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2020 Hyundai Palisade driving

Which Hyundai Palisade Trim is Best?

When it comes to the 2021  Hyundai Palisade, you can get the perfect trim level to suit your needs. However, there are four different trim levels to choose from. Then with the addition of the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy trim, it may be challenging to determine if it’s worth it or not.  The Hyundai Palisade trim …

When it comes to the 2021  Hyundai Palisade, you can get the perfect trim level to suit your needs. However, there are four different trim levels to choose from. Then with the addition of the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy trim, it may be challenging to determine if it’s worth it or not. 

The Hyundai Palisade trim levels explained 

For a quick refresh, the Hyundai Palisade is a newer SUV that offers three rows of seating. It’s cousins with the Kia Telluride, but they might as well be twins instead. They share the same platform, engine, and more. 

2020 Hyundai Palisade driving
2020 Hyundai Palisade | Hyundai

The base model begins around $32,525, but for a fully loaded model, you might be spending upwards of $48,000. While the base model is nice, the Calligraphy trim adds a high level of luxury to attract shoppers away from the Kia Telluride. 

The Hyundai Palisade SE trim 

The Hyundai Palisade SE begins at $32,525 for the front-wheel drive version. If you want all-wheel drive, the price increases to $34,225, which feels like an expensive upgrade. Usually, AWD can be added for about $1,000 to $1,500. 

On a positive note, the SE comes with the powerful 291-hp 2.8-liter V6 engine. With rivals, you may have to pay for an engine upgrade to match that level of power. You also get keyless entry, but not remote start. 

2020 Hyundai Palisade on the road.
2020 Hyundai Palisade | Hyundai

You get 5 USB ports, cloth seats, a manual driver’s seat, and optional floor mats. Entertainment features include an LCD monitor with Apple CarPlay Connectivity. Safety features include distracted driver warning. 

The Hyundai Palisade SEL trim 

The SEL trim begins around $35,157 and only goes up to $36,875 with the addition of AWD. You get the same engine and cloth seats. However, the front seat is power-adjustable. Wood paneling and leather is added to the dash for an upscale feel. 

Hyundai Palisade towing a boat
2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Trim | Hyundai

Remote engine start, dual-zone air conditioning, and a sunroof are added for convenience. Not much extra is included with the tech features aside from cruise control. Also, you get automatic headlights. Safety features include blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and parking assist sensors.  

The Hyundai Palisade Limited trim 

The Limited trim begins around $45,125, and you can add AWD for a little over $1,000. It still has the same engine. But you get a leather dashboard, ventilated and heated seats, leather seats, cargo tray organizers, power seats, metal accents, and more. 

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade SUV is unveiled at AutoMobility LA, the trade show ahead of the LA Auto Show, on November 28, 2018, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. – The LA Auto Show opens to the public on November 30. (Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP) (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

Plus, you get a panoramic sunroof, memory seats, automatic temperature control, a hands-free liftgate, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and more. You also get 12 premium speakers and Sirius XM radio. Along with the safety features mentioned among the other trims, you get brake assist and break-resistant glass. 

The Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy trim 

The infamous Calligraphy trim begins around $47,750 and includes AWD! However, it isn’t much more than the Limited trim. It also has the same engine, which is disappointing. For going up over $10k in price, more power would be nice. 

You get Nappa leather seats, which is the significant upgrade here, along with leather paneling. Also, four-way driver lumbar support is included. Along with everything included in the Hyundai Palisade Limited trim, you also get four 12-Volt DC outlets and a second-row sunroof. Plus, there is a driver’s seat footrest. 

Finally, you get more tech with a head’s up display and surround-view camera monitors. Safety-wise, you get remote activated approach lights, along with the features listed above. You’re primarily paying for comfort upgrades at this point.

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