What Are the Different Models of the Hyundai Palisade?

The Hyundai Palisade offers six distinct models: SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Limited, Calligraphy, and the off-road-focused XRT. Each model builds on the last, adding more premium materials, advanced tech, and comfort features. Whether you need a value-packed three-row SUV or a near-luxury hauler, there’s a Palisade model designed to fit your family’s needs and budget. Understanding the key differences between these trims is essential before you buy.

So, you’re in the market for a massive, comfortable, and tech-packed three-row SUV, and the Hyundai Palisade has caught your eye. Smart move. It’s consistently at the top of reviewer lists for its blend of space, value, and features. But then you ask the next logical question: “What are the different models of the Hyundai Palisade?” It’s a crucial question because Hyundai doesn’t just offer the Palisade in one flavor. They’ve carefully crafted a lineup of six distinct models (trims), each targeting a specific buyer and budget. Choosing between them is less about different engines and more about which set of luxury, tech, and comfort features aligns with your life. Let’s break down every single Palisade model from the ground up.

Think of the Palisade lineup as a ladder. You start on a solid, well-equipped rung and climb toward a summit of near-luxury refinement. The good news? There’s no “bad” rung. Even the base model is shockingly well-appointed. The engine is always the same powerful and smooth 3.8-liter V6, and the core safety tech is uniform. Your decision is all about the details: the seats, the infotainment screen, the materials on the doors, and those little luxuries that make every drive pleasant. We’ll walk through each model step-by-step, highlighting exactly what you get and who it’s for.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding What Are the Different Models of the Hyundai Palisade?: Provides essential knowledge

Understanding the Palisade Lineup: A Trim-by-Trim Breakdown

For the 2024 model year, Hyundai offers the Palisade in SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Limited, Calligraphy, and the special XRT edition. The pricing and feature gaps are logical and easy to follow. Let’s climb that ladder.

1. Hyundai Palisade SE: The Value Champion

The SE is the starting point, but “base model” is a misleading term here. This isn’t a stripped-down workhorse; it’s a complete family SUV from the get-go. The MSRP is attractively low, but you get a ton of standard equipment.

• Powertrain: 3.8L V6 (291 hp, 262 lb-ft torque) with 8-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (FWD). All-wheel drive (AWD) is a popular and reasonably priced option.
• Key Standard Features: 8-passenger seating (2-3-3 layout), 10.25” touchscreen with Hyundai’s excellent infotainment system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (wireless), rear view monitor, Hyundai SmartSense safety suite (including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and more), 18” alloy wheels, and LED headlights.
• Who it’s for: Budget-conscious families who refuse to compromise on space, safety, or core tech. It’s the sensible, no-fuss choice that does it all. If your priority is maximum people and cargo space for the lowest price, the SE is your answer.

2. Hyundai Palisade SEL: The Sweet Spot

Move up one step to the SEL, and you enter the “sweet spot” for most buyers. The price jump from the SE is modest, but you gain several comfort and convenience features that significantly enhance daily life.

• What’s Added Over SE: Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a 12.3” digital gauge cluster (replacing analog dials), second-row sunshades, a power driver’s seat with lumbar support, and a smart key with push-button start. You also get the option for a 2nd-row bench (making it an 8-seater) or captain’s chairs (making it a 7-seater).
• Key Differentiator: The digital gauge cluster and heated steering wheel are game-changers for comfort and modern feel. For a relatively small investment, your interior feels significantly more premium.
• Who it’s for: The pragmatic buyer who wants a little luxury and daily convenience without breaking the bank. It’s the most popular trim for a reason—it hits the perfect balance.

3. Hyundai Palisade SEL Plus: The Tech & Comfort Boost

The SEL Plus is where things start getting seriously plush. This trim focuses on upgrading the audio, seating surfaces, and adding key driver-assist tech.

• What’s Added Over SEL: Premium leather-trimmed seats (instead of cloth), a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system (a huge upgrade), ventilated front seats, a power passenger seat, and a wireless device charger. Crucially, it adds Highway Driving Assist (HDA), which combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering for semi-autonomous highway driving.
• Key Differentiator: The Harman Kardon sound system and HDA. The audio quality is night-and-day better, and HDA is a fantastic feature for long road trips, reducing driver fatigue.
• Who it’s for: The tech enthusiast and road-tripper who values premium sound and a helping hand on the highway. It’s for those who spend hours in the car and want the journey to be as enjoyable as the destination.

