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A recent off-road demonstration of the new Hyundai Palisade conducted by the French automotive outlet Le Guide de l’auto did not unfold as intended. In a video posted on Facebook, two Palisades appear stuck in the sand, struggling to navigate a beach.
Determining how difficult this scenario would be for a typical SUV is challenging. The sand appears to be quite deep and potentially wet, but it seems manageable for a four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle in this category. The video doesn’t showcase the Hyundais making significant attempts to escape the sand, but the translated caption mentions, “Hyundai wanted to show us the off-road capability of the Palisade, but it did not go as planned.”
To provide some context, the Palisade is Hyundai’s latest attempt at a spacious three-row crossover, scheduled for a summer 2019 release as a 2020 model. It shares a new frame with the Kia Telluride, aiming to compete against vehicles like the Chevy Traverse, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander. Under the hood, the Palisade boasts a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. As is standard, front-wheel drive comes equipped, while all-wheel drive is available as an option.
However, it appears that expectations for off-road capabilities in the AWD-equipped Palisade may be overstated. The vehicle features three driving modes: normal, sport, and “smart,” although it seems that “smart” does not include the ability to maneuver off a beach.
While it’s easy to poke fun at this off-roading mishap, it’s important to consider how many Hyundai Palisades are likely to venture off the paved roads. These three-row mid-size crossovers primarily serve as family vehicles, commonly chosen as alternatives to minivans rather than for off-road excursions. For families seeking a comfortable and spacious SUV, the Palisade appears to be a solid option. However, for those looking for a rugged off-road experience in this segment, it might be wise to wait for the three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee.
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