2024 Hyundai Palisade Configurations: Trims, Features, and How They Differ
The 2024 Hyundai Palisade is a three-row midsize SUV offered in four distinct trim levels. Each configuration targets a different buyer profile — from families prioritizing value to those wanting a near-luxury experience. Understanding how the trims stack up helps you identify which features matter most before you start comparing prices or visiting dealerships.
The Four Trim Levels at a Glance
The 2024 Palisade lineup runs from entry-level to fully loaded across these four trims:
| Trim | Starting MSRP (approx.) | Powertrain | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE | ~$38,000 | FWD standard | Core features, value entry point |
| SEL | ~$42,000 | FWD standard, AWD available | Mid-range everyday use |
| XRT | ~$45,000 | AWD standard | Off-road styling, rugged aesthetic |
| Calligraphy | ~$51,000 | AWD standard | Premium comfort and technology |
Prices are approximate base MSRPs before destination, options, or dealer markups — actual transaction prices vary.
What Every 2024 Palisade Comes With
Regardless of trim, the 2024 Palisade shares a common mechanical foundation. All configurations use a 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. There is no turbocharged or hybrid option in the 2024 Palisade lineup.
Standard safety technology across all trims includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Blind-Spot Collision Warning. This baseline is consistent — you don't have to buy up to get core active safety features.
All trims seat up to eight passengers using a 2-3-3 seating layout as the default configuration, though some higher trims offer a second-row captain's chair option that reduces total capacity to seven.
SE: The Entry Configuration 🚗
The SE is the starting point. It includes an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, three-zone automatic climate control, and cloth seating. It comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), which works well for most daily driving conditions.
What the SE doesn't include: heated seats, a larger display, ventilated seats, or the more upscale interior materials found on higher trims. For buyers who prioritize space and reliability over comfort upgrades, the SE delivers the full Palisade platform at the lowest price point.
SEL: The Most Popular Middle Ground
The SEL adds meaningful comfort features without a dramatic price jump. Notable additions over the SE include:
- Heated front and second-row seats
- 10.25-inch touchscreen (upgraded from 8-inch)
- Leather-trimmed seating surfaces
- Remote Start
- Proximity key entry
AWD becomes available as an option on the SEL, which is relevant for buyers in regions with winter weather or mixed driving conditions. The SEL represents the widest appeal in the lineup — it closes most of the comfort gap with higher trims at a significantly lower price than the Calligraphy.
XRT: The Off-Road Styling Variant ⚙️
The XRT is a departure from the rest of the lineup in appearance and intent. It's built on the SEL's feature set but adds:
- AWD as standard equipment (not optional — it's included)
- Dark exterior trim and unique 20-inch wheels with an all-terrain aesthetic
- A slightly raised ride height
- Unique XRT badging and blacked-out exterior accents
What the XRT is not: a heavy-duty off-roader. It doesn't have a low-range transfer case or locking differentials. It's better described as an appearance package with AWD for buyers who want a more rugged look. Towing capacity matches other AWD-equipped Palisades at 5,000 lbs.
Calligraphy: The Premium Configuration
The Calligraphy is the fully-loaded tier. It includes everything in lower trims plus:
- Second-row captain's chairs (standard, reducing seating to 7)
- Nappa leather seating with ventilated front and second-row seats
- Heads-up display (HUD)
- Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) — a more advanced hands-on semi-autonomous driving assist feature
- Panoramic sunroof (standard, not optional)
- 12-speaker Bose audio system
- Digital key capability
- 360-degree surround-view camera
AWD is standard on the Calligraphy. For buyers comparing the Palisade to competitors like the Kia Telluride SX Prestige, Genesis GV80, or Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium, the Calligraphy is the relevant configuration.
Variables That Shape Which Configuration Makes Sense
The "right" trim isn't a universal answer — it depends on factors specific to each buyer:
- Geographic location: AWD matters far more in Minnesota winters than in Southern California. The cost premium for AWD is easier to justify in high-snowfall areas.
- Seating needs: Buyers who regularly carry 7–8 passengers may prefer the standard bench second row over the Calligraphy's captain's chairs.
- Technology priorities: Features like HDA2 and the HUD are only on the Calligraphy. Buyers who value semi-autonomous highway assist will need to step up to that trim.
- Budget for long-term ownership: Higher trims carry higher insurance premiums, and features like panoramic sunroofs or complex driver-assist systems can cost more to repair if damaged.
- Package availability: Some options — like the captain's chair layout — are only available on certain trims or as part of specific option packages that vary by region and dealer inventory.
What the Trim Doesn't Tell You
Two buyers can purchase identical 2024 Palisade Calligraphy configurations and have meaningfully different ownership costs based on where they live, how they drive, what insurance rates apply to their profile, and what their local dealer inventory looks like.
The trim level describes what the vehicle comes with — it doesn't determine registration fees, insurance costs, or whether a particular configuration is actually available at a specific price in a specific market. Those pieces depend entirely on the buyer's own state, situation, and timing.