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Are you ready to take your family on an adventure in the Hyundai Palisade? We’re being serious! The 2023 Hyundai Palisade XRT is a rugged, off-roading ready trim level that wants to tackle the dirt. Let’s see how capable it is. 

Can the 2023 Hyundai Palisade XRT go off-roading? 

Front angle view of dark gray 2023 Hyundai Palisade, highlighting its release date and price
2023 Hyundai Palisade | Hyundai

Yes, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade XRT is a capable, rugged trim for adventuring. However, we aren’t sure exactly how far it can go off the beaten path. The new XRT trim is similar to the Hyundai Tuscon XRT and Hyundai Santa Fe XRT models. 

So, the Palisade XRT could be primarily an appearance package. It could receive styling tweaks such as plastic cladding, a larger bumper, and fog lights. The XRT will ride on 20-inch wheels and will probably have beefier tires. 

Skid plates or skid-plate-like designs will protect the undercarriage. A roof rack will allow you to carry more gear, and dark exterior accents will complete the look. 

How much is the Palisade XRT? 

Pricing for the 2023 Hyundai Palisade XRT hasn’t been revealed, but we should receive more clues soon. The 2022 Hyundai Palisade starts at about $33,600. This price may increase due to tons of great updates for 2023. 

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe begins at around $27,200, and upgrading to the Santa Fe XRT trim increases the price to $32,750. So, you can upgrade to the XRT appearance package for about $5,550. 

So, potentially, the Palisade XRT could start at $39,150, which seems a bit hefty. These prices are the MSRPs and don’t include the dealership markups or destination fees. 

The Palisade XRT won’t have extra power. The 2023 Palisade will be powered by the current 3.8-liter V8 engine with 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

The Palisade can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.2 seconds, which is pretty sporty. Also, when properly equipped, the Palisade can tow up to 5,000 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,605 lbs. That’s a lot of power for hauling camping gear, including smaller trailers. 

You can equip the Palisade with AWD, and the Palisade XRT could have standard AWD. It has an 8-inch ground clearance which is convenient for uneven terrain. However, it doesn’t have any off-road driving modes yet. 

What’s new for the 2023 Palisade? 

2023 Hyundai Palisade interior
2023 Hyundai Palisade interior | Hyundai

Aside from the 2023 Hyundai Palisade XRT trim, the Palisade gained a sleek new look with a broader grille design that’s framed by boomerang-shaped vertical LED headlights. According to Motor Authority, the new Palisade rides on 20-inch 15-spoke wheels. 

The interior was refreshed to include a new steering wheel design and horizontal vents across the dash. A new 12.0-inch infotainment system is standard, and plenty of USB-C ports have been integrated throughout the cabin. 

New convenience options include ventilated seats in the second row, heated seats in the third row, and massaging seats in the front. You can opt for a digital review mirror and a faster wireless charging pad. 

We should know more about the Hyundai Palisade XRT model soon. It’s expected to arrive in the early summer. Hopefully, it will be more than just an appearance package. 

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Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.