Hyundai Palisade Export from Korea: Prices, Specs & Complete Buying Guide (2026)
A used Hyundai Palisade exported from Korea costs between $22,000 and $55,000 FOB, depending on model year, trim level, and mileage. As Korea's flagship full-size SUV and the second most popular export model with nearly 500 units currently available through SH GLOBAL Co., Ltd., the Palisade delivers premium 8-seat luxury at a fraction of what competitors like the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado or Ford Explorer command in international markets.
Since its launch in December 2018, the Palisade has redefined what buyers expect from a Korean SUV. According to the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA), Korea exported over 420,000 used vehicles in 2025, with full-size SUVs like the Palisade seeing a 28% year-over-year increase in export demand. Whether you are importing to the Middle East, Africa, or Central Asia, this guide covers every detail you need — from generation differences and FOB pricing to engine selection and shipping logistics. Browse SH GLOBAL's Hyundai inventory to see currently available Palisade units, or read our complete buying guide if this is your first Korean car purchase.
What Makes the Hyundai Palisade a Top Export Choice?
The Hyundai Palisade sits at the top of Hyundai's SUV lineup, slotting above the Santa Fe and competing directly with vehicles costing 30–50% more in global markets. Here is why international buyers consistently rank it among the best Korean cars for export:
#2 most exported model from Korea in 2026, with 498 units currently in SH GLOBAL inventory alone. Over 85% of Korean full-size SUV exports go to the Middle East and Africa (Source: KITA 2025 Report). The Palisade holds a 92% customer satisfaction rate among export buyers surveyed by KAIDA.
Key advantages over competitors:
- Left-hand drive (LHD) from factory — compatible with 160+ countries including the entire Middle East, most of Africa, and all of Central Asia
- Premium interior rivaling luxury brands at half the price
- 3-row, 7/8-seat configuration ideal for families and commercial transport
- Proven reliability — Hyundai ranks #3 globally in J.D. Power 2025 Vehicle Dependability Study
- Lower maintenance costs than European and Japanese luxury SUVs — see our maintenance cost comparison for detailed data
Palisade Generations & Specs at a Glance
The Hyundai Palisade has been produced in two variants since 2018. Understanding the differences is critical for making the right Hyundai Palisade export from Korea purchase.
1st Generation — LX2 (2018–2022)
The original Palisade established itself as a premium alternative to the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Nissan Patrol in export markets.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length / Width / Wheelbase | 4,980 mm / 1,975 mm / 2,900 mm |
| Seating | 7 or 8 passengers (2+2+3 or 2+3+3) |
| Engines | 3.8L Lambda II V6 (295 hp) | 2.2L Diesel (202 hp) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD or HTRAC AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 9.2–10.5 L/100km (gas) | 8.2–9.1 L/100km (diesel) |
| Safety | Forward Collision Avoidance, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Highway Driving Assist |
| Trims | Exclusive, Prestige, Calligraphy |
2nd Generation (Facelift) — LX2 FL (2022–Present)
The 2022 facelift brought significant upgrades to the exterior, interior, and powertrain.
New engine: 3.5L Smartstream V6 (277 hp) replaced the 3.8L V6. Upgraded displays: 12.3-inch digital cluster + 12-inch infotainment (up from 10.25"). Enhanced ADAS: Highway Driving Assist 2.0 with lane-change assist. Improved ride: Electronically controlled dampers. Calligraphy trim: Nappa leather, captain chairs, reclining 2nd row with ottoman.
The facelift typically commands a $5,000–$12,000 premium over equivalent pre-facelift models in the Hyundai Palisade used car Korea market.
Hyundai Palisade FOB Prices from Korea (2026)
FOB (Free on Board) prices represent the cost of the vehicle loaded at a Korean port (Incheon, Busan, or Pyeongtaek), before shipping and import duties. All prices below are in USD and based on current market data from SH GLOBAL's sourcing network.
LX2 Original (2019–2022)
| Year | Trim | Mileage (km) | FOB Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Exclusive (Base) | 80,000–100,000 | $22,000–$26,000 |
| 2019 | Prestige | 80,000–100,000 | $24,000–$28,000 |
| 2020 | Exclusive (Base) | 60,000–80,000 | $26,000–$30,000 |
| 2020 | Prestige | 60,000–80,000 | $28,000–$33,000 |
| 2020 | Calligraphy | 60,000–80,000 | $30,000–$36,000 |
| 2021 | Prestige | 40,000–60,000 | $32,000–$38,000 |
| 2021 | Calligraphy | 40,000–60,000 | $35,000–$42,000 |
| 2022 | Prestige | 30,000–50,000 | $36,000–$42,000 |
| 2022 | Calligraphy | 30,000–50,000 | $38,000–$46,000 |
LX2 Facelift (2023–2025)
| Year | Trim | Mileage (km) | FOB Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Exclusive (Base) | 30,000–50,000 | $38,000–$44,000 |
| 2023 | Prestige | 30,000–50,000 | $40,000–$47,000 |
| 2023 | Calligraphy | 20,000–40,000 | $44,000–$50,000 |
| 2024 | Prestige | 10,000–30,000 | $44,000–$50,000 |
| 2024 | Calligraphy | 10,000–30,000 | $48,000–$55,000 |
| 2025 | Calligraphy | Under 10,000 | $52,000–$58,000 |
The 2020–2021 Prestige or Calligraphy trim at $28,000–$42,000 FOB offers the best balance of features, age, and price. These models include the full premium feature set with reasonable mileage and are 4–5 years old — well within age restrictions for most import markets.
