What's New
Hyundai aficionados might notice a new grille design and revised front lighting on the 2023 Palisade, contributing to a more purposeful nose on this seven- or eight-seater SUV. Minor cabin changes include revised instrumentation and audio interfaces, new seating materials and the option of heated third-row seats – a first for Hyundai. The mid-range XRT trim makes its debut for 2023, too.
Choosing Your Hyundai Palisade
2023 Palisade trims start at $36,245 [all prices include destination] for a front-drive SE. There are four trims, plus two seating configurations on SEL models. You’ll pay between $2,000 and $3,000 to move up to each higher model, with the exception of a $6,250 jump to second-from-top Limited trim. AWD is a $1,900 option across the range.
Engine Choices
Every Palisade is fitted with a 3.8-liter V6, producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This is supplied to the front wheels as standard [all four as a cost option] through an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. Fuel economy stands at an EPA-estimated 19 miles per gallon city, 27 mpg highway, and 22 combined in FWD models, dropping to 19/25/21 in AWD guise.
| Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy [City/Highway/Combined] |
| 3.8 V6 | 291 hp | 262 lb-ft | 19/27/22 [FWD] 19/25/21 [AWD] |
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
Cargo capacity for the eight-seater 2023 Palisade stands at 18 cu ft with the rear seats in place, 45.8 cu ft once the third row is eliminated, and 86.4 cu ft behind the front seats. SEL is the only model where buyers get to choose [at no cost] between a second-row bench seat or a seven-seater version with middle-row captain’s chairs; cargo capacity remains unaffected by either configuration.
Safety Features
If you spec your Palisade with AWD, you can access seven driving and terrain modes, including dedicated settings for snow, comfort and economy. Every model receives LED daytime running lights and bi-LED headlights with auto high beams, blind spot warnings and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist.
Rear passengers are catered for with seat occupant and safe exit alerts – the latter preventing rear doors being opened until it’s safe to do so. At the other end, there’s collision avoidance with car/pedestrian/cyclist detection [including at junctions], lane keep assist and a driver attention warning system. Limited models are the first to receive a head-up display, surround-view monitoring or blind spot view monitors.
Connectivity
The Palisade’s impressive infotainment system is controlled on all models through an ultra-wide 12.3-inch screen with navigation and smartphone mirroring. Hyundai’s Bluelink remote operation system lets you control the ignition, climate, locks and more through a smartphone app.
You’ll need the SEL’s options list or Limited trim to enjoy a premium audio system courtesy of Harman Kardon, but HD and satellite radio are standard on every model alongside voice recognition.
2023 Hyundai Palisade SE – MSRP From $36,245
It would be wrong to describe SE models as spartan, but they are the only Palisades with cloth seating, manual front seat adjustment and no seat heating. Standard specs include rear privacy glass, underfloor storage, air conditioning and push-button start, while there’s smartphone mirroring and navigation accessed via a 12.3-inch touchscreen.
There are no packages on any model except SEL.
2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL – MSRP From $39,245
SEL models are the first to gain wireless device charging, H-Tex leatherette seats [heated and powered in the front], and the ability to start the vehicle with a smartphone app instead of a key fob. The liftgate opens hands-free, there’s lumbar adjustment on the driver’s seat and dual-zone climate throughout an LED-lit cabin.
As well as a choice of bench seating or twin captain’s chairs in the middle row, SEL buyers can specify the $4,950 Premium Package. This combines 20 different features, from ventilated front and rear seats to four-way lumbar support for the driver’s seat and a heated steering wheel. Other goodies include hydrophobic front windows, a Harman Kardon sound system, a power sunroof and self-leveling rear suspension.
2023 Hyundai Palisade XRT – MSRP From $41,545
The differences on XRT models are largely aesthetic, such as two-tone bumpers, black skid plates and door garnish plus a unique front grille and black leatherette seat trim as standard.
2023 Hyundai Palisade Limited – MSRP From $47,795
The price premium from XRT models is justified in part by front parking sensors, a head-up display, and a surround-view monitor. A 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system is fitted in tandem with a passenger intercom system, while a heated steering wheel and dual-panel sunroof also deserve mention.
Four-way lumbar is fitted to the memory driver’s seat alongside thigh cushion extensions, while leather extends across all three rows; front and second-row seats are heated and ventilated, while the third row gains heating and power-folding/reclining.
2023 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy – MSRP From $50,195
It might seem hard to improve upon Limited’s luxury, but Calligraphy trim offers ambient cabin lighting, a full-display digital rearview mirror, a two-tone leather steering wheel, and quilted leather door panels. Premium rear accent lighting includes a roof-mounted center stop light, while there are puddle lights in the side mirrors.
Compare Palisade Trims Side-By-Side
CarsDirect Tip
It’s hard to see the point of XRT models, but Limited justifies its price premium with some welcome creature comforts. If the budget stretches, we’d make this our preferred Palisade trim, especially since SEL and [in particular] SE are sparsely equipped by comparison.