Headlining the updates is the new Elite model, priced from $61,500 before on-road costs with a 3.8-litre petrol V6, or $65,500 before on-road costs with a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine – increases of $500 and $1500 respectively over the entry-level 2021 Palisade, though the new mid-tier variant offers a significantly longer list of standard equipment.

Over the base 2021 Palisade, the seven- or eight-seat 2022 Palisade Elite gains bi-LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, wireless phone charging, LED ‘combination’ tail-lights, a power tailgate, heated front seats, a single-panel sunroof and rear privacy glass – features all previously exclusive to the flagship Highlander.

To accomodate the Elite, the ‘base’ 2022 Palisade loses its 2021 counterpart’s 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, satellite navigation, 12-speaker Infinity sound system, Driver Talk function, and choice of seven or eight seats, replacing them with eight seats as standard, a 8.0-inch touchscreen without navigation, and an unbranded sound system – with buyers keen on these features forced to step up to the Elite.