap.

He does confirm that work continues on a production version of the Essentia sports car. It is an iconic statement to define the brand, and he says it will be even better than the concept.

   The post The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Aims to Create Buzz appeared first on Motortrend.

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[jesusvasser]

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade Is Exactly What It Needs to Be

SEOUL, South Korea — If there’s one auto-industry rule to follow to have a strong fiscal 2019, it’s to have a strong SUV game. Fortunately for Hyundai, the Korean brand will launch the Palisade, its all-new flagship utility next summer just as the kids are getting out of school and parents are on the search for a new road-trip machine. And fortunately for those buyers, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade may be Hyundai’s most impressive SUV yet.

Serving as the replacement for the three-row 2019 Santa Fe XL, the new, three-inch-longer Palisade rides on a front-drive platform with Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system an available option. It has a 114.2-inch wheelbase and will directly compete with such vehicles as the Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer as a spacious vehicle with seating for either seven or eight, depending on whether you opt for a bench or captain’s chairs in the second row. The interior is roomy enough that it almost feels like a minivan inside (the roof-mounted second- and third-row HVAC vents only enhance this sense) and the second-row seats have enough fore-aft adjustment to make the third row accessible to average-sized adults, if needed.

When the 2020 Palisade launches in the U.S. next summer, it won’t have the 2.2-liter diesel engine we found under the hood of our South Korean market test vehicle. Diesel-emission debate aside, the engine performed well enough but was loud and clattery from the Palisade’s exterior; this did provide a good test for interior noise levels, and the racket was masked fairly well thanks to copious amounts of sound deadening in this roughly 4,500-pound vehicle. Instead, we’ll receive an all-aluminum, Atkinson-capable 3.8-liter V-6 with something like 292 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. (The U.S. output figures haven’t been finalized.) The in-house eight-speed automatic in the vehicles we drove will also serve duty in U.S. models, and we found it to be a good partner for the diesel engine. Hyundai did not have fuel-economy estimates available for the U.S.-spec powertrain.

The suspension consists of struts up front and a multilink setup at the rear, essentially the industry standard for this class, and our Palisade rode on 20-inch wheels (18s are standard) with Michelin Primacy all-season tires. The Palisade’s ride is both comfortable and well-controlled, with just a hint of the firmness you’d find in SUVs with sportier pretensions. The ride was comfortable and never jarring during light off-roading on an unpaved hillside trail, yet the handling was composed and responsive on meandering back roads and during exercises at Hyundai’s proving grounds. Drive modes include Comfort, Sport, and Eco, with Sport firming up the steering and enlivening the throttle response and transmission shift programming. Traction modes include Sand, Mud, and Snow.

While all the vehicles on hand had the available all-wheel-drive system, when the going got tough, the Palisade simply stopped going, albeit with much of the blame to be apportioned to the venue. Specifically, Hyundai invited us to try the Palisade on a local beach where we could use the vehicle’s Sand traction-control setting to have a little rooster-tailed fun. Unfortunately, no fewer than three of the 10 or so assembled Palisades met their match once the beach had been well and truly churned up by the group, getting hopelessly buried up to their undercarriages in deep, soft sand that required higher speeds, lower tire pressures, or both to realistically traverse. No matter, the likelihood of a Palisade finding itself on anything more than a dirt road is about the same as getting struck by lightning on your way to cash-in your winning Mega Millions ticket.

Still, as we sat there on the beach waiting for the stuck-UVs to be extricated, we found plenty to like in the cabin, with its fairly convincing wood-look trim, soft Nappa leather seats, and light, airy feel (helped in part by the rich looking, cream-colored upholstery). While there are still some painted plastic surfaces that don’t fit the otherwise premium aesthetic, the Palisade’s interior presents above the status quo for the segment. Our example was well-equipped and came with the optional 10.25-inch display panel with navigation, which is mounted vertically on the dash similar to the latest offerings from Mercedes. Our Palisade was also equipped with the optional head-up display and the Surround View monitor, the latter of which should really be a standard feature in vehicles of this size. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included on every Palisade, and we appreciated the camera display between the speedometer and tachometer that gives a look at blind spots when turning or changing lanes.

The Palisade is the first Hyundai to be equipped with a push-button-style transmission, with the buttons located on the high, wide, and sweeping center console, next to the drive and traction-mode controller. While the center stack looks a little button-heavy, all the switchgear is laid out clearly and thoughtfully, making it relatively simple to find most basic functions even on first introduction. There is also a sizable center cubby under the armrest that should fit smaller handbags, and a tray under the console for snacks or other detritus. USB ports are found in both first and second rows for device-charging and connectivity.

