Does 2023 Palisade SEL have leather seats?

An old adage goes, “You never get a second chance to make a good first impression,” and it’s as accurate and true today as it’s ever been. The three-row Palisade SUV, which Hyundai created for the 2020 model year, appears to have been designed with this in mind. Its ability to transport people and cargo and its high-end and opulent finishings will amaze you. In addition to the Kia Telluride, its corporate sibling, the Palisade immediately broke the mold for three-row midsize SUVs and hadn’t looked back. But which 2023 Hyundai Palisade trim level is right for you?

There is no second chance for the 2023 Palisade; it’s designed in a way that demands that you stop and look. The front end of Hyundai’s most powerful SUV has been redesigned to better match the design language of the company’s other vehicles.

In particular, a new, commanding front grille moves what we saw in the Santa Fe and Tucson mildly on to a different level. Additionally, the LED daytime running lights have better grille integration, as well as improved integration of the headlight clusters into the front fender.

When it is in profile, only a set of new multi-spoke wheels will indicate that you are staring at the 2023 Palisade. However, a new Palisade XRT trim level is available. It strongly resembles what we’ve observed from the Tucson and Santa Fe XRT trims.

A new instrument panel layout and other slight improvements are other differences from previous Palisades. Less obvious upgrades include a larger wireless charging pad and a digital key system that now functions with Android and Apple phones.

There are numerous competitors in Palisade’s market, including a strong product from sister company Kia in the shape of the Telluride. Compared to competitors like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Volkswagen Atlas, Hyundai hopes the new exterior styling and interior changes will sway you their way.

The 2023 Palisade’s interior makes up for what it appears to lack in all-out performance. You can confidently pass at high speed, but the acceleration time from a halt to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds is nothing more than typical for a three-row SUV.

The braking system on the 2023 Palisade is powerful and reliable, which is welcome in a vehicle of such weight and proportions.

Less impressive, however, is how the vehicle handles and steers. As you attempt to navigate turns, the large Hyundai can sometimes feel a little clumsy.

The 2023 Palisade is a competent performer with little wind and road noise, and the climate control system is silent but efficient. The front seats provide a good balance for convenience of longer trips and support during turns.

Compared to some front seats in other cars, the second-row captain’s chairs that are an option are especially comfortable. You can find nicely curved seat padding even in the third row, which is more than satisfactory.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade’s well-designed and convenient interior blurs the distinction between non-luxury and luxury. Everything is laid out pretty nicely inside the Palisade, although some controls on the center stack can be hard to get to.

A commanding view of the front and sides is provided from the driving position, and the optional surround-view camera system can help make up for the slightly restricted rear visibility.

The back doors open wide, and you can effortlessly slide the optional second-row captain’s chairs up and out of the way by pressing a button. Once completed, the third-row seat is easily accessible.

Numerous cutting-edge driver assistance features are included in the 2023 Palisade, and many of them perform admirably. The adaptive cruise control system on the 2023 Palisade is excellent in traffic, and the steering assist system does an excellent job of keeping the vehicle centered within its lane.

The available turn-signal camera display is quirky and annoying, whereas all other driver assistance systems are generally first-class. Sometimes, the blind-spot warning system is too sensitive and it could get annoying on longer journeys.

The 12.3-inch center touchscreen is sleek and the navigation system is intuitive and user-friendly. Smartphone connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard across the range, and lots of USB-C ports are distributed throughout all three rows for convenient charging for everyone in the vehicle.

The 2023 Palisade has a class-average towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. With both rows folded down, there is ample trunk space, with 18 cubic feet behind the third row and 87 cubic feet overall, making it a good family car for long trips or vacations. Furthermore, the hatch opening is generous and roomy. A helpful underfloor chamber is also present.

The 2023 Palisade comes with lots of small-item storage solutions, like a center bin that is relatively large and has a detachable cover, additional storage space under the front passenger seats, and the customary center console.

Cupholders are separable, but they let the tinier bottles wobble around. The 2023 Palisade is an ideal vehicle for parents of very young children because even the largest car seats fit without difficulty and the seat anchors are simple to locate.

Some competing SUVs do have more efficient engines. In combined city/highway driving, the EPA forecasts that an all-wheel-drive 2023 Palisade gets 21 mpg. Unlike some rival SUVs, the V-6 can be operated on regular gas and still deliver the rated power and fuel efficiency.