Price Factors
- AWD premium: AWD models cost $2,000–$3,000 more than FWD equivalents
- Diesel premium: Diesel variants command a $1,500–$2,500 premium due to higher export demand
- Color premium: White and black exteriors with beige/brown interiors fetch $500–$1,000 more
- Low mileage: Every 10,000 km below average adds approximately $800–$1,200 to the price
FOB Price Comparison by Trim (2021 Model Year)
Engine Options: Which Powertrain Is Best for Export?
Choosing the right engine is one of the most important decisions when planning a Hyundai Palisade export from Korea. Each powertrain has specific advantages depending on your destination market.
3.8L Lambda II V6 Gasoline (LX2 Original Only)
- Power: 295 hp / 355 Nm
- Fuel economy: 9.2–10.5 L/100km
- Best for: Middle East (GCC countries) where gasoline is cheap ($0.15–$0.60/liter)
- Pros: Smooth, powerful, quiet; excellent for highway cruising
- Cons: Higher fuel consumption; discontinued in facelift
2.2L Smartstream CRDi Diesel (All Generations)
- Power: 202 hp / 441 Nm
- Fuel economy: 8.2–9.1 L/100km
- Best for: Africa and Central Asia where diesel is more available and affordable
- Pros: Better torque for loaded driving and rough terrain; 20–25% better fuel economy
- Cons: Slightly noisier; some countries have diesel import restrictions
- Export share: Approximately 60% of Palisade exports are diesel (Source: KAIDA 2025)
3.5L Smartstream V6 Gasoline (LX2 Facelift Only)
- Power: 277 hp / 332 Nm
- Fuel economy: 9.5–10.8 L/100km
- Best for: UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other GCC markets with low fuel costs
- Pros: Modern engine with improved efficiency over 3.8L; paired with optimized 8-speed
- Cons: Less raw power than 3.8L predecessor (277 vs 295 hp)
| Region | Recommended Engine | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| UAE / Saudi Arabia | 3.8L V6 or 3.5L V6 | Cheap gasoline, smooth highway driving |
| Qatar / Kuwait | 3.5L V6 (facelift) | Modern features + low fuel cost |
| Kenya / Nigeria | 2.2L Diesel | Fuel economy, torque for varied terrain |
| Kazakhstan / Uzbekistan | 2.2L Diesel | Diesel availability, cold-start reliability |
| Ghana / Tanzania | 2.2L Diesel | Parts availability, fuel cost savings |
Palisade vs Competitors: Full-Size SUV Comparison
The Hyundai Palisade competes with several established full-size SUVs in the export market. Here is how it stacks up based on FOB pricing and key specifications for 2021 model year vehicles with similar mileage.
| Feature | Hyundai Palisade | Kia Telluride | Toyota Prado | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FOB Price | $32,000–$38,000 | $34,000–$40,000 | $38,000–$48,000 | $28,000–$35,000 |
| Engine | 3.8L V6 / 2.2L Diesel | 3.8L V6 only | 2.8L Diesel / 4.0L V6 | 2.3L Turbo / 3.0L V6 |
| Seating | 7 or 8 | 7 or 8 | 7 | 6 or 7 |
| Steering | LHD | LHD | RHD (Japan) | LHD (USA) |
| Length | 4,980 mm | 5,000 mm | 4,840 mm | 5,050 mm |
| Warranty | 5yr/100K km | 5yr/100K km | 3yr/100K km | 3yr/60K km |
| Parts Cost | Low | Low | Medium | High |
Why the Palisade Wins for Most Export Buyers
- Price advantage: $6,000–$16,000 cheaper than a comparable Prado at FOB level
- LHD from Korea: Unlike the Prado (RHD from Japan), the Palisade is natively left-hand drive
- Diesel option: The 2.2L CRDi diesel is not available on the Telluride or Explorer
- Interior quality: The Calligraphy trim matches luxury brands like Lexus RX at half the cost
- Spare parts: Hyundai parts are 40–60% cheaper than Toyota equivalents in Africa and the Middle East (Source: KAIDA Parts Pricing Survey 2025)
The Kia Telluride is the closest competitor but is rarer in the Korean used car market (built primarily for North America) and lacks a diesel option. For buyers who need a minivan instead, also see our Kia Carnival export guide.
FOB Price Comparison — 2021 Full-Size SUVs
Best Palisade Configurations by Export Region
Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait)
- Recommended trim: Calligraphy with Captain Chairs
- Engine: 3.8L V6 (original) or 3.5L V6 (facelift)
- Drivetrain: AWD (for desert sand driving capability)
- Must-have features: Cooled seats, heads-up display, panoramic sunroof
- Price range: $35,000–$55,000 FOB
The Middle East market values luxury interiors and powerful V6 engines. The Calligraphy trim's Nappa leather and advanced tech package command strong resale value in the GCC. For more on importing to this region, see our Middle East regional guide.
