Luxury SUV Deals: Why the Hyundai Palisade Stands Out Among Midsize SUVs
The luxury SUV market continues to grow as more consumers seek vehicles that combine practicality with premium features. Among the many options available today, the Hyundai Palisade has emerged as a noteworthy contender in the midsize SUV segment. While many automakers focus on either luxury or affordability, the Palisade attempts to deliver both, creating an intriguing value proposition for consumers. Its combination of upscale features, spacious design, and competitive pricing makes it worth examining for those in the market for a premium family vehicle.
Why the Hyundai Palisade Stands Out Among Midsize SUVs
The midsize SUV segment is crowded with options from nearly every major automaker, but the Hyundai Palisade has managed to carve out a distinctive position. Unlike many competitors that have been in the market for decades, the Palisade is a relatively new entrant that launched in 2018 as a 2020 model. Despite its youth, it quickly gained attention for offering near-luxury amenities at mainstream pricing. The Palisade shares its platform with the Kia Telluride, but Hyundai has positioned it as the more upscale option between the two sister vehicles. Its robust V6 engine delivers 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, providing confident acceleration and respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds—specifications that match or exceed many competitors in its class.
Palisade’s Premium Design, Spacious Interior & Comfort Features
The exterior of the Palisade presents a bold, sophisticated appearance with its wide cascading grille, vertical LED daytime running lights, and clean body lines. However, it’s inside where the Palisade truly demonstrates its premium aspirations. With seating for up to eight passengers (or seven with the optional second-row captain’s chairs), the Palisade offers exceptional space in all three rows—even adults can comfortably sit in the third row for moderate journeys. The premium materials used throughout the cabin include available Nappa leather upholstery, a suede headliner, and real wood trim in higher trims. Comfort features abound with options like heated and ventilated first and second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-pane sunroof that extends over the second row. The thoughtful design extends to practical elements like multiple USB ports throughout the cabin, second-row side window sunshades, and an intercom system that allows the driver to communicate easily with third-row passengers.
Advanced Technology: Palisade Infotainment & Connectivity
Technology integration stands as one of the Palisade’s strongest selling points. The centerpiece of the dashboard is an available 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with crisp graphics and an intuitive interface. This system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, while also offering native navigation with traffic updates. The available 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster can be customized to display different information based on driver preference and selected driving mode. For audiophiles, the premium Harman Kardon audio system delivers immersive sound quality through 12 strategically placed speakers. The Palisade also offers wireless device charging, multiple USB ports in all three rows, and Hyundai’s Blue Link connected car services, which allow remote start, climate control, door lock/unlock, and vehicle location services through a smartphone app. Particularly innovative is the available Quiet Mode feature, which mutes the rear speakers—ideal for when passengers are sleeping while the driver enjoys music.
Hyundai Palisade’s Cutting-Edge Safety & Driver Assistance
Safety technology in the Palisade is comprehensive and advanced compared to many competitors. Standard across all trim levels is Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of driver assistance features, including forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and driver attention warning. Higher trims add blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and Highway Driving Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering technology for semi-automated highway driving. The Palisade also incorporates unique safety features like Safe Exit Assist, which prevents rear doors from opening if approaching traffic is detected, and Ultrasonic Rear Occupant Alert, which reminds drivers to check the rear seats when exiting the vehicle. These systems work together to provide a comprehensive safety net for drivers and passengers alike.
Experience Unrivaled Luxury and Versatility in the Palisade
The versatility of the Palisade makes it suitable for various lifestyles and needs. With the third row in use, the vehicle still offers 18 cubic feet of cargo space—enough for grocery shopping or weekend bags. Folding the third row expands this to 45.8 cubic feet, while folding both second and third rows creates a cavernous 86.4 cubic feet of storage. The power-folding third row (available on higher trims) makes reconfiguring the space simple with the touch of a button. For families who need to transport gear and passengers, the Palisade offers roof rails for additional storage options. The available hands-free smart liftgate opens automatically when it detects the key fob nearby, further enhancing convenience when loading cargo with full hands.
Palisade Pricing and Trim Comparison
When examining luxury SUV deals, the Palisade offers compelling value across its range of trim levels, each providing different levels of premium features.
| Trim Level | Starting MSRP (2023) | Key Premium Features | Value Proposition |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE | $35,250 | 8-inch touchscreen, cloth seats, smart cruise control | Entry-level access to Palisade platform |
| SEL | $37,950 | H-Tex leatherette seats, blind-spot monitoring, dual-zone climate control | Most popular trim with good feature-to-price ratio |
| XRT | $41,100 | Dark exterior trim, 20-inch wheels, sunroof | Sportier appearance with mid-level luxury |
| Limited | $46,500 | Leather seating, 10.25-inch touchscreen, Harman Kardon audio | Near-luxury features at mainstream pricing |
| Calligraphy | $49,000 | Nappa leather, unique wheels, premium headliner, heads-up display | Full luxury experience at price below luxury brands |
Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.
The Hyundai Palisade represents a thoughtful approach to the luxury SUV market, delivering premium features and quality at prices typically associated with mainstream brands. Its combination of spacious design, advanced technology, comprehensive safety features, and genuine luxury touches creates a compelling alternative for consumers who might otherwise consider more expensive options from traditional luxury manufacturers. As the SUV market continues to evolve, the Palisade demonstrates how the definition of luxury is changing—focusing less on brand prestige and more on the actual experience and value delivered to customers.
