Discover Your Perfect Ride: A Guide to the Hyundai Palisade

Finding the right family SUV can feel like a monumental task. You need space, safety, technology, and comfort, all wrapped in a stylish package that doesn't break the bank. The Hyundai Palisade steps up to this challenge, offering a premium experience without the premium price tag. This three-row SUV is designed for modern families, blending sophisticated design with practical functionality.

This guide will walk you through everything the Hyundai Palisade has to offer. We'll explore its standout features, from advanced safety systems to luxurious interiors. More importantly, we will dive deep into the different Hyundai Palisade trims to help you find the perfect match for your lifestyle and budget. By the end, you'll understand why this SUV is a top contender in its class.

Why Choose the Hyundai Palisade SUV?

The Hyundai Palisade has quickly become a favorite among families and drivers who demand more from their vehicles. It stands out in a crowded market by delivering exceptional value, combining features often found in luxury brands with the reliability and affordability Hyundai is known for. It’s more than just a way to get from point A to point B; it's a mobile command center for your life's adventures.

The Palisade offers seating for up to eight passengers, making it ideal for carpools, road trips, and hauling the whole crew. Its powerful V6 engine provides confident acceleration, while its smooth ride ensures everyone stays comfortable, even on long journeys. Inside, you're greeted with a thoughtfully designed cabin that prioritizes both driver convenience and passenger comfort, making every trip a pleasure.

Unpacking the Core Hyundai Palisade Features

Before we break down the specific trims, let's look at the foundational features that make every Palisade a great choice. Hyundai has equipped its flagship SUV with an impressive suite of standard technology and safety features, ensuring you get a high-quality experience no matter which model you select.

Performance and Capability

At the heart of every Hyundai Palisade is a robust 3.8L GDI V6 engine, producing a healthy 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®, providing responsive power delivery for city driving and highway cruising. While front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, the advanced HTRAC All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system is available on every trim, offering enhanced traction and control in various weather conditions.

Advanced Safety Comes Standard

Hyundai's commitment to safety is evident in the Palisade. Every model comes equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a comprehensive package of driver-assistance technologies. This includes:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection: Helps prevent potential frontal collisions.
• Lane Keeping Assist & Lane Following Assist: Keeps the vehicle centered in its lane.
• Driver Attention Warning: Monitors driving patterns to detect drowsy or inattentive driving.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist: Alerts you to approaching traffic when backing up.
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist: Provides warnings and can apply brakes to avoid collisions with vehicles in your blind spot.
• Safe Exit Assist: Prevents passengers from opening a door into an approaching vehicle.

These features work together to create a safety net around the vehicle, giving you and your passengers greater peace of mind on the road.

A Detailed Look at the Hyundai Palisade Trims

Now, let's explore what makes each trim level unique. From the well-equipped base model to the height of luxury in the Calligraphy, there is a Palisade designed for every need.

The Hyundai Palisade SE: The Smart Starting Point

The SE trim is the gateway to the Palisade family, but don't mistake it for a stripped-down base model. It’s packed with features that make it one of the best-equipped entry-level SUVs on the market. It’s the perfect choice for buyers who want exceptional value without sacrificing essential modern conveniences.

Key SE Features:

• Spacious Seating: The SE comes standard with 8-passenger seating, featuring a second-row bench seat. This makes it a great option for larger families.
• Large Touchscreen Display: A beautiful 12.3-inch touchscreen display with navigation is standard. This system includes Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, allowing seamless integration with your smartphone.
• Digital Convenience: Enjoy the convenience of a proximity key with push-button start and second-row automatic HVAC controls.
• Wi-Fi Hotspot: Keep everyone connected on the go with a standard onboard Wi-Fi hotspot.
• LED Headlights: Bright and efficient LED headlights provide excellent visibility.

The SE proves that you don't need to choose the most expensive model to get a premium and technologically advanced experience. It's a fantastic foundation that meets the needs of most families.

The Hyundai Palisade SEL: The Perfect Blend of Features and Value

The SEL trim is often the sweet spot in the lineup. It builds upon the SE's generous features by adding more comfort, convenience, and style. For many buyers, the SEL offers the ideal balance of desirable upgrades at a competitive price point, making it a very popular choice.

Key SEL Features:

• Enhanced Seating: The SEL trim replaces the second-row bench with 7-passenger captain's chairs, creating a more spacious and comfortable experience for rear passengers. An 8-passenger configuration remains an option.
• Upgraded Comfort: H-Tex™ trimmed seats provide a more premium feel, and the driver enjoys an 8-way power-adjustable seat. Both front seats are heated for those chilly mornings.
• Added Convenience: A hands-free smart liftgate with auto open makes loading groceries and gear effortless. Roof side rails are also included, preparing you for adventure.
• Stylish Touches: The SEL features satin chrome door handles and a more refined interior trim.