2023 Hyundai Palisade SE vs. SEL trim levels

The SE is the base trim for the 2023 Palisade lineup. It comes with a 3.8-liter V-6 engine producing 291 horsepower, 262 lb.-ft. of torque and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, proximity entry, push-button start, and a digital key system that lets you use your cellphone as the car’s key. Also standard are auto-dimming side mirrors that lessen eye strain and driver fatigue, a height-adjustable driver’s seat that makes it simple to find a driving position that is relaxed, eight-passenger seating with second-row bench seats, and numerous driver aids are standard and available.

The 2023 Palisade SEL trim level increases the specification with the likes of a hands-free liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats that help for better comfort, heated front seats, and a wireless smartphone charging pad, so you don’t have to carry a cable around to charge your phone.

The faux leather upholstery makes cleaning stains easier, and roof rails enable you to load up your vehicle to carry large items.

One big feature package on the SEL trim is available, which is the Premium Package. The Premium Package consists of a sunroof, larger 20-inch wheels, and a self-leveling rear suspension that raises the back end of the car to distribute weight more evenly, allowing the brakes to work more effectively.

It also gets you a heated steering wheel that offers comfort on cold days and gives a better grip, a  high-quality 12-speaker premium audio system, driver’s seat memory settings, and ventilated front and second-row seats crafted to keep your body at a convenient temperature to provide a better driving experience. There’s even a cabin intercom system so the driver can communicate effectively with those sitting behind without resorting to shouting.

An improved driver information display brings together various information items in the center of the cockpit and ultimately indicates the vehicle’s operating parameters.  There are also two USB ports in the third row, meaning those in the third can now seamlessly plug in their devices, a 115-volt household-style outlet that can power laptops, phones, iPods, etc.

There are also the front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system that provides a top-down view of the Palisade and its surroundings, as well as an enhanced forward collision mitigation system that warns the driver should any vehicles get too close, possibly helping to prevent a collision.

2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL vs. XRT trim levels

The XRT trim sits just above the SEL, but one should note that this trim does not come with the Premium Package. The XRT trim adds some cool exterior features that are unique, like large special 20-inch alloy wheels, front and rear skid plates that help shield vehicle components, cool XRT-specific dark exterior trim, black roof rails, and sunroof.

The XRT’s features are sure to turn heads as you drive by, but it’s not a fundamental upgrade that will get you extra fun or practical goodies.

2023 Hyundai Palisade XRT vs. Limited trim levels

The Limited trim is an upgrade on the interior and driver aids of the XRT trim. Some of which include a dual-pane sunroof, automatic wipers, a head-up display that exhibits vital information in your line of sight onto the windscreen, power-folding, heated third-row seats that not only offer comfort but also improve physical health and safety, and leather seats that will enhance overall aesthetics and durability in the vehicle.

The Limited trim does move the Palisade closer to genuine luxury, but it still won’t break the bank if you’re already committed to buying the Hyundai.

2023 Hyundai Palisade Limited vs. Calligraphy trim levels

A driver’s seat massage function aids deep relaxation and increased metabolism making long trips much more comfortable. Customizable interior ambient lighting is designed to improve night-driving safety, the beauty of the vehicle, and second-row wing-out headrests.

The Calligraphy trim is the highest in the lineup and includes all of the SEL’s features and the Premium Package. On top of that, it also adds several deluxe features like a distinctive grille, wheel designs, front and rear fascias, and quilted-leather door inserts that complement the faux suede headliner, making your interior look appealing, upscale, and more expensive than it really is.

Other standout features of the Calligraphy trim include a digital display rearview mirror that enables you to see out the back even when the baggage area is fully packed, a touchscreen interface for climate controls, a smart Parking Assist, which allows the driver to digitally navigate the vehicle into a parking spot using a mobile application, and a rear parking collision avoidance, which is a high-tech safety structure that can sense oncoming cars when reversing.

Which 2023 Hyundai Palisade trim should you buy?

The 2023 Palisade is a good vehicle all-round and an excellent spacious family SUV. The Palisade lineup’s sweet spot is the SEL because it is affordable and comes with all the features that are essential in a vehicle like this and plenty more besides.

You can use the extra cash you’d have to spend to move up a level to add the Premium Package, which introduces a few additional driver assistance features, such as a 360-degree view camera. A 2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL with the Premium Package is a family-hauler to be reckoned with.

The only problem some will have with the 2023 Palisade is the Hyundai badge. If that’s an issue for you, take a test drive and think about the class-leading warranty Hyundai offers that more expensive models with more prestigious badges don’t come close to matching.

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