A Guide to Hyundai Palisade Trim Levels for Houston Drivers

For Houston drivers in the market for a three-row SUV, the Hyundai Palisade is a top choice. Its spacious interior and premium feel have made it a favorite for families and individuals alike. What makes the Palisade so appealing is that it's not just one vehicle. It's a lineup of trim levels that offer a wide variety of features and values, each designed for a different kind of driver.

This guide is designed to walk you through the different Hyundai Palisade trim levels. We’ll break down what makes each one unique, from the functional SE trim to the high-end Palisade Calligraphy. Our goal is to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision and find the perfect new Hyundai for your lifestyle.

The Hyundai Palisade SE Trim

The Hyundai Palisade SE trim is the perfect entry-level option for anyone who wants a three-row SUV without a huge price tag. It proves that you can get a lot of car for your money without sacrificing quality. This is the trim that makes the Hyundai Palisade such a great value, and it comes with all the basics you need for a comfortable and safe driving experience.

Engine and Powertrain

Every new Hyundai Palisade, including the SE trim, comes standard with a powerful 3.8-liter V6 engine that provides a great amount of power. This powertrain is paired with a smooth automatic transmission that delivers a great driving experience.

The SE trim comes standard with front-wheel drive, which is perfect for driving in Houston. For added confidence and traction, an all-wheel drive (AWD) system is available. The towing capacity on the SE is a very respectable 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Interior and Technology

The SE trim is built with practicality and comfort in mind. It comes with a spacious cabin and a standard bench seat in the second row, which allows for a seating capacity of up to eight people. This is a huge advantage for families who need to carry a lot of passengers. You also get a great infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display that comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety and Value

The Hyundai Palisade is built to keep you and your family safe. Even the SE trim comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including lane-keeping assist and a blind-spot view monitor. These systems help you feel more confident on the road and give you a greater sense of awareness. With a low starting MSRP and a great list of standard features, the SE trim is a perfect starting point for any family in Houston who wants a new Hyundai.

The Hyundai Palisade SEL Trim

If you're looking for more features and comfort without a huge jump in pricing, the Hyundai Palisade SEL trim is a fantastic choice. The SEL is one of the most popular trims for a reason. It takes everything that makes the SE trim great and adds a lot of premium touches that make the driving experience even better for you and your family.

Interior Upgrades and More Comfort

The SEL trim is where the Palisade's premium feel starts to really shine. Instead of the standard bench seat in the second row, the SEL gives you captain’s chairs, which adds a more luxurious feel and makes it easier for passengers to get to the third-row seats.

You also get a sunroof, which is a great feature for letting in some natural light. For colder Houston mornings, the heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are standard on the SEL, which is a great touch of comfort.

New Technology and Convenience

The SEL trim also comes with a lot of great technology. While the SE trim has a great infotainment system, the SEL adds a wireless charging pad for your phone, which is a very convenient feature.

You also get the Hyundai digital key, which allows you to use your smartphone to lock, unlock, and start your new Hyundai. The SEL trim also comes standard with an advanced suite of safety features, including rear cross-traffic alert and a blind-spot view monitor.

SEL Premium

For those who want even more features, the SEL Premium is a great option. It builds on the great features of the SEL by adding things like a premium audio system, a larger touchscreen display, and a power sunroof.

The SEL Premium trim also has an available AWD system and a great list of standard features that are a great value for Houston drivers. The SEL Premium is a perfect example of how the Hyundai Palisade trim levels can give you the right mix of features without having to pay a premium.

The Limited and Calligraphy Trims

If you are looking for the absolute best the Hyundai Palisade has to offer, the Limited trim and the Calligraphy trim are the perfect choices. These are the trim levels where the three-row SUV truly feels like a high-end luxury vehicle. They take everything that makes the lower trims great and add a ton of premium features and technology.

The Limited Trim

The Limited trim is where you start to get a truly luxurious feel. It adds a ton of great features to the already impressive SEL trim. The interior gets a significant upgrade with available Nappa leather seating, a heated steering wheel, and heated and ventilated seats in the second row.

