2020 Hyundai Palisade Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The Hyundai Palisade is an attractive mid-size crossover SUV that caters to many kinds of customers. It has a powerful engine, modern appointments, and technology that lets passengers stay connected and entertained.

With three rows of seating and room for either seven or eight, depending on whether a bench seat or a pair of captain's chairs is chosen for the second row, the SUV has a versatile interior. Behind the third row is 18 cubic feet of cargo room. This can be ideal in most situations, but if more space is necessary, the third and second rows can both be folded down. This would expand capacity to either 45.8 cubic feet of 86.4 cubic feet. Plus, additional storage can be found underneath the cargo floor, tucked out of sight.

Leg room is respectable in all the rows. The third row does have a slightly smaller space with 31.4 inches of leg room compared to 44.1 and 42.4 inches in the first and second rows. This is still large enough to fit adult-size passengers and tall teenagers.

Both front-wheel and all-wheel drive are offered on all three trims: the SE, SEL, and Limited. At each trim, front-wheel drive will be the more affordable option, cheaper by about two thousand dollars than the all-wheel drive counterpart. However, if the car ever runs into wintry weather, having power delivered to all four wheels rather than just two can be key in maintaining proper traction.

Every trim runs on a six-cylinder, 3.8-liter engine. It's quite powerful, with 291 horsepower at 6000 RPMS and 272 pound-feet of torque at 5200 RPMS. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that comes with SHIFTRONIC manual shift mode in case any driver wants to feel more in control.

When trailer brakes are included, the Palisade can tow up to 5,000 pounds. This means the Palisade can do more than just as a passenger vehicle; it can do double-duty if extra cargo needs to be transported.

To make the SUV run more efficiently, Hyundai has included Idle Stop and Go in all of its Palisades. This system will automatically switch off the engine when stopped. When the brake pedal is released, things will automatically start back up again. Front-wheel drive models get an estimated 19/26 (city/highway) miles per gallon, and all-wheel drive models can achieve up to 19/24 miles per gallon.

Keeping the ride smooth are MacPherson struts with coil springs in the front and an independent multi-link rear suspension system. To make it easier to get going when stopped on a hill, the vehicle comes with standard Hillstart Assist Control. Downhill Brake Control does come with the Palisades that have all-wheel drive. Those AWD models also come with Snow Mode and AWD Lock to optimize traction on slippery roads.

2020 Hyundai Palisade SE vs SEL. What is the difference?

The 2020 Palisade SE and SEL are pretty comparable in many aspects, and the price difference is only about a few thousand dollars.

What's perhaps most important to note is that the SE comes standard with the eight-passenger layout. That's an option on the SEL, which otherwise comes standard with the seven-passenger configuration. This means that anyone who wants a roomier feel inside the cabin with the captain's chairs has to opt for at least the mid-level trim.

On the outside of the vehicle, both the SE and SEL have LED Daytime Running Lights and LED accents. LED headlights and taillights are an option on the SEL. That trim also comes with door handle welcome lights, and it could come with LED interior cabin lights to enhance the ambience.

While the SE comes with exterior mirror that are heated and painted to match the body color, the SEL has mirror that include LED turn-signal indicators. Some other cosmetic changes are that SEL has a satin chrome accent front grille and satin chrome door handles rather than handles that match the body color.

Roof rails that can be used for securing gear come standard on the SEL. If a sunroof is desired, the SEL is the only trim out of these two that comes with the option to put it in. Likewise, a hands-free smart lift gate is an option only on the SEL.

What's standard on the SEL is Proximity Key entry with a push button start. This can be handy if anyone is in a hurry to start up the vehicle and wants to keep his or her keys safely stored in a pocket or bag.

Inside the Palisade SE, there are many basic features, like cloth seating and a six-way adjustable driver seat. The second row comes with power folding seats so people can quickly rearrange things. The second row also comes with a one-touch seat slide to make it easy to access the back row.

At the SEL level, there is the option to get leather seats. The driver's seat becomes power adjustable in eight different ways, and the front seats are heated. Available are a power-adjustable passenger seat, heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats with two different settings. If someone wants to have power seats in the third row as well, there's the opportunity to do so.

Technology is a big selling point on Hyundais. The SE and SEL both have eight-inch color touchscreens, while the SEL comes with the ability to upgrade to a 10.25-inch color touchscreen with built-in navigation. A big advantage is that Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard across the board. There are five USB ports in the first and second rows, with the option on the SEL to put in USB ports in the third row.

With a car full of people, it can be hard to talk to each other. That's why the SEL comes with the option to put in a Driver Talk intercom. On the flip side, if anyone in the back prefers some quiet, the Rear Seat Quiet Mode can be engaged.