Other interesting optional features available on the Palisade include an intercom system for speaking with passengers in the rear rows, as well as a mute function which allows music to play up front but not in the rear of the vehicle. Wireless device charging, a 630-watt Infinity premium stereo, and heated/ventilated first- and second-row seating is also available. The optional dual-panel sunroof still leaves plenty of headroom in all rows.

As you’d imagine, a whole suite of safety tech is found on the Palisade, including standard speed-sensing cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic warning and parking-distance warning. A rearview monitor with parking guidance and forward collision avoidance is also found on all Palisades. Really, it’s a pretty comprehensive standard safety package with the only out-of-pocket items being front parking distance alert, rain-sensing wipers, and a rear-occupant alert system that detects activity in the car after it’s locked and uses a honk of the horn and a flash of the headlights to alert the driver to a forgotten child, pet, or snoozing grandmother.

We’ll be able to get a better feel for the Palisade on American roads before its launch here. Hyundai says that the Palisade will get one state of tune to fit both the Korean and U.S. markets, so we’re expecting the ride and handling to feel largely the same as it did in South Korea, barring and last-minute adjustments. Meanwhile, Kia will launch its own Telluride SUV on this same chassis, which we expect will slot into a slightly lower price point. That price is still unclear, but if the company stays true to form, it’ll be in-line with those of its major competitors if not a bit lower. Figure a starting point in the mid-$30,000 range and to pay $10,000 or so more for the top-spec, all-wheel-drive versions. While these sorts of vehicles are anathema to those who seek driving enjoyment, they can still be pleasant places to spend time. The Palisade is that, and it proves that Hyundai’s SUV game is indeed strong right now.

2020 Hyundai Palisade Specifications

ON SALE Summer 2019 PRICE $35,000 (est) ENGINE 3.8L DOHC 24-valve V-6; 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 262 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm (est) TRANSMISSION 8-speed automatic LAYOUT 4-door, 7- or 8-passenger, front-engine, FWD or AWD SUV EPA MILEAGE N/A L x W x H 196.1 x 77.8 x 68.9 in WHEELBASE 114.2 in WEIGHT 4,500 lb (est) 0–60 MPH N/A TOP SPEED N/A

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[eddiejpoplar]

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade Is Exactly What It Needs to Be

SEOUL, South Korea — If there’s one auto-industry rule to follow to have a strong fiscal 2019, it’s to have a strong SUV game. Fortunately for Hyundai, the Korean brand will launch the Palisade, its all-new flagship utility next summer just as the kids are getting out of school and parents are on the search for a new road-trip machine. And fortunately for those buyers, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade may be Hyundai’s most impressive SUV yet.

Serving as the replacement for the three-row 2019 Santa Fe XL, the new, three-inch-longer Palisade rides on a front-drive platform with Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system an available option. It has a 114.2-inch wheelbase and will directly compete with such vehicles as the Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer as a spacious vehicle with seating for either seven or eight, depending on whether you opt for a bench or captain’s chairs in the second row. The interior is roomy enough that it almost feels like a minivan inside (the roof-mounted second- and third-row HVAC vents only enhance this sense) and the second-row seats have enough fore-aft adjustment to make the third row accessible to average-sized adults, if needed.

When the 2020 Palisade launches in the U.S. next summer, it won’t have the 2.2-liter diesel engine we found under the hood of our South Korean market test vehicle. Diesel-emission debate aside, the engine performed well enough but was loud and clattery from the Palisade’s exterior; this did provide a good test for interior noise levels, and the racket was masked fairly well thanks to copious amounts of sound deadening in this roughly 4,500-pound vehicle. Instead, we’ll receive an all-aluminum, Atkinson-capable 3.8-liter V-6 with something like 292 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. (The U.S. output figures haven’t been finalized.) The in-house eight-speed automatic in the vehicles we drove will also serve duty in U.S. models, and we found it to be a good partner for the diesel engine. Hyundai did not have fuel-economy estimates available for the U.S.-spec powertrain.

The suspension consists of struts up front and a multilink setup at the rear, essentially the industry standard for this class, and our Palisade rode on 20-inch wheels (18s are standard) with Michelin Primacy all-season tires. The Palisade’s ride is both comfortable and well-controlled, with just a hint of the firmness you’d find in SUVs with sportier pretensions. The ride was comfortable and never jarring during light off-roading on an unpaved hillside trail, yet the handling was composed and responsive on meandering back roads and during exercises at Hyundai’s proving grounds. Drive modes include Comfort, Sport, and Eco, with Sport firming up the steering and enlivening the throttle response and transmission shift programming. Traction modes include Sand, Mud, and Snow.

