The 2023 Hyundai Palisade is one of the most appealing three-row SUVs. It’s only narrowly second to its practically perfect cousin, the Kia Telluride. Like the latter, the Palisade is an excellent midsize SUV with plenty going for it, and Hyundai offers copious trims and options. However, the best 2023 Hyundai Palisade trim might not be the most popular, and here’s why.

Overview of the 2023 Hyundai Palisade trims

The South Korean automaker offers five trim levels for the 2023 Hyundai Palisade. It starts with the SE, priced at around $37,000.

The SEL is the next trim level up, starting at about $40,000. It’s pretty similar to the standard SE but can be equipped with more options.

After that is the XRT, starting at around $41,500. The XRT is the Palisade’s off-road trim. It boasts an updated look and exclusive features, including 20-inch wheels.

The Limited is the fourth trim level, starting at about $49,000. It’s a luxury option, so it adds upscale features, such as leather upholstery and heated seats in every row. 

Finally, there’s the Calligraphy, starting at about $51,000. Like the Limited, the Calligraphy is a more luxurious option. It adds even more opulent and high-tech features, including Nappa leather upholstery and a smart parking assist feature. 

Critics pick the 2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL over the most popular trim

Although Hyundai is not a luxury automaker, the Palisade’s upscale trims appeal to consumers. In fact, Edmunds shows that the Calligraphy is the most popular 2023 Hyundai Palisade trim. That’s even though most automotive experts don’t recommend the top trim. For example, Edmunds reviewers prefer the Palisade SEL.

Other experts, such as Car and Driver and Autotrader, express similar opinions. The difference of opinion between critics and consumers might come down to what Palisade shoppers are looking for in an SUV. The automaker sells many other models, but if Hyundai fans want a high-end midsize three-row SUV, the Palisade is their best option. And if they’re looking for luxury, it makes sense they’d choose the Calligraphy trim over the others.

After all, the Calligraphy makes the Palisade competitive with luxury SUVs in terms of features. The smart parking assist feature, for example, allows drivers to “remotely guide the vehicle into a parking spot” from their smartphone. The Calligraphy also adds upscale amenities such as a massage function to the driver’s seat and a digital display rearview mirror.

What trim do we recommend?

If the Calligraphy trim is too pricey, consider the SEL with the Premium Package, which provides excellent value. The Premium Package isn’t available on the standard SE but is available on the SEL. It costs about $5,000 but has numerous attractive features.

For instance, the package adds a heated steering wheel and heated second-row seats. It also adds tech and safety features, such as a cabin intercom, a 360-degree camera system, and a blind-spot camera. Furthermore, because every 2023 Hyundai Palisade trim has the same 291-hp engine, the SEL drives nearly the same as the more expensive Calligraphy.