The Palisade has been built with standard Smart Cruise Control that automatically adjust to changing traffic patterns, Bluetooth hands-free capabilities, and several other systems. Those include mechanisms that help drivers stay in their lanes and avoid front collisions. Those with little ones will appreciate having a Rear Occupant Alert that will send out a warning if a child or pet has potentially been left in the back seat.

Some more significant ways in which the SEL has been upgraded are in advanced driver-assist features. The SEL has systems that help drivers avoid collisions with cars crossing traffic behind them or cars that are in their blind spots. If anyone drives in busy city traffic, these features can greatly be appreciated.

2020 Hyundai Palisade SEL vs Limited. What is the difference?

As the Palisade moves up to the Limited trim, there is a fairly significant price jump. Accompanying this extra cost is a whole collection of bonus features that enhance the feeling of luxury inside the Hyundai.

First of all, the Palisade Limited only comes with the seven-passenger configuration. If the extra seat isn't needed, this shouldn't be a big deal and can allow each person to feel like he/she has a bit more space to stretch out. It can also make it easier to get in and out of the back seat.

On the exterior, the Limited has a few special details. It rides on 20-inch alloy wheels with 245/50 R20 tires. This is in contrast to the SEL (and SE), which have 18-inch alloy wheels with 245/60 R18 tires. The Limited comes standard with LED interior cabin lights, LED taillights, and LED headlights. These all work together to give the SUV a more modern, high-end feel.

Additionally, the Limited has a premium front grille and skid plates that have a chrome finish. The SEL only has a satin accent front grille in comparison. While the SEL gives the option to have a conventional sunroof, the Limited comes standard with a dual panel sunroof that can let in more light. At this highest trim, a hands-free smart liftgate and windshield wipers that automatically turn on when they sense rain are standard.

The interior of the Palisade changes with the trim. The Limited is built with premium Nappa leather that feels smooth and soft. Power-adjustable front seats that are heated and ventilated are only available on this trim. Whereas the SEL had optional heated rear seats and power third-row seats, the Limited has these as standard elements.

Ambient lighting can be used on the Limited to add to the interior atmosphere. The package comes with 64 different colors. Whether cool blues or warm earth tones are preferred, the choice is up to those riding in the car, and it can be quickly switched at any time.

The touchscreen is enhanced on the Limited in comparison with the SEL's standard option. The 10.25-inch color touchscreen can provide real-time traffic information, and its larger size makes it easier to read information.

Audiophiles will appreciate that the Limited runs its audio through a 630-watt Harman Kardon system. This system comes with 12 speakers and QuantumLogic Surround so that the audio comes through crisply and clearly. If more than one device needs to be connected to the infotainment system, the Limited can accommodate that situation. This in only an option the SEL.

Taking the SE's and SEL's standard Rear View Monitor system one step further is the Limited's Surround View Monitor. This gives a more comprehensive perspective of what's going on around the vehicle. The Heads-up Display on the Limited is another high-tech addition that gives drivers added convenience. It also keeps people focused on the road rather than looking down at other things.

On the SEL, a monochromatic multi-information display is included to give drivers data about their vehicles. The SEL offers the option to upgrade that display to a seven-inch high-resolution LCD display. On the Limited, that display is automatically configured to be a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster.

To enhance safety, the Limited comes with a Blind-Spot View Monitor system so drivers are more aware of what they couldn't otherwise see. The Limited is the only of the three trims to be built with a Parking Distance Warning system for the front of the vehicle and a Highway Driving Assist system that can control steering, speed, and distancing.

Further, the Limited comes with an Ultrasonic Rear Occupant Alert system. This warns people with flashing lights and the blaring of the horn in case it seems like a rear seat occupant is still in the car after the driver exists.

Which Trim to Choose?

The Hyundai Palisade, even at the base level, offers a comprehensive package. The SUV is roomy, able to accommodate large groups and families. Its engine is quite capable, and when all-wheel drive is chosen, power can be optimized to tackle less than favorable road conditions.

The SE, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, is something that modern customers can appreciate. With the SEL, more driver-assist features are integrated into the vehicle.

The most significant factor that comes into play when choosing between the SE and SEL is likely going to be whether a customer wants eight or seven seats. However, the SEL does offer the option to have the seven-seat configuration. This would make sense for anyone who prefers the enhancements in that trim but wants room for one more.

On the high end of the scale is the Limited. To make it worth the price jump, Hyundai has included many interior and exterior enhancements that give the SUV a greater elegance. Note that this vehicle only comes with the seven seats, though, which could be a factor for some customers.

If anyone wants high-end features and a full array of driver-assist technologies, the Limited is the way to go. If someone is more concerned about budget, the SE and SEL are considerably more affordable, and they still come with several benefits that make them a pleasure to drive.