It is rare for the Pakistani automotive market to beat the rest of the world to the punch. Typically, local consumers are accustomed to receiving “new” models years after their global launch.
However, Hyundai Nishat Motors is flipping the script this time: Pakistan is set to become the first country outside South Korea to locally assemble the all-new Hyundai Palisade.
Before we get into the details, here are spy shots of the Hyundai Palisade spotted in Pakistan:
The vehicle competes in the E-segment of the SUV market, targeting consumers who require a large, family-oriented vehicle with substantial cargo space and flagship-level driving dynamics and features.+
Internationally, the Palisade is widely available across multiple regions. Its current sales footprint includes:
- North America: USA and Canada
- Asia: Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore
- Middle East: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman
- Oceania: Australia and New Zealand
In almost all of these markets, the Palisade is sold purely as an imported (CBU) unit. The only exceptions in this list are Indonesia and Vietnam, which maintain local assembly operations strictly for the older generation, rather than for the current generation, which is sold internationally and is coming to Pakistan.
The Competitive Landscape
While the official pricing remains under wraps, the Palisade’s market positioning is becoming clear. Given its international-spec dimensions, powertrain options, and clear premium ambitions, its most direct competitor in the local market is likely to be the GWM Tank 500 HEV
To give you a clearer picture of where Hyundai’s flagship SUV stands against its primary competition, here is a quick on-paper comparison:
| GWM Tank 500 HEV | Specification | Hyundai Palisade HEV (International) |
| Rs. 20,500,000 | Price | Guess the Price? |
| 5,078 x 1,934 x 1,905 mm | Dimensions (L × W × H) | 5,065 x 1,980 x 1,805 mm |
| 2,850 mm | Wheelbase | 2,970 mm |
| Body-on-frame | Chassis | Unibody |
| 4×4 | Drivetrain | AWD |
| Rear Wheels | Primary Drive Wheels | Front Wheels |
| 2.0L Turbo Hybrid | Engine Size | 2.5L Turbo Hybrid |
| 342 HP & 648 Nm | Combined Power & Torque | 329 HP & 460 Nm |
| 9-Speed Hybrid Automatic | Transmission | 6-Speed Hybrid Automatic |
| 7-Seater | Seating Capacity | 7 or 8 Seater |
| 6 Airbags, 540° Camera | Safety | 7 Airbags, 360° Camera |
The most distinct difference lies in the chassis construction; the GWM Tank 500 utilizes a growingly traditional Body-on-frame chassis paired with a 4×4 drivetrain, a layout typically favored for rugged durability and off-road capability.
In contrast, the Hyundai Palisade features a Unibody construction with AWD, a setup generally associated with superior on-road comfort, handling, and ride quality.
Dimensionally, they trade blows effectively.
The Tank 500 stands taller and slightly longer, proudly owning its truck-based roots, while the Palisade is wider and has a significantly longer wheelbase (2,970 mm vs 2,850 mm), which directly translates into interior cabin space.
This aligns with the seating options, where the Palisade offers flexibility for up to 8 passengers compared to the Tank’s fixed 7-seater layout.