2022 Hyundai Palisade Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

The Hyundai Palisade was introduced not long ago, but still, it has earned a good name for itself as a high-quality three-row SUV. This model of the Hyundai has been blessed with a powerful V6 engine, a cabin that can accommodate up to 8 passengers, and plenty of other high-tech features. 

Every 2022 Hyundai Palisade comes with a 3.8-liter V6 engine. It works together with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and it makes 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. There's plenty of responsiveness with this model. If drivers prefer to have some manual control, they can use the paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, which is excellent.

There are four available trims, starting with the SE and going up to the Calligraphy. As readers will soon find out, the SE is quite refined in many ways, and the higher trims each have their own advantages.

Compare the SE vs SEL Trims. What is the difference?

Standard on the SE are LED accents, LED Daytime Running Lights, and LED headlights. It has LED turn-signal indicators embedded into its side mirrors as well. All of this advanced lighting makes the SUV look very modern. The SEL has the option of getting LED taillights, and it comes with LED interior cabinets lights and welcome lights embedded in the exterior door handles. Its door handles are satin chrome instead of being body-colored like the SE's door handles are.

The SEL also has a sunroof and roof rails. The sunroof opens up the cabin, and roof rails are useful for securing cargo to the vehicle's roof.
Proximity key entry is a convenient feature included with the SEL, but not the SE. It allows drivers to keep their keys securely tucked away. The vehicle can sense when the key fob is in close proximity, and when it is, people just have to touch their door handles to unlock them. The push button start goes along with the proximity key entry.

The biggest difference between the cabins of these two trims has to do with the seating arrangement. The SEL has a pair of captain's chairs in its middle row. This provides easier access to the third row and gives people some extra room to move around.

The SE, on the other hand, has a second-row bench seat. The advantage of having a bench is that it provides an extra seat when compared to the configuration with captain's chairs. The SE has an additional seating capacity of eight rather than seven. It's worth noting that the SEL can be ordered with a second-row bench.

Both trims have an underfloor storage compartment in the back, sliding second-row seats, and a 60/40 split-fold bench in the third row. They also both have cloth seats. Notably, the SEL offers heated front seats and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support. In addition, the SEL has an available heated steering wheel, and regardless of whether it has the heating element, the SEL's steering wheel is wrapped in leather.

The SE's air conditioner is operated manually. That is replaced on the SEL with an automatic one with two zones. Both trims feature back vents to help the air circulate more effectively and display the outside temperature.

The Hyundai Palisade has an eight-inch touchscreen as standard equipment, which will appeal to those who enjoy technology. It is simple to access information stored on a mobile device thanks to that touchscreen's Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto capabilities.

On the SEL, an extra fee entitles you to a bigger touchscreen that measures 10.25 inches. Navigation is bundled with this touchscreen. Wireless charging, an in-cabin intercom, and two USB ports in the third row are additional options for those who choose the SEL trim. Every trim features two USB ports in the second row and three in the front, which should be plenty in most circumstances.

The good news is that the safety package on the SE is already quite advanced. It includes various monitoring and mitigation systems that can look out for potential problems, warn drivers about issues, and take action if necessary. Blind spot collision avoidance assists, parking distance warning (reverse), forward collision avoidance assists with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, and smart cruise control are just some of the standard driver-assist technologies integrated into every trim of the Hyundai Palisade.

The SEL has the option to add highway driving assistance, an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system, and a front parking distance warning system. They might be useful occasionally, but they are by no means required.

Compare the SEL vs Limited Trim Levels. What is the difference?

The Limited comes equipped with all of the safety features that are optional for the SEL and were just mentioned in the section above. Rear occupant alert with ultrasonic technology significantly reduces the likelihood of a driver forgetting about a child or pet in the back seat. Highway driving assist can help drivers stay alert on long drives and is effective at regulating steering and speed.

The Limited has 20-inch wheels and LED taillights on the outside. The SEL, on the other hand, sports 18-inch wheels. The Limited specification adds acoustic-laminated front side glass to keep the cabin quieter and rain-sensing windshield wipers that may automatically turn on and off when necessary. Many buyers will appreciate the Limited's dual-panel sunroof, which lets in even more light.

