Hyundai showcased the HDC-2 Grandmaster concept at the recently concluded Busan Motor Show, and we have already spotted an SUV based on it. Dubbed the Palisade, for now, this eight-seater SUV will sit above the upcoming Sante Fe XL to boost the automaker’s lineup that’s filled with all sizes of SUVs. Despite being caught heavily camouflaged, the Palisade couldn’t hide its design cues, and here’s everything we know about this new South Korean beast.

Exterior Design

First impressions will lead you to believe that this behemoth SUV is the Grandmaster and Santa Fe’s lovechild. The split headlight setup and larger-than-life fog lamps will remind you of the much smaller Kona. Move to the side, and you’ll realize how long the Palisade actually is. There is a chrome strip running along the upper window line, same as the one we saw on the Grandmaster Concept. The rear gets a large glasshouse area with an upright tailgate. There is a bit of a boot overhang despite the long wheelbase. Man, this SUV is BIG!

Interior Design and Safety

Since this is set to be Hyundai’s flagship SUV, you can expect all the bells and whistles in here. Interior amenities will include a Head-up display, digital instrument cluster, an intuitive infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Qi wireless charging pad, Wi-Fi connectivity, heated & ventilated seating, and Infinity audio, to name a few. Climbing into the third row will be easy too, thanks to a push button that will activate the electronically controlled sliding feature of the second-row of seats. On the safety front, the Palisade will get aids like forward collision-avoidance assist, 360-degree camera, lane keeping aid, pedestrian detection, safe exit assist, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control with stop & go.

Under The Hood

This is where our interest lies. A lot of engine options are possible here, although primarily, the Palisade should be getting the tried-and-trusted 3.3-liter, V-6 engine that produces 290 horsepower. It will be mated to eight-speed automatic transmission, and power would be sent to all four wheels in the top-trim. The lower trims, however, are expected to get a front-wheel-drive system.

A plug-in hybrid setup could also make its way into the Palisade, given that Hyundai plans to have 15 electrified models by 2020. The powertrain would be a 3.5-liter, V-6, paired with an electric motor to produce a combined power output of 400 horsepower. There is also a possibility of a twin-turbo version of the 3.3-liter engine, which produces 365 horses. A diesel mill could be offered outside North America in the form of a 2.2-liter, four-cylinder that generates 190 horses and 322 pound-feet of torque.

Our Take

The Palisade will lead the way for Hyundai’s SUV lineup, which already filled with the Kona, Tucson, and Santa Fe. Hyundai could officially reveal the car sometime next year and make it available for customers from 2020. Given how SUVs are picking up in the U.S., we could see it being launched here first. The Palisade will compete against the likes of the Ford Expedition, Honda Pilot, and the Chevrolet Traverse, to name a few. However, there also is a remote possibility of the Palisade being sold under the Genesis brand. In that case, it will take on the Lincoln Navigator and the GMC Yukon XL. Isn’t this exciting already? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Read more Hyundai news.