Hyundai Palisade Body Kit Installation Review

Elevating Your Hyundai Palisade with an Aero Kit

The Hyundai Palisade, a flagship SUV, boasts a luxurious design and refined interior. However, its substantial size and elevated ride height can present challenges for entry and exit, especially for families with children or elderly passengers, or when carrying heavy items. To address these convenience issues and enhance the vehicle's premium aesthetic, many Palisade owners opt for an electric side step kit, often referred to as an aero kit or body kit in broader terms. This review delves into the installation and benefits of such an upgrade, drawing from real-world owner experiences.

Why Consider a Body Kit for Your Palisade?

The primary motivation for installing an electric side step kit, or a comprehensive body kit, on a Hyundai Palisade is to improve accessibility. The SUV's considerable ground clearance, while contributing to its imposing presence, can make stepping in and out a cumbersome task. This is particularly true for younger children and seniors. An electric side step deploys automatically when the door is opened, providing a stable and lower platform for easier boarding and alighting. When the door is closed, it retracts neatly, preserving the vehicle's sleek lines. This upgrade not only boosts convenience but also adds a touch of sophistication, making the vehicle feel more upscale. The installation process, while requiring professional expertise, is designed to integrate seamlessly with the vehicle's existing electrical system and chassis, ensuring reliable operation akin to a factory-installed option.

The Installation Process and Results

Installing an electric side step kit on a Hyundai Palisade involves several key steps. Initially, the vehicle is prepared by removing the underbody covers to access the mounting points. Technicians then carefully align the new side step components, utilizing existing bolt holes to minimize any modification to the vehicle's structure. Crucially, the electrical wiring is meticulously connected to the vehicle's power system, often integrated with the door sensors, to enable the automatic deployment and retraction feature. Some minor trimming of the underbody panels might be necessary to accommodate the new components, but skilled installers ensure this is done cleanly, maintaining an OEM look. Upon completion, the side steps function smoothly, extending when doors are opened and retracting when closed. This transformation not only enhances practicality but also contributes to the Palisade's overall aesthetic appeal, giving it a more complete and customized appearance.

Installation Process:

1. Remove existing underbody panels.
2. Mount the electric side step brackets to the vehicle's chassis.
3. Connect the wiring harness to the vehicle's electrical system and door mechanisms.
4. Test the automatic deployment and retraction functionality.
5. Reinstall or modify underbody panels for a clean finish.

The cost for such an upgrade can vary, with prices in Korea typically ranging from approximately 400,000 KRW to 700,000 KRW (roughly $300-$550 USD), depending on the brand, specific features, and installation shop labor rates. Brands like 'King Step' are recognized for their stable performance and quality finish, though they may represent the higher end of the price spectrum. While this review focuses on electric side steps, the term 'body kit' can also encompass front lips, side skirts, and rear diffusers, which are installed similarly through secure mounting and sometimes adhesive application, contributing to a more aggressive or refined visual profile.