Will Hyundai Motor Malaysia Bring the 2nd Generation Palisade?
The Hyundai Palisade has built a quiet but solid reputation in Malaysia. Both the first-generation model and its facelift were officially introduced here, with the SUV famously serving as the official vehicle for the previous Yang di-Pertua Agong. Now, with the global debut of the second-generation Palisade, the question arises: will Hyundai Motor Malaysia bring this new flagship SUV to our shores?
A Flagship SUV with Halo Potential
The Palisade represents Hyundai’s most premium offering, and introducing the second-generation model could be a halo product that strengthens Hyundai’s repositioning in Malaysia.
With distribution now managed directly by Hyundai Motor Malaysia, instead of Sime Darby as in the past, the brand appears keen on reinforcing its identity and building stronger visibility in the market. A flagship SUV like the Palisade could play a crucial role in that strategy.
Powertrains that Fit the Malaysian Market
In the U.S., the 2026 Palisade debuts with a 3.5-litre V6 and, for the first time, a 2.5-litre turbo hybrid. While the larger V6 may be less attractive in Malaysia due to displacement-based road taxes, the smaller-capacity 2.5-litre turbo-hybrid could be the key to wider local acceptance. Offering up to 329 hp and 460Nm of torque, the hybrid blends performance with efficiency, targeting a range of over 965 km on a single tank.
A hybrid flagship SUV would also align with Malaysia’s energy transition roadmap and appeal to premium buyers looking for lower running costs without sacrificing comfort.
Bigger, Smarter, Safer
There also seems to be a gap in the market that most Japanese brands are unwilling or unable to compete in – the large SUV market. There is no Japanese SUV sold that’s larger than the CR-V in Malaysia, besides the Fortuner, and that thing has its roots in the Hilux. As such, Chinese car makers have started to muscle in on the action with vehicles like the GWM Tank 500 and the Jaecoo J8 offering unmatched size at a reasonable price.
The 2nd generation Hyundai Palisade could come in as the defacto ‘established brand’ offering and it’s a much improved product over the first model. The new Palisade is longer and wider than before, with a more commanding exterior featuring vertical LED lighting and a bold grille. Inside, it offers Relaxation Seats with leg support, power-folding third-row seats, multiple USB-C ports across all rows, and an upgraded infotainment suite with OTA updates, digital key access, and in-car payment capability.
Safety is equally comprehensive, with the latest SmartSense ADAS features, including Forward Collision Avoidance, Lane Following Assist, Safe Exit Assist, and even a built-in two-camera dashcam for peace of mind.
A Natural Next Step for Hyundai Malaysia
The Palisade already carries strong recognition among premium SUV enthusiasts. Bringing the second-generation model, especially with the 2.5-litre hybrid, would not only strengthen Hyundai’s product lineup but also serve as a statement of intent for Hyundai Motor Malaysia’s new chapter.
Whether it happens in 2026 remains to be seen—but the stage is set for the Palisade to return as a flagship halo SUV.
