The 2025 Palisade comes in four trim levels, each with different standard features and price points

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is a three-row SUV offered in four configurations: SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy. Each trim adds features and upgrades compared to the one below it. The SE is the base model with essential features, while the Calligraphy is the highest trim with premium materials and technology. Your choice depends on which features matter most to you and your budget.

All 2025 Palisades use the same engine: a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 291 horsepower. Every trim comes standard with front-wheel drive, though all-wheel drive is available on every model. Seating is seven passengers across all trims, with the same overall dimensions and safety structure.

Key Takeaways

  • The SE trim includes basic safety features, an 8-inch touchscreen, and manual seat adjustments, making it the most affordable entry point.
  • The SEL adds power seats, a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, and wireless smartphone integration compared to the SE.
  • The Limited includes leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and upgraded audio, positioning it as the mid-premium option.
  • The Calligraphy is the top trim with quilted leather, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and premium ambient lighting throughout the cabin.
  • All-wheel drive costs the same across all trims and is the only major mechanical option available on any configuration.

SE: The Base Configuration with Core Features

The SE trim is designed for buyers who want a reliable three-row SUV without extra cost. It includes forward collision warning, lane-keeping information, and automatic emergency braking as standard safety features. The interior has cloth seats, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system.

Practical features on the SE include a power liftgate, roof rails, and a rearview camera. Seats are manually adjustable, and the climate control is a single-zone system. Storage includes a 36.4-cubic-foot cargo area behind the third row and 84.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

SEL: Added Comfort and Technology

The SEL builds on the SE by upgrading the infotainment system and adding power adjustments to the driver's seat. The touchscreen grows to 10.25 inches, and wireless smartphone integration is now standard, so you can charge a compatible phone on the dashboard pad. The audio system expands to eight speakers.

The SEL also adds heated front seats, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Exterior upgrades include LED headlights and fog lights. These changes make the SEL noticeably more comfortable on longer drives and in cold weather, though the interior materials remain cloth.

Limited: Premium Materials and Convenience Features

The Limited trim introduces leather upholstery on all seats and adds a panoramic sunroof that spans most of the roof. The steering wheel is now leather-wrapped, and the interior trim switches to wood accents. Heated and ventilated front seats replace the heated-only seats from the SEL, giving you cooling in summer months.

Technology upgrades on the Limited include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a Bose premium audio system with eight speakers, and a surround-view camera that shows a 360-degree view when parking. The Limited also adds power-adjustable lumbar support on the driver's seat and a hands-free power liftgate. These features make the Limited feel noticeably more upscale than the SEL while keeping the same engine and basic structure.

Calligraphy: The Top Trim with Premium Details

The Calligraphy is Hyundai's highest configuration for the Palisade and focuses on luxury details rather than mechanical changes. The leather is quilted and semi-aniline, a higher grade than the Limited's standard leather. Ambient lighting throughout the cabin can be customized to different colors, and the dashboard features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that displays information in high resolution.

The Calligraphy adds a power-adjustable passenger seat with lumbar support, matching the driver's capabilities. The panoramic sunroof is standard, as are heated and ventilated front seats. Exterior details include a unique grille design, chrome accents, and 20-inch wheels that distinguish it visually from lower trims. The Bose audio system remains the same as the Limited.

All-Wheel Drive: The Only Major Mechanical Option

All-wheel drive is the only significant mechanical choice available on any 2025 Palisade trim. It costs the same amount regardless of which trim you select. All-wheel drive sends power to all four wheels, improving traction in snow, rain, and off-road conditions. Front-wheel drive is standard on every trim and is sufficient for most drivers in normal weather.

The all-wheel drive system on the Palisade is automatic and does not have a manual mode to lock the center differential. Fuel economy decreases slightly with all-wheel drive compared to front-wheel drive, though Hyundai does not publish separate EPA ratings for each configuration. If you live in an area with frequent snow or heavy rain, all-wheel drive is worth considering; otherwise, front-wheel drive is the more economical choice.

Comparing Trims Side by Side

The jump from SE to SEL is primarily about comfort and convenience: power seats, a larger screen, and wireless charging. The jump from SEL to Limited is about materials and luxury: leather, a sunroof, and upgraded audio. The jump from Limited to Calligraphy is about refinement: quilted leather, ambient lighting, and a digital instrument cluster.

If budget is your main concern, the SE covers all essential needs. If you spend significant time driving, the SEL's power seats and larger screen are practical upgrades. If you want a noticeably more premium feel, the Limited is where that shift happens. The Calligraphy is for buyers who want the most upscale cabin available in the Palisade lineup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2025 Palisade come with a hybrid or electric option?

No, the 2025 Palisade is only available with the 3.8-liter V6 engine. Hyundai does not offer a hybrid or electric version of the Palisade for the 2025 model year. If fuel efficiency is a priority, front-wheel drive uses less fuel than all-wheel drive.

Can I get a sunroof on the SE or SEL trims?

The panoramic sunroof is standard on the Limited and Calligraphy trims only. It is not available as an option on the SE or SEL. If a sunroof is important to you, you would need to step up to at least the Limited trim.

What is the difference between the Limited and Calligraphy leather?

The Limited uses standard leather upholstery, while the Calligraphy uses quilted semi-aniline leather, which is a higher grade. Semi-aniline leather has a more natural feel and shows the grain more visibly. The quilting adds a textured pattern across the seats that is both decorative and functional for grip.

Is the third row comfortable for adults on all trims?

The third row is designed primarily for children or shorter trips. All trims have the same third-row space and legroom. Adults can sit there, but the seat is narrower and has less cushioning than the first and second rows. Headroom is adequate, but knee room is limited if the second row is pushed back.

Do all trims have the same safety features?

All 2025 Palisades include forward collision warning, lane-keeping information, and automatic emergency braking as standard. Higher trims add features like the surround-view camera on the Limited and Calligraphy, but the core safety suite is the same across all configurations.