As the auto industry analyzes second-quarter sales figures, Asian brands are showing a strong performance in the US market. While Toyota leads the pack with a nearly 15% increase in sales, South Korean giants Hyundai and Kia have seen mixed results.
Hyundai, in particular, is looking to regain momentum in the latter half of 2024. A potential boost could come from the highly anticipated second generation of their popular Palisade mid-size crossover SUV.
Codenamed LX3, the new Palisade is undergoing rigorous testing globally, including in South Korea and the US. With spy shots circulating and digital designers offering their interpretations, speculation is swirling about the upcoming Palisade’s design and features.
Hyundai is amping up the competition with a significant upgrade for the Palisade SUV. Expected for the 2025 or 2026 model year, rumors suggest a next-generation hybrid powertrain similar to the electrified Tucson and Santa Fe.
Design-wise, expect a boxy silhouette, drawing inspiration from the luxurious Range Rover but stopping short of the Santa Fe’s bulk. The interior borrows cues from Santa Fe but elevates the experience with a unique digital display setup for instruments, infotainment, and climate control.
It might even boast a “floating” center console like the Ioniq 5. As the brand’s flagship three-row SUV, the Palisade is said to debut a powerful hybrid system built around a 2.5-liter gasoline engine, a larger battery, and a more robust electric motor compared to the 1.6-liter setup found in the Carnival and Tucson.