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Hyundai Just Proved Its Flagship SUV Has Potential Overlanding Chops

Who knew the Palisade XRT Pro could look this good.

Black SUV with roof cargo box and "Track Support Vehicle" text on the side, parked in front of a concrete wall.Hyundai
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By Chris Chin

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America’s IMSA motorsports league isn’t exactly the source for off-roading or overlanding content and inspiration. Though, Hyundai and its N performance division might’ve just changed that.

The Korean automaker just revealed one badass looking Palisade XRT. It just happens to be Hyundai’s official track support vehicle. And, the company built it specifically to support its latest Elantra N TCR race car as it competes.

An unexpectedly badass one-off

Black SUV with roof rack and storage box parked near a building with large windows and German flag banners.
We never expected the Palisade XRT Pro to look this badass as a potential overlanding rig.
Hyundai

While Hyundai built its support vehicle for use in its paved motorsports competitions, it inadvertently reaffirms the Palisade XRT’s potential as an off-roading or overlanding rig.

It starts life as a Palisade XRT Pro, or the off-road version of the popular midsize SUV. From the factory, the Pro version adds a lift kit. Which, raises ground clearance to an impressive total of 8.4 inches.

Black SUV with roof-mounted Pelican case and "N Track Support Vehicle" decal on the side, parked in front of a building.
Despite being a support vehicle for this year’s IMSA Michelin Pilot Sport racing series, Hyundai;’s N Track Support Vehicle shows us what’s truly possible.
Hyundai

The XRT Pro also adds different front and rear bumper designs for better approach and departure angles. Said bumpers also include integrated tow hooks, which were painted to match the Hyundai N division’s color theming.

The department then added rugged all-terrain tires, a Thule roof rack, an exterior LED light bar, rocker panel protection plates and bespoke black-painted wheels wrapped in beefy BFGoodrich all-terrain tires.

One, of course, can’t miss the plethora of exterior decals and vinyl graphic addons. All of which shout out to sponsors and match the Hyundai N team’s color theme.

The result is a level of badassery that nobody ever likely anticipated from Hyundai’s flagship family crossover SUV.

Showcasing the possibilities

Black side mirror and door of a vehicle with sponsor logos including Hyundai Mobis, Michelin, BFGoodrich, Motul, WeatherTech, and "Track Support Vehicle" text.
No track support vehicle is complete without a shoutout to its sponsors.
Hyundai

This specific Palisade XRT Pro might’ve been built just to support the Bryan Herta team through this year’s IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. But it also unexpectedly shows when someone goes ham with accessories on the XRT Pro.

If one wanted to build an off-roader and overlanding rig, but was skeptical of the Palisade as a starting point, Hyundai’s track support car certainly exemplifies what’s possible.

Rear side of a black vehicle with red taillights and logos, carrying a black spare tire mounted on a red carrier.
The tow hitch-mounted spare-tire rack adds extra space for storing things.
Hyundai

So, if you were having a hard time seeing the Palisade XRT Pro as a viable off-roader or overlander, Hyundai just gave some proof in the pudding. All to show off the Palisade’s true potential.

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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