2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy AWD: The Brand’s Three-Row Flagship Crossover

 

Highlight: The Palisade is available with front row massaging seats.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $53,650 (Base SE Model: $36,650)

Seating Capacity: 7 to 8 (depending on trim)

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a stability control system; a traction control system; a rear camera; forward collision brakes; blind spot system; a rear traffic cross alert system; lane keep assist system; a high beam assist system; a driver assistance warning system; a rear parking assist warning system; temporary compact spare tire; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (SE): 18-inch wheels; an 8-speed automatic transmission; 8 passenger seating; one touch second row seating access; flat fold split rear seats; second row center armrest; push button ignition starter system; manual control front and second row seating; cloth seats; a dual automatic temp control with automatic defog; second row automatic temp controls; a copilot assist driving system with the radar activated cruise control system; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a haptic steering wheel; a 12-inch navigation system; and a push button gear selector

Standard Equipment (Calligraphy): 20-inch wheels; a 360-degree camera; AWD; dual sunroof with shade; a rain sensing windshield wipers; Nappa leather; driver’s seat power thigh support; massaging front seats premium door sill plates; a heated steering wheel; manual rear second row window shade; power front seats with an integrated memory system; ventilated front and second row seats; heated seats throughout the cabin; seats: power folding/unfolding/reclining; a heads up display (HUD) system; ambient lighting; reverse parking collision avoidance-reverse; puddle lamps; second-row wing-out headrest; quilted leather door panels; microfiber suede headliner; premium cargo sill plate; a remote parking assist system; a Harman Kardon audio system; wireless charging; and body color wheel arches

Options: carpeted floor mats

Other Trim Levels:

SEL

XRT

Limited

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a xx-speaker Bose audio system with AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.8-liter, 6-cylinder engine/291-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Towing: 5,000 lbs 

Standard Fuel Mileage: 19-city/26-hwy

What’s New: After going through a midcycle update in 2023, Hyundai’s flagship vehicle adds a new night shade trim for the 2024 model year.

Why:

A variety of trims

A front wheel drive or AWD system

Affordable based on content and the competition

Loads of features

Roomy

A stylish side profile

20-inch wheels available

Second row captain seats available

Nappa leather seats available

Massage front seats available

An easy-to-use infotainment system

A co-pilot assist steering system

A high level of safety driving aids

One of the best new car warranties in the industry

A great road trip vehicle

A remote parking system

Wireless device charging

Loads of cargo space with easy folding split seats

 

But: 

A controversial front fascia

A more mature design theme than many of its competitors

No hybrid powertrain

 

Verdict: Hyundai Palisade, the brand’s three-row flagship vehicle, is available in a front wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration. The roomy contemporary style crossover shares a platform with the more rugged looking Kia Telluride.

The Palisade, which wears a more sophisticated design with its controversial wide-mouth grille, is available as a six or seven occupant vehicle. The seating depends on if the vehicle has bench or bucket second-row seating. The interior features are also easy to use, not requiring of hours of training at a dealership due to a tech learning curve.

Moreover, the family oriented vehicle appeals to a range of buyers. At a starting of $37,000,  buyers can expect a punchy powertrain that produces close to 300-horsepower. Added to that, one can expect three rows of cloth seating and a high-level of standard safety driving aids. 

And for those seeking premium features, the Calligraphy model is the way to go. The vehicle adds such optional features as 20-inch wheels, second-row captain chairs, Nappa leather, massaging front seats and a high-end audio system. All this can be had at a price under $54,000 which is less than some of the offerings from Cadillac, Lincoln, Lexus and Infiniti.

Overall, the Palisade is a great value despite lacking a hybrid powertrain like the segment leader, the Highlander. 

Competition: Chevy Traverse; Ford Explorer; Honda Pilot; Kia Telluride; Nissan Pathfinder; Toyota Highlander; and VW Atlas