It’s no secret now that Hyundai is working on an even larger SUV than the Santa Fe, and it will reportedly feature three-row seating that accommodates up to eight individuals, the driver included. The Korean automaker recently trademarked the name “Palisade”, which means a “strong fence made out of wooden or iron poles that is used to protect people or a place from being attacked,” so there’s a possibility that it will be christened with the name.
Our European spy photographers managed to capture a heavily cladded prototype out in the open, but really, little is known about the large Hyundai SUV. Reports have said that it could be underpinned by a new platform that will be shared with the production version of the Kia Telluride concept, which is also a three-row SUV. Apparently, a US introduction is confirmed, but there’s no word yet on a European launch.
For engines, speculations revolve largely around V6 petrol motors, but exactly what propels the vehicle remains to be seen. An all-wheel drive offering could be available, as will a front-drive version.
Design-wise, it’s difficult to tell exactly how the Palisade will look like, but there are distinguishable commonalities with the latest Santa Fe and Kona, especially with the large cascading front grille, slim headlamps and projector light modules below. The rear is steeply raked, and through the small cutouts, the vertically positioned tail lights can be seen.
At launch, the eight-seat Palisade, or whatever name Hyundai decides to go with, will compete against the likes of the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot and Volkswagen Atlas.
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Again another one with superlow ground clearance?
This urban SUV, not for off-roading.