During a recent interview with Motor1 at the New York Auto Show, Vice President of Design for Hyundai and Genesis, Lee SangYup, unveiled the company’s design philosophy. Lee emphasized that designers must consider how products will be used in real-world situations, stressing the importance of functionality and usability over mere aesthetics. As an example, he stated that while haptic buttons may look impressive, they aren’t truly beneficial if they don’t enhance the user experience.
This philosophy is evident in the 2026 Palisade’s interior design. The vehicle incorporates a touch-screen secondary climate control system but retains physical knobs for temperature adjustment, and features dedicated physical buttons for infotainment and driving mode selection. The steering wheel and side mirror controls are designed with tactile buttons for ease of use.
The center console’s front section is ergonomically designed to allow drivers to rest their hands comfortably while operating controls, enabling drivers to adjust settings without taking their eyes off the road or shifting their posture.
To minimize glare, Hyundai positioned the digital cluster and infotainment screen below the dashboard trim. This design choice prioritizes driver comfort and safety, going beyond mere aesthetics.
Lee characterizes the Palisade as a Family Car and stated that the design team focused on creating a vehicle that’s easy to drive and operate, considering the diverse needs of families, from school runs to various daily activities.
Practicality was a key consideration in the Palisade’s exterior design as well. While maintaining the traditional boxy SUV shape to maximize interior space, designers fine-tuned the window curvature to increase headroom. This subtle yet significant detail enhances passenger comfort.
In his interview, Lee shared an anecdote about a conversation with legendary automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. When asked about his proudest work, Giugiaro surprisingly chose the compact Fiat Panda over more glamorous sports cars. This choice underscored the importance of designs that significantly impact people’s daily lives.
Hyundai’s approach to the Palisade’s design transcends mere aesthetics or technological advancements. In the fiercely competitive large SUV market, factors such as interior space, usability, and safety are crucial in purchase decisions. The Palisade’s design addresses these essential needs, aligning with Hyundai’s strategy to bolster its brand reputation and product competitiveness in the global SUV market.