4. Hyundai Palisade Limited: The Near-Luxury Experience

The Limited trim swaps the SEL Plus’s leather for even richer Nappa leather and adds a suite of luxury and family-friendly features, positioning it as a direct competitor to luxury brand SUVs at a non-luxury price.

• What’s Added Over SEL Plus: Genuine Nappa leather seating, a heated steering wheel (if not already on SEL Plus), a power rear seat with adjustable headrests in the second row, a rear seat reminder, and a 360-degree surround view monitor. The wheel size increases to 20 inches. It also includes a heated second-row outboard seats.
• Key Differentiator: The switch to Nappa leather and the power-adjustable second-row seats. The interior feels truly upscale, and the second-row power adjustment is a huge plus for families with kids in car seats.
• Who it’s for: Buyers who want a luxurious, quiet, and supremely comfortable cabin for the whole family. It’s for the parent who wants to arrive at the soccer field feeling relaxed, not rattled.

5. Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy: The Flagship

Ah, the Calligraphy. This is the top dog, the pinnacle of the Palisade range. It takes everything in the Limited and adds the highest-end materials, the most advanced tech, and exclusive styling cues. The name “Calligraphy” refers to the intricate stitching patterns on the seats.

• What’s Added Over Limited: All the Limited features, plus: a 12.3” full digital gauge cluster (already in SEL), a heads-up display (HUD), a 10.25” rear seat entertainment system (with HDMI and USB inputs), a 10-speaker premium audio system (different from Harman Kardon), a power trunk, and unique “Calligraphy” badging and design elements.
• Key Differentiator: The rear-seat entertainment system and the HUD. This trim is designed to keep rear passengers (kids or adults) entertained on long trips and give the driver all critical info projected on the windshield. It’s the ultimate in family tech integration.
• Who it’s for: The family that wants it all—maximum luxury, maximum tech, and the prestige of the top trim. It’s for those who view their SUV as a mobile living room and command center.

6. Hyundai Palisade XRT: The Adventure-Ready Newcomer

Introduced for the 2024 model year, the XRT is a special package, not a standalone trim. It’s based on the SEL AWD model but adds a rugged, outdoorsy aesthetic and some functional upgrades for light off-pavement adventures.

• What’s Added Over SEL AWD: Exclusive matte black exterior accents, 18” dark alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance (by about 0.4 inches), and a more aggressive front grille. Inside, you get unique “XRT” embroidered floor mats and black cloth seats with orange contrast stitching.
• Key Differentiator: The all-terrain tires and blacked-out styling. It’s about the look and a tiny bit more capability for gravel roads or snowy trails. It does not have a different engine or suspension.
• Who it’s for: The active family that hikes, camps, or skis and wants a vehicle that looks the part. It’s for someone who wants a Palisade with a tougher, more adventurous persona. Note: It’s not a hardcore off-roader; it’s a style and mild capability package.

How to Choose the Right Palisade Model for Your Needs

Now that you know what each model offers, how do you pick? It’s a personal decision, but here are some practical guidelines to narrow it down.

Prioritize Your Must-Haves

Make a list. Is a premium sound system non-negotiable? That pushes you to SEL Plus or higher. Is ventilated seats a summer essential? That’s SEL Plus and above. Do you need a rear-seat entertainment system to preserve your sanity on cross-country trips? That’s Calligraphy only. If your list is mostly about space and safety, the SE or SEL will more than suffice.

Consider Your Seating Configuration

All models can be configured for 7 or 8 seats, but the availability changes. The SE and SEL are the true 8-passenger leaders with their standard 2-3-3 bench layout. From SEL Plus upward, the default is often the captain’s chairs (7 seats), though you can usually still opt for the bench. Think about your typical passenger mix. Eight kids? Go SE/SEL with the bench. Frequent adult passengers in the third row? The captain’s chairs (available on SEL and standard on Plus+) make access much easier.

Think About Long-Term Value

The SE has the lowest entry price, but the SEL’s added features (digital cluster, heated seats/steering wheel) provide a huge leap in perceived quality and comfort for a relatively small price increase. Many buyers find the SEL offers the best long-term value. Similarly, if you plan to keep the car for 10 years, investing in the Limited’s Nappa leather and power second row might be worth it for sustained comfort.

Don’t Sleep on the XRT (If You Like the Look)

The XRT is a fun, niche option. If you love its aggressive blacked-out styling and the idea of all-terrain tires, it’s a great choice. Just be aware it’s based on the SEL, so you miss out on the Limited/Calligraphy interior upgrades. It’s a package about style and mild capability, not ultimate luxury.

