What You Get in Each 2024 Palisade Trim
The 2024 Hyundai Palisade comes in five main trim levels: SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Limited, and Calligraphy. Each step up adds features, comfort upgrades, and technology rather than changing the vehicle's core structure. The SE is the base model with standard safety equipment and a touchscreen; the Calligraphy is the highest trim with leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and upgraded audio.
All 2024 Palisades use the same 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The difference between trims is what surrounds you inside the cabin and what convenience features you control from the dashboard. Hyundai also offers all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option on every trim, though front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard.
Seating capacity is seven across all trims, with a third row that folds flat for cargo. The wheelbase and overall length stay the same regardless of which configuration you choose, so parking and maneuverability are consistent across the lineup.
Key Takeaways
- The 2024 Palisade offers five trim levels (SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Limited, Calligraphy), each adding interior comfort and technology features while keeping the same engine and chassis.
- All trims come standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available on every configuration for additional traction in snow or wet conditions.
- The SE trim includes an 8-inch touchscreen and basic safety features; higher trims add larger displays, leather upholstery, and advanced driver information systems.
- Interior color and material options vary by trim level, with the Calligraphy offering premium leather and unique trim finishes not available on lower models.
- Cargo space and seating capacity remain the same across all trims, so your choice depends on technology, comfort, and convenience features rather than practicality.
SE and SEL: The Base and Mid-Range Options
The SE is the entry point and includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, and Hyundai's SmartSense safety suite (automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping information, and adaptive cruise control). Cloth seating is standard, and the interior uses a mix of hard plastics and fabric trim. Power windows, locks, and mirrors come standard, along with a six-speaker audio system.
The SEL adds a power liftgate, a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone charging, and heated front seats. The steering wheel becomes heated as well. Fabric upholstery remains, but the interior trim upgrades to softer materials on the armrests and door panels. The SEL also includes a power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, which the SE does not offer.
Both the SE and SEL use the same engine and transmission, and both are available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The practical difference is convenience and comfort—the SEL makes longer drives easier with heated seats and a larger screen, but the SE handles the same roads and carries the same cargo.
SEL Plus and Limited: Mid-to-Premium Comfort
The SEL Plus introduces a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats (cooling as well as heating), and a power-adjustable passenger seat. The touchscreen stays at 10.25 inches, but the audio system upgrades to eight speakers. Leather-trimmed seats replace the fabric, though the seat cushions themselves are still cloth rather than full leather. The interior color palette expands to include two-tone combinations not available on lower trims.
The Limited goes further with full leather seating (leather on the seat cushions, not just the trim), a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The audio system becomes a Bose premium system with eight speakers. Heated and ventilated seats are standard, and the steering wheel and rear seats are also heated. The Limited adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert to the safety package.
Both trims include a power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and a power-adjustable passenger seat. The SEL Plus and Limited are where the Palisade begins to feel noticeably more upscale inside, with softer materials and more ambient lighting throughout the cabin.
Calligraphy: The Premium Top Trim
The Calligraphy is Hyundai's luxury-focused configuration and includes everything from the Limited plus several exclusive features. The panoramic sunroof is larger and includes a power sunshade. The leather is upgraded to Nappa leather, which is softer and more supple than the standard leather on the Limited. The interior trim pieces shift from brushed metal to wood grain or premium metallic finishes depending on the color package you choose.
The Calligraphy adds a head-up display (HUD) that projects speed and navigation onto the windshield, a 360-degree camera system for parking, and a power-adjustable steering wheel. The audio system remains the Bose premium setup. Unique badging and exterior trim distinguish the Calligraphy from other trims, including a different grille design and exclusive wheel options.
The Calligraphy is available only with all-wheel drive, whereas all other trims can be ordered with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. This is Hyundai's way of positioning the Calligraphy as the all-weather, all-capability version of the Palisade.
Drivetrain Options: Front-Wheel Drive vs. All-Wheel Drive
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on all trims except the Calligraphy and is the most fuel-efficient configuration. The engine's power goes to the front wheels, which handle steering and acceleration. FWD is adequate for most driving conditions and is easier to control in snow because the weight of the engine sits over the driven wheels.
All-wheel drive (AWD) sends power to all four wheels and is available on the SE through Limited trims as an option. The Calligraphy comes with AWD only. AWD improves traction in snow, ice, and mud, and it provides more stable handling on slippery roads. The trade-off is slightly lower fuel economy and a higher purchase price. Hyundai's AWD system on the Palisade includes a multi-plate clutch that can vary power between the front and rear axles depending on road conditions.
For most buyers in areas with mild winters, FWD is sufficient and saves money. If you live in a region with frequent snow or ice, or if you plan to drive on unpaved roads, AWD is worth the additional cost.
Interior Colors and Material Choices by Trim
The SE and SEL offer two interior color schemes: Black and Gray. Both use cloth upholstery with hard plastic trim on the dashboard and door panels. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped on all trims.
The SEL Plus and Limited expand the palette to include Black, Gray, and Beige. The Beige option is exclusive to these trims and uses a lighter leather-trim material that makes the cabin feel more spacious. Full leather seating (on the Limited) or leather-trimmed seating (on the SEL Plus) is standard, and the door panels and dashboard trim upgrade to soft-touch materials.
The Calligraphy offers Black, Gray, Beige, and a unique Caramel Brown that is not available on any other trim. The Nappa leather on the Calligraphy is noticeably softer and more luxurious than the standard leather on the Limited. The wood-grain or metallic trim pieces on the Calligraphy dashboard and door panels are also exclusive to that trim level.
Technology and Safety Features Across Trims
All 2024 Palisades include Hyundai's SmartSense safety suite as standard: automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping information, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. A rearview camera is also standard on every trim.
The SE and SEL have an 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen respectively, both with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation is not built-in; you must use your phone's maps app through the touchscreen.
The SEL Plus and Limited upgrade to a 10.25-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation. The Limited adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Calligraphy includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system that shows a bird's-eye view of the vehicle when parking.
Wireless smartphone charging is standard on the SEL and above. A power liftgate is standard on the SEL and above. Remote start is available on all trims but is standard on the Limited and Calligraphy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the SEL Plus and the Limited?
The Limited has full leather seating instead of leather-trimmed cloth, a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation, a Bose audio system, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The SEL Plus has ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof but uses leather-trimmed cloth seats and a smaller 10.25-inch touchscreen without navigation.
Does the Calligraphy come with all-wheel drive?
Yes, the Calligraphy is available only with all-wheel drive. All other trims (SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Limited) can be ordered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive as an option.
Can I get a panoramic sunroof on the SE or SEL?
No, the panoramic sunroof is exclusive to the SEL Plus, Limited, and Calligraphy trims. The SE and SEL do not offer a sunroof of any kind.
Is the third row usable for adults on all trims?
The third row is the same size on all trims and is best suited for children or shorter trips. Adults can sit there, but legroom is limited. Trim level does not change the third row's dimensions or comfort.
What is Nappa leather, and is it worth the upgrade to Calligraphy?
Nappa leather is a softer, more supple type of leather than the standard leather on the Limited. It feels more luxurious and ages better, but it also requires more careful cleaning. Whether it is worth the upgrade depends on your budget and how much time you spend inside the vehicle.