Is a 2022 Hyundai Palisade Worth the Money?
One of the more popular midsize three-row SUV models available today is the 2022 Hyundai Palisade. If you’re interested in buying one, you might have some questions. As a result, you’ll also want to know whether a Palisade is worth the money or not. Does each trim level provide enough value to the buyer? Is a 2022 Hyundai Palisade worth the money?
How much is a 2022 Hyundai Palisade?
According to Edmunds, the cheapest version of the Hyundai SUV is the Palisade SE. Moreover, it starts at $34,895, which is reasonable compared to competitors. For example, other midsize three-row SUVs like the Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-9 cost $37,070 and $36,855, respectively. However, does the base model Palisade provide enough bang for your buck? There are three higher trim levels that cost a bit more but remain relatively inexpensive for their class.
The next step up from a base model is the 2022 Hyundai Palisade SEL, which starts at $37,245. Edmunds says this is the most popular version of the SUV among buyers. However, the reviewer also recommends buying the same trim. Are the two bottom trims more value-packed than the range-toppers?
| 2022 Hyundai Palisade trim | Price |
| SE | $34,895 |
| SEL | $37,245 |
| Limited | $47,135 |
| Calligraphy | $48,585 |
What are the Palisade standard features?
First, every version of the 2022 Hyundai Palisade has a 3.8-liter V6 engine under the hood. It produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. In addition, front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is an option for every trim level. Next, a second-row bench seat with eight-passenger seating is standard for the SE and optional on the SEL. However, the Limited and Calligraphy trims come with captain’s chairs, reducing the seating capacity to seven.
Features included with the SE model are 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, an eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and five USB ports. In addition, a few driver aids are also standard equipment for the Palisade. Features like forward collision mitigation, lane keeping assist, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.
Why is the Palisade SEL the best trim?
Experts like Edmunds and Car and Driver consider the 2022 Hyundai Palisade SEL the best trim level to buy. As a result, you can expect a lot of value packed into it for a reasonable price increase over the base model. Edmunds says it loves the SEL because it doesn’t cost much more than the SE but adds a few “quality of life upgrades” that really bolster the Palisade. In addition, C/D recommends it with the Premium package. At under $43,000, the midsize SUV has most of the best available features without breaking the bank.
Upgrading to the SEL model gains owners a sunroof, roof rails, proximity keyless entry with push-button ignition, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and second-row captain’s chairs. Moreover, opting for this trim unlocks access to two optional packages.
First is the Convenience package, which adds things like a self-leveling rear suspension, hands-free liftgate, and extra USB ports. We also appreciate the package’s wireless charging pad, front parking sensors, and sound-reducing front-side glass. However, C/D’s recommended Premium package is more impressive.
What comes with the Premium Package?
Experts like C/D recommend buying the Premium package with your 2022 Hyundai Palisade SEL. Although the Convenience package adds quite a few features, it doesn’t pack as much value into the price. For the Premium package, owners get access to a heated steering wheel, driver’s seat memory, a power-adjustable passenger’s seat, heated second-row seats, power-folding third-row seats, leather upholstery, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, a cabin intercom system, and a lane-keeping system.
It’s easy to see from the list of features that the Premium package makes the Palisade luxurious. The Hyundai three-row midsize SUV feels more like a Lexus or Mercedes-Benz with all these convenient amenities and upgrades. However, as C/D said in its recommendation, even with all of these features, the Palisade remains under $43,000.
Skip the top two 2022 Hyundai Palisade trims
Finally, the Limited and Calligraphy trims are the most expensive. As a result, we’d expect a lot of the two range-toppers. However, that isn’t the case. Unfortunately, the Limited model exceeds $47,000 but doesn’t add enough to warrant the price. It has everything the previous models do, plus a dual-pane sunroof, automatic wipers, a digital instrument panel, and configurable ambient lighting.
On top of those features, it also gains a head-up display, more driver’s seat adjustments, ventilated front and rear seats, upgraded leather upholstery, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a 360-degree camera, and a blind-spot camera. We think most of these features are underwhelming, so skip the Limited trim unless you are set on a higher quality audio system and cooled seats.
Lastly, the Calligraphy model is the same as a Palisade Limited. However, it has a unique grille, wheels, fascias, a faux suede headliner, and quilted-leather door inserts. Moreover, it’s a purely cosmetic upgrade that costs north of $48,500, so we don’t think it’s worth the money.
Is a 2022 Hyundai Palisade worth the money?
In conclusion, some versions of the Palisade are worth the money. For example, buying the bottom two trims, SE and SEL, packs a lot of value into the midsize three-row SUV. Most experts recommend the SEL trim, and some consider the Premium package a necessity. We find it challenging to disagree, as the Premium package offers a lot without costing too much more. However, the top two trims, Limited and Calligraphy, mostly add features most people don’t really need or won’t use. As a result, the 2022 Hyundai Palisade is worth the money in its cheaper trims.