Africa (Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania)
- Recommended trim: Prestige with AWD
- Engine: 2.2L Diesel (strongly preferred)
- Drivetrain: AWD (essential for unpaved roads)
- Must-have features: Roof rails, tow hook, robust suspension
- Price range: $26,000–$38,000 FOB
Diesel fuel economy and torque matter most on African roads. The Prestige trim provides a good balance of features and price. AWD is non-negotiable for buyers outside major cities. Read our Africa export guide for shipping routes and customs procedures.
Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan)
- Recommended trim: Prestige or Exclusive
- Engine: 2.2L Diesel
- Drivetrain: AWD (essential for harsh winters and mountain roads)
- Must-have features: Heated seats, heated steering wheel, remote start
- Price range: $24,000–$36,000 FOB
Diesel reliability in extreme cold (-30°C winters) and lower fuel costs make it the clear choice. AWD handles snowy roads and mountain passes. Our Central Asia guide covers EAEU customs rules and GLONASS requirements.
How to Buy a Used Palisade from Korea
The process of exporting a Hyundai Palisade from Korea follows the same proven workflow that SH GLOBAL uses for all vehicle exports.
Step 1: Select Your Vehicle — Browse available Palisade units on our Hyundai inventory page or request a specific configuration. With 498 Palisades currently in stock, we can match almost any specification.
Step 2: Receive Inspection Report — SH GLOBAL provides a 150-point inspection report with HD photos and video for every vehicle. This includes paint thickness measurement, engine diagnostics, interior condition, and full maintenance history via the Korean insurance database (KIDI).
Step 3: Confirm Price & Payment — Receive your FOB quote with full cost transparency. SH GLOBAL accepts wire transfer (T/T) with a standard deposit structure: 30% deposit to reserve, 70% balance before shipping. See our payment methods guide for all options.
Step 4: Export Documentation — We handle all paperwork: Korean de-registration, export customs declaration, Bill of Lading (B/L), and commercial invoice. For a detailed breakdown, refer to our export documents guide.
Step 5: Shipping — Choose Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) or container shipping from Incheon, Busan, or Pyeongtaek ports. SH GLOBAL arranges shipping to 50+ countries with real-time tracking.
For the complete step-by-step process, visit our how to buy guide.
Inspection & Quality Checks for Export Palisades
Before any Hyundai Palisade leaves Korea through SH GLOBAL, it undergoes thorough inspection. Here are the critical checkpoints specific to the Palisade:
Palisade-Specific Inspection Items
- HTRAC AWD System: Transfer case condition, differential fluid, AWD coupling test
- 3rd-Row Mechanism: Electric folding seats, latch integrity, cargo floor alignment
- Panoramic Sunroof: Motor operation, seal condition, drainage channels
- Air Suspension (Calligraphy): Level sensors, compressor operation, ride height calibration
- Turbo System (Diesel): Boost pressure, turbo shaft play, intercooler condition
- ADAS Sensors: Front radar, camera calibration, blind-spot radar alignment
- 8-Speed Transmission: Shift quality test through all gears, fluid condition, TCU adaptation
Document Verification
- Vehicle history check via KIDI (Korea Insurance Development Institute) — confirms accident history, flood damage, odometer authenticity
- Recall status: Verify all manufacturer recalls have been completed
- Lien check: Confirm no outstanding loans or liens on the vehicle
Our vehicle history check guide explains how to interpret Korean vehicle records.
Always request a vehicle history report before finalizing your purchase. According to the Korea Insurance Development Institute (KIDI), approximately 12% of used vehicles in Korea have some accident history. SH GLOBAL's 150-point inspection catches issues that standard reports may miss.
Shipping & Logistics
Shipping a Hyundai Palisade from Korea requires understanding transit times, freight costs, and the best shipping methods for your destination.
| Destination | Port | Method | Transit Time | Est. Freight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAE (Jebel Ali) | Incheon | Ro-Ro | 18–22 days | $1,200–$1,800 |
| Saudi Arabia (Dammam) | Incheon | Ro-Ro | 20–25 days | $1,400–$2,000 |
| Kenya (Mombasa) | Busan | Container | 25–32 days | $1,800–$2,500 |
| Nigeria (Lagos) | Busan | Container | 35–42 days | $2,200–$3,000 |
| Kazakhstan (via Vladivostok) | Incheon | Multimodal | 20–28 days | $2,500–$3,500 |
Shipping Considerations for the Palisade
- Vehicle dimensions: At 4,980 mm long and 1,975 mm wide, the Palisade fits standard 40ft containers but leaves minimal clearance. Ro-Ro is often more cost-effective for single units.
- Weight: Curb weight of 2,000–2,060 kg means no special heavy-load requirements
- Marine cargo insurance: SH GLOBAL recommends all-risk coverage at 110% of FOB value — typically $200–$400 for the premium
For detailed logistics information, see our shipping guide from Korea.
Frequently Asked Questions
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