While all the vehicles on hand had the available all-wheel-drive system, when the going got tough, the Palisade simply stopped going, albeit with much of the blame to be apportioned to the venue. Specifically, Hyundai invited us to try the Palisade on a local beach where we could use the vehicle’s Sand traction-control setting to have a little rooster-tailed fun. Unfortunately, no fewer than three of the 10 or so assembled Palisades met their match once the beach had been well and truly churned up by the group, getting hopelessly buried up to their undercarriages in deep, soft sand that required higher speeds, lower tire pressures, or both to realistically traverse. No matter, the likelihood of a Palisade finding itself on anything more than a dirt road is about the same as getting struck by lightning on your way to cash-in your winning Mega Millions ticket.

Still, as we sat there on the beach waiting for the stuck-UVs to be extricated, we found plenty to like in the cabin, with its fairly convincing wood-look trim, soft Nappa leather seats, and light, airy feel (helped in part by the rich looking, cream-colored upholstery). While there are still some painted plastic surfaces that don’t fit the otherwise premium aesthetic, the Palisade’s interior presents above the status quo for the segment. Our example was well-equipped and came with the optional 10.25-inch display panel with navigation, which is mounted vertically on the dash similar to the latest offerings from Mercedes. Our Palisade was also equipped with the optional head-up display and the Surround View monitor, the latter of which should really be a standard feature in vehicles of this size. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included on every Palisade, and we appreciated the camera display between the speedometer and tachometer that gives a look at blind spots when turning or changing lanes.

The Palisade is the first Hyundai to be equipped with a push-button-style transmission, with the buttons located on the high, wide, and sweeping center console, next to the drive and traction-mode controller. While the center stack looks a little button-heavy, all the switchgear is laid out clearly and thoughtfully, making it relatively simple to find most basic functions even on first introduction. There is also a sizable center cubby under the armrest that should fit smaller handbags, and a tray under the console for snacks or other detritus. USB ports are found in both first and second rows for device-charging and connectivity.

Other interesting optional features available on the Palisade include an intercom system for speaking with passengers in the rear rows, as well as a mute function which allows music to play up front but not in the rear of the vehicle. Wireless device charging, a 630-watt Infinity premium stereo, and heated/ventilated first- and second-row seating is also available. The optional dual-panel sunroof still leaves plenty of headroom in all rows.

As you’d imagine, a whole suite of safety tech is found on the Palisade, including standard speed-sensing cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic warning and parking-distance warning. A rearview monitor with parking guidance and forward collision avoidance is also found on all Palisades. Really, it’s a pretty comprehensive standard safety package with the only out-of-pocket items being front parking distance alert, rain-sensing wipers, and a rear-occupant alert system that detects activity in the car after it’s locked and uses a honk of the horn and a flash of the headlights to alert the driver to a forgotten child, pet, or snoozing grandmother.

We’ll be able to get a better feel for the Palisade on American roads before its launch here. Hyundai says that the Palisade will get one state of tune to fit both the Korean and U.S. markets, so we’re expecting the ride and handling to feel largely the same as it did in South Korea, barring and last-minute adjustments. Meanwhile, Kia will launch its own Telluride SUV on this same chassis, which we expect will slot into a slightly lower price point. That price is still unclear, but if the company stays true to form, it’ll be in-line with those of its major competitors if not a bit lower. Figure a starting point in the mid-$30,000 range and to pay $10,000 or so more for the top-spec, all-wheel-drive versions. While these sorts of vehicles are anathema to those who seek driving enjoyment, they can still be pleasant places to spend time. The Palisade is that, and it proves that Hyundai’s SUV game is indeed strong right now.

2020 Hyundai Palisade Specifications

ON SALE Summer 2019 PRICE $35,000 (est) ENGINE 3.8L DOHC 24-valve V-6; 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 262 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm (est) TRANSMISSION 8-speed automatic LAYOUT 4-door, 7- or 8-passenger, front-engine, FWD or AWD SUV EPA MILEAGE N/A L x W x H 196.1 x 77.8 x 68.9 in WHEELBASE 114.2 in WEIGHT 4,500 lb (est) 0–60 MPH N/A TOP SPEED N/A

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