The Palisade’s Value Proposition vs. the Competition

What makes the Palisade such a standout is what you get for the money across its entire lineup. Compare it to rivals like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Grand Highlander, or Kia Telluride (its corporate cousin). You’ll find the Palisade often offers more standard features at similar or lower price points. For example, at the SEL level, you already have a large digital gauge cluster and a heated steering wheel—features that might require jumping to a higher, more expensive trim on some competitors. This value-focused engineering is consistent from SE all the way to Calligraphy. The base model feels legitimately well-equipped, and each step up feels like a meaningful, worthwhile upgrade rather than a minor option package. This clarity and value are a huge part of the Palisade’s appeal. When researching, it’s also helpful to look at what the competition like the Toyota Camry offers in its lineup to understand how other brands structure their options, though the Camry is a sedan, not an SUV.

What’s New for 2024? The Refresh and the XRT

The 2024 model year saw a significant refresh for the Palisade, which slightly impacts the model lineup. The most notable change is the introduction of the XRT. For existing trims, the updates are subtle but improve the ownership experience. All models now feature Hyundai’s latest infotainment software with a more intuitive interface. The Limited and Calligraphy trims received updated interior materials and color options. The core model structure (SE through Calligraphy) remains the same, but the refresh ensures the tech and infotainment are current. The arrival of the XRT also gives style-conscious buyers a new, distinctive alternative within the Palisade family that stands out from the more conventional-looking SUVs. It’s a strategic move to capture buyers who might otherwise look at vehicles like the Toyota 4Runner for their aesthetic.

Final Recommendations: Which Palisade Model Should You Buy?

After all this, here’s our distilled advice. If you want the absolute best value and space, the Palisade SEL is the winner for most people. It adds the most important comfort and tech upgrades for a small price bump. If you are a true audiophile or do lots of highway commuting, the SEL Plus with its Harman Kardon system and Highway Driving Assist is a compelling step. For families seeking a serene, luxurious interior with every comfort feature, the Limited is sublime. If you have kids who need entertainment on long trips and you want the absolute flagship experience, the Calligraphy is your mobile palace. And if you want a Palisade that looks like it’s ready for a forest service road, the XRT on an SEL AWD base is a fantastic and unique choice. No matter which rung you choose, you’re getting one of the best three-row SUVs on the market. Your best next step is to schedule test drives in an SEL and a Limited back-to-back—the difference in feel will be immediately apparent and will guide your final decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between the Palisade SEL and Limited?

The primary difference is the upgrade to genuine Nappa leather seating and the addition of power-adjustable second-row seats in the Limited. The Limited also features 20-inch wheels (vs. 18-inch on SEL) and adds a 360-degree surround view monitor. The Limited offers a noticeably more luxurious and premium interior experience.

Which Palisade model is best for a large family?

For a large family needing maximum seating, the SE or SEL with the optional second-row bench seat provides true 8-passenger capacity. For easier third-row access with 7 passengers, any model with available captain’s chairs (standard on SEL Plus and above) is ideal. The Calligraphy is often considered best for ultimate family comfort due to its rear-seat entertainment and premium amenities.

Does the Palisade XRT have more power or towing capacity?

No. The XRT package is cosmetic and functional (tires, ground clearance) but does not change the engine, transmission, or official towing capacity. All Palisade models with the V6 engine are rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

What makes the Calligraphy trim the top-of-the-line model?

The Calligraphy includes all Limited features plus exclusive additions: a heads-up display (HUD), a rear-seat entertainment system with dual screens, unique “Calligraphy” stitching and badging, and sometimes special interior color/trim combinations. It’s the only Palisade model with the integrated rear entertainment system.

Is the fuel economy different between Palisade models?

No. Since every Palisade model uses the same 3.8L V6 engine and transmission (FWD or AWD), EPA fuel economy estimates are identical across the entire lineup. Your driving style and weight load will have a far greater impact on real-world MPG than your chosen trim level.

Are there any hybrid or electric Palisade models coming?

As of now, Hyundai has not officially announced a hybrid or fully electric version of the Palisade. All current model years are powered solely by the 3.8L V6 gasoline engine. Rumors and speculation exist, but there is no confirmed timeline for a electrified Palisade. For now, if you want a Hyundai SUV with a hybrid option, you’d need to look at models like the Santa Fe Hybrid or the upcoming Kia Telluride Hybrid.