Comfort (default) Mode

(Comfort Mode is standard on all Palisade models)

  • Standard traction control programming (not terribly invasive)
  • Standard stability control programming (allows some slip angle, but remains controllable)
  • Varies front and rear power split (Mostly front wheel driven but sends power to the rear on initial set-off, cornering, and overtaking)
  • Leisurely and predictable throttle response (More linear)
  • Automatic transmission behaves normally (shifts when it is most efficient/appropriate)

Sand (Terrain) Mode

(Sand mode is only available on Canadian and International model Palisades)

  • Removes traction control without illuminating the dash (disables engine slowing during a slip event)
  • Reduces stability control (allows greater vehicle yaw before inner wheel brake intervention & allows greater left/right wheel speed differences)
  • "Locks" the centre "differential" (Instructs the AWD centre clutch to remain locked at 50/50 power split)
  • Increases throttle response (The first half of the pedal is nonlinear and more aggressive)
  • Holds Lower Gears (Doesn't downshift under braking but holds gears similarly to "Sport" Programming"


What Do I think?

I should preface my thoughts with the obvious, it's a well-appointed and family-friendly SUV that ISN'T made for enthusiasts.

Bearing this in mind, it handles exactly how, if not better than what a normal driver would expect. The large and slightly heavy engine is positioned far forward, meaning that it's a bit like a shopping cart with your items all stacked at the front.

If you carry too much speed into a turn and let go of the gas, you will be disappointed to find that it continues to go in the direction it was already facing. That is to say, it pushes wide but can be corrected by slowing down or understeering enough that stability control slows the inside wheels and gives you back the confidence that you lost just moments ago.

It doesn't like to powerslide in anything other than mud or snow, but it also doesn't feel like the all-wheel drive system is just for show. The stability control system can feel a bit unnatural at times, in that, there's a fairly large disparity between the vehicle's natural handling characteristics and the confidence-inspiring ones that come on about a second later.

If you account for the time it takes stability control to figure things out, as well as the inherent imbalance of a heavy car like this, you can start to use them as an advantage. If you dig into the brakes, the weight shifts forward and reduces the grip on the rear wheels causing the vehicle to pivot around the front axle. If you don't expect this behaviour I could see how someone might end up pile-driving it into a ditch. If you expect this kind of front wheel drive character, you can use it to (kind of) drift, or use it to tighten up your line.


For those (myself included) concerned about animal strikes, I took extra precautions and drove the intended route back-to-back several times before filming. Drive for conditions, Warm-up, Stay safe!