Hyundai will add a new Palisade XRT Pro variant to its Australian range from September, giving the large SUV more ground clearance, all-terrain tyres and a locally developed suspension tune.
The XRT Pro is Hyundai Australia’s first model to use the XRT Pro designation. It sits alongside the existing Palisade Elite and Calligraphy variants, but differs through changes aimed at improving performance on unsealed roads and in light off-road conditions.
For fleet operators, the new variant may be relevant where a large passenger SUV is required to operate across mixed road conditions, particularly in regional or remote locations.
Australian suspension development
Hyundai says its Australian engineering team worked with Hyundai Motor Company engineers as part of the Palisade’s global tuning program.
The local development work included testing different dampers, springs and anti-roll bars, resulting in suspension and steering settings intended to suit Australian road conditions.
Ground clearance increases from 187mm to 212mm, while the approach, departure and ramp-over angles are also improved compared with the Palisade Hybrid.
The XRT Pro is fitted with a rear electronic limited-slip differential, which can distribute torque across the rear axle depending on available traction. It also uses Continental all-terrain tyres on 18-inch alloy wheels.
Terrain modes are provided for Mud, Sand and Snow.
2.5-litre turbo petrol powertrain
Unlike the other Palisade variants currently listed in Hyundai’s range, which use a hybrid powertrain, the XRT Pro uses a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Hyundai lists maximum output at 207kW and 422Nm, with torque available between 1,700 and 4,000rpm.
The vehicle also receives a factory-fitted towbar and wiring connection. When equipped with Hyundai’s towing accessory kit, maximum braked towing capacity is 2,200kg, compared with 2,000kg for the Palisade Hybrid. Maximum towball downweight is 160kg.
Additional off-road information for the driver
Hyundai has also added several displays intended to provide more information when the vehicle is being used away from sealed roads.
The infotainment system can display pitch and roll angles, power distribution and rear differential operation, while a ground-view monitor provides a view of wheel trajectory during low-speed manoeuvring.
An XRT button on the steering wheel provides access to the relevant instrument and infotainment displays.
Eight-seat layout retained
The XRT Pro remains an eight-seat, three-row SUV.
Standard equipment includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.3-inch multimedia display, 14-speaker Bose audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, surround-view monitor and full-size alloy spare wheel.
There are also cosmetic differences from other Palisade variants, including a different grille treatment, black exterior details, XRT badging and XRT-specific interior trim.