You also get a larger infotainment touchscreen display and a surround view monitor that gives you a top-down view of your vehicle, which is a great feature for parking in tight spaces. You also get power-folding third-row seats with the push of a button.

The Calligraphy Trim

The Calligraphy trim is the most luxurious option in the Hyundai Palisade trim levels. It takes everything from the Limited trim and adds unique design elements and exclusive features.You get a full set of premium features like a digital key and a wi-fi hotspot for all your passengers.

The Palisade Calligraphy has a unique grille and special alloy wheels that make it stand out from the other trims. The interior has a premium feel with Nappa leather seating and unique color options.

Calligraphy Night and XRT Pro

For those who want an even more unique look, the Calligraphy Night is a new addition to the Hyundai Palisade lineup. It has a dark chrome grille and exterior accents that give it a very sleek and aggressive look. 

For a more adventurous feel, the XRT Pro has a more rugged off-road look with special tires and increased ground clearance. These trims are a great way to get the style that perfectly matches your personality.

Hyundai Palisade Trim Levels FAQs

It’s natural to have a lot of questions about a new vehicle. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we hear about the Hyundai Palisade and its various trim levels.

What are the Biggest Complaints About the Hyundai Palisade?

The Hyundai Palisade has a fantastic reputation for quality and reliability. While no vehicle is perfect, the biggest complaints about the Palisade are often minor. Some drivers have mentioned minor glitches with the infotainment system in older models, but these issues are often addressed with a simple software update. Overall, the Palisade is a very reliable three-row SUV that is a great choice for a family.

What is the Most Luxurious Palisade?

The most luxurious model in the lineup is the Palisade Calligraphy. This trim level takes everything from the Limited trim and adds a host of exclusive features and premium touches. It has special design elements on the outside and a truly high-end feel on the inside with Nappa leather seating, a heated steering wheel, and a unique interior design. For anyone who wants a new Hyundai with all the bells and whistles, the Palisade Calligraphy is the ultimate choice.

What is the Difference Between the Hyundai Palisade Trim Levels Limited and Calligraphy?

The Limited trim is the first step into true luxury, with premium features like a surround view monitor and ventilated seats in the second row. The Calligraphy trim takes that a step further with exclusive design elements and materials. It has a unique grille and special wheels. 

The interior has exclusive Nappa leather seating and a unique design on the driver’s seat. The Calligraphy Night trim even has a dark chrome grille and exterior accents that give it a more aggressive look.

How Safe is the Hyundai Palisade?

The Hyundai Palisade is an incredibly safe vehicle. Every Hyundai Palisade trim level comes with a full suite of standard safety features. These include lane-keeping assist, rear cross traffic alert, and a blind-spot view monitor. 

These systems are designed to help you feel more confident on the road and give you a greater sense of awareness. The Palisade has also received top safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS.

How is the Hyundai Palisade Different from the Kia Telluride?

The Hyundai Palisade and the Kia Telluride are mechanically very similar and share the same V6 engine, powertrain, and automatic transmission. The main difference between them is the design. 

The Telluride has a boxier, more rugged look, while the Palisade has a sleeker, more modern design. The Palisade also offers some unique features, like the Hyundai digital key, which allows you to use your smartphone to lock and unlock the vehicle.

Which Hyundai Palisade Trim Level Offers the Best Value for Houston Drivers?

While every Hyundai Palisade trim level offers a great value, the SEL trim is often considered the best choice for Houston drivers. It takes all the great features of the SE trim and adds a ton of premium touches that make the driving experience even better. You get a sunroof, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and captain’s chairs in the second row, all for a great MSRP. It’s the perfect balance of features and pricing.

Test Drive the Hyundai Palisade At Northwest Hyundai Today

There is a reason that the Hyundai Palisade is one of the most popular three-row SUVs on the market. With the perfect blend of comfort, safety, capability, and affordability, the Hyundai Palisade is a top choice for Houston drivers. Visit Northwest Hyundai today to take a test drive, and ask our knowledgeable team any questions you may have about financing, trim levels, and more.