For those who appreciate a few extra creature comforts without a significant price jump, the SEL is an excellent choice. It enhances the daily driving experience with thoughtful, practical upgrades.

The Hyundai Palisade XRT: Rugged Style Meets Family Function

If you want your family SUV to have a more adventurous and assertive look, the Palisade XRT is designed for you. This trim takes the features of the SEL and adds a host of rugged, blacked-out exterior styling elements. It’s for the family that wants to stand out from the crowd with a bold, off-road-inspired aesthetic.

Key XRT Features:

• Distinctive Exterior: The XRT is immediately recognizable by its dark-finish 20-inch alloy wheels, exclusive XRT front and rear fascias with skid plate details, and a dark front grille.
• Blacked-Out Accents: Black roof side rails and lower door garnishes complete the rugged look.
• Power Sunroof: A conventional power sunroof is standard on the XRT, letting in more light and fresh air.
• SEL Foundation: Underneath the tough exterior, the XRT shares its core comfort and technology features with the SEL trim, including the H-Tex™ trimmed seats and 12.3-inch touchscreen.

The XRT is all about attitude. It offers a unique visual package that projects strength and capability, making a statement wherever you go, from the school pickup line to the weekend trailhead.

The Hyundai Palisade Limited: The Lap of Luxury

The Limited trim elevates the Palisade into true luxury territory. It's designed for those who desire premium materials, advanced technology, and a first-class experience for every passenger. The Limited is loaded with high-end features that rival those found in vehicles costing thousands more.

Key Limited Features:

• Premium Seating: The cabin is appointed with supple leather-trimmed seats. The driver's seat includes a 4-way power lumbar and an Ergo-Motion massage function for ultimate comfort. Both front seats are heated and ventilated.
• Enhanced Rear Comfort: Second-row passengers are also treated to heated and ventilated seats, ensuring everyone travels in comfort. The third row gets power-folding/unfolding and reclining capabilities.
• Advanced Tech: A 10-inch color head-up display (HUD) projects key driving information onto the windshield, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road. The digital rearview mirror provides a clear view behind the vehicle, even when the cargo area is full.
• Superior Audio: A Harman Kardon® premium audio system with 12 speakers delivers immersive, high-fidelity sound throughout the cabin.
• Ambiance and Style: A dual-panel sunroof creates an open, airy feeling, while 64-color ambient interior lighting lets you set the mood.

The Limited trim transforms the Palisade into a sanctuary on wheels. It’s the perfect choice for discerning buyers who want it all: technology, comfort, and sophisticated style.

The Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy: The Pinnacle of SUV Elegance

At the very top of the Hyundai Palisade trims is the Calligraphy. This model takes the already luxurious Limited and adds exclusive design elements and features, creating the ultimate Palisade experience. The Calligraphy is for the driver who accepts no compromises and demands the absolute best in design, materials, and refinement.

Key Calligraphy Features:

• Exclusive Design: The Calligraphy boasts a unique grille finish, exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels, and premium front and rear lighting signatures that set it apart.
• Ultra-Luxe Interior: The cabin is a masterclass in design, featuring premium Nappa leather seating surfaces. The steering wheel is wrapped in perforated leather, and the headliner is a luxurious microfiber suede.
• Advanced Driver Comfort: The Ergo-Motion massaging driver's seat from the Limited is standard, providing exceptional support on long drives.
• Smart Parking: Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) allows you to remotely move the Palisade in or out of a tight parking space from outside the vehicle using the smart key.
• Standard AWD: HTRAC All-Wheel Drive comes standard on the Calligraphy, providing maximum traction and confidence in all conditions.

The Calligraphy is more than just a trim; it’s a statement. It represents the highest level of craftsmanship and technology that Hyundai offers, delivering a truly first-class driving experience for the entire family.

Making Your Decision: A Final Hyundai Palisade Review

Choosing the right Hyundai Palisade trim comes down to your priorities. Each model offers a compelling package of features built on a foundation of safety, performance, and reliability.

• Go for the SE if you need a spacious, safe, and tech-savvy SUV at an incredible value.
• Choose the SEL for added comforts like captain's chairs and a hands-free liftgate.
• Opt for the XRT if you love a rugged, bold style that makes a statement.
• Select the Limited for a true luxury experience with premium leather and advanced tech.
• Indulge in the Calligraphy for the ultimate expression of elegance and exclusive features.

No matter which you choose, the Hyundai Palisade stands as a testament to what a modern family SUV can be: versatile, comfortable, stylish, and packed with intelligent features. It’s a vehicle designed not just for your needs, but for your family's aspirations.

Are you ready to see which Hyundai Palisade is the perfect fit for you? We invite you to explore our online inventory to see the latest models and features. Better yet, visit our dealership for a personal test drive to experience the exceptional quality and comfort of the Palisade firsthand. Your next family adventure awaits.