The Limited also has a hands-free smart liftgate. This makes it so much easier to open the back door, even when someone is carrying a lot of luggage. If there is insufficient clearance in a garage, the liftgate height can be adjusted.

The Limited resembles a luxury car in many aspects. People will enjoy its premium Nappa leather seats, which look and feel so upscale, and its programmable ambient lighting, which has 64 color options. It has four-way lumbar support in the driver's seat as opposed to the SEL's two-way lumbar support. Even the driver's seat has leg cushion extensions. A power-adjustable seat is also available for the front passenger.

The driver and front passenger can use the built-in heating or cooling components in their seats to be comfortable, and the melange headliner has an attractive appearance. This level of comfort is also available to passengers thanks to the heated and ventilated back seats. These kinds of back seats are uncommon in non-luxury cars; therefore this is a sign of the caliber of this Hyundai SUV. A heating element is also present in the steering wheel. It's obvious that Hyundai wants the Palisade to feel welcoming to its customers.

Like the SEL, the Limited has captain's chairs in its middle row. It does not come with the option to get a second-row bench instead of those captain's chairs. Its third row has power-folding/unfolding seats that can recline. This makes it easier to rearrange things. Seats can be quickly lowered if cargo needs to be accommodated.

The Limited offers some really great features in terms of technology. A 10.25-inch touchscreen and navigation are included as standard. Additionally, it boasts a superior 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system as well as Clari-Fi Music Restoration Technology. The end result is an audio quality that is crystal clear.

The Limited and the lower trims have something called Rear Seat Quiet Mode. If those in the back don't want to listen to the same music as the driver, this program can make that adjustment to the speakers. The intercom system that was previously mentioned as an available option on the SEL becomes standard at a limited level.

In the Limited, a second screen has been mounted behind the steering wheel. It functions as a digital instrument cluster and measures 12.3 inches. It provides helpful information and has bold, legible numbers and text.

There will probably be a sizable number of passengers riding in the Palisade. The Limited has seven USB ports in total, including two for third-row passengers, which is fantastic given this. Up to two devices can connect via Bluetooth to the infotainment system, and wireless charging is standard.

The company has added splendid safety features to the Limited. It has been added with a blind spot view monitor, a head-up display, and a surrounding view monitor. This feature helps the driver to see what is around the vehicle. In addition to these, the head-up display shows important information which includes the car's speed and the safety prompts.

Compare the Limited vs Calligraphy Trims. What is the difference?

Hyundai chose to add a few extra components with the Calligraphy. Nothing too drastic should be anticipated since the Calligraphy costs a little bit more than the Limited.

On its side mirrors, it has puddle lights that welcome the driver as he/she approaches. It has premium rear accent lighting as well as a unique front grille, skid plates, and side door garnish. It definitely looks like a premium vehicle from any perspective.

The vehicle's headliner is made of microfiber material, and the interior of the doors has quilted leather panels. Its steering wheel has a more upscale perforated leather wraparound it rather than just being covered in conventional leather. On the Calligraphy, everything has been improved, even the cargo sill plate.

The Calligraphy's interior only comes in a dark black color scheme. The Limited, however, has a choice between a light and a dark color scheme.

Final Thoughts

The Hyundai Palisade is athletic and capable as well as practical. Since it has three rows of seats and a sizable cargo capacity, it's going to appeal to many customers. Making it even better is the fact that it has so much technology integrated into its cabin.

A sizable touchscreen and smartphone compatibility are features found on even the base trim. Furthermore, it has a complete set of driver-assist technologies. Because of this, the SE is suggested to those who want to save money while still being able to rely on cutting-edge safety systems and a reliable infotainment system.

Some people, however, value having additional features like heated seats, push-button starting, and proximity key entry. Then again, some people demand the best of the best, including navigation and first-rate leather seats. But keep in mind that there are expenses associated with all of this. The Limited is almost $10,000 more expensive than the SEL and the Calligraphy is even more expensive, so the SEL is the next trim that is advised. It truly has a lot to offer and is reasonably priced.

The seating arrangement is a final consideration. Only the SE trim comes with a bench seat as standard equipment. The middle rows of all the other planes are equipped with standard captain's chairs, but the SEL offers the option of a bench for passengers who would rather have the extra seat. This is yet another factor that favors the SEL if some additional spending is permitted by the budget.