What You Get in Each 2025 Palisade Trim

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade comes in four main trim levels: SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy. Each step up adds features, comfort upgrades, and technology, but the core three-row SUV stays the same—seating for up to eight, a 3.8-liter V6 engine, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The SE is the entry point with cloth seats and basic infotainment; the Calligraphy is the top tier with leather, a panoramic sunroof, and premium audio.

Hyundai also offers two powertrain choices across all trims: front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). AWD adds roughly $1,800 to $2,000 depending on trim, and it's the only option if you want the HTRAC all-wheel-drive system with multiple terrain modes. Most buyers choose FWD for fuel economy and lower cost, but AWD is worth considering if you live in snow country or want extra traction on wet roads.

Key Takeaways

  • The SE trim includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Hyundai's SmartSense safety suite as standard across all 2025 Palisades.
  • The SEL adds heated front seats, a power liftgate, and an eight-way power driver's seat compared to the SE.
  • The Limited brings leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a power-adjustable third row, and a Bose premium audio system.
  • The Calligraphy is the luxury trim with quilted Nappa leather, a head-up display, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and ambient interior lighting.
  • All-wheel drive is available on every trim and costs the same amount regardless of which one you choose.

SE Trim: The Base Model with Essential Features

The SE is the starting point and covers the core needs of a three-row family SUV. You get seating for eight (with a bench middle row), the 3.8L V6 engine making 291 horsepower, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The infotainment system is a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice control—no subscription required for basic functions.

Safety comes standard: Hyundai's SmartSense suite includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping information, and blind-spot monitoring. The SE also has six airbags, stability control, and a backup camera. Exterior features include 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, and LED daytime running lights. Inside, you get cloth seats, manual seat adjustments in the front, and a standard power driver's window.

The SE does not include heated seats, a power liftgate, or a sunroof. If you want those, you move to the SEL. For many buyers, the SE delivers enough comfort and safety to justify the lower price, especially if you're not driving long distances regularly or don't need heated seating.

SEL Trim: Added Comfort and Convenience

The SEL adds features that improve daily driving and passenger comfort. Heated front seats come standard, along with a power liftgate that opens and closes at the push of a button—useful when your hands are full. The driver's seat now has eight-way power adjustment (up, down, forward, back, and lumbar support), making it easier to find the right driving position.

The SEL also upgrades the exterior with 19-inch alloy wheels and adds a roof rack for carrying cargo. Inside, you still have cloth seats, but the overall cabin feels more refined. The infotainment system remains the same 10.25-inch touchscreen, and all the SmartSense safety features carry over. The SEL is often the sweet spot for buyers who want comfort upgrades without jumping to leather and luxury pricing.

Limited Trim: Leather, Sunroof, and Premium Audio

The Limited is where the Palisade shifts into luxury territory. Leather upholstery replaces cloth on all seats, and the front seats now include ventilation (cooling) in addition to heating. A panoramic sunroof spans much of the roof, flooding the cabin with light and creating an open-air feel. The third-row seats now have power adjustment, so passengers can recline or move forward without manual effort.

Audio gets an upgrade to a Bose premium sound system with eight speakers, which makes a noticeable difference on road trips or daily commutes. The Limited also adds a power-adjustable steering column (up and down), a heated steering wheel, and a proximity key with push-button start. Exterior upgrades include 20-inch alloy wheels and a roof rack. The infotainment system is still the 10.25-inch touchscreen, but the overall experience feels more premium.

Calligraphy Trim: The Top-Tier Configuration

The Calligraphy is Hyundai's luxury flagship for the Palisade. Nappa leather with quilting covers the seats, and the front seats add massage functions—useful for long drives or stressful commutes. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster replaces the traditional gauges, giving you a customizable display for speed, fuel, navigation, and vehicle information. A head-up display projects speed and navigation onto the windshield so you don't have to look down at the dashboard.

The panoramic sunroof carries over from the Limited, but the Calligraphy adds ambient interior lighting with multiple color options to set the mood of the cabin. The Bose audio system remains, and all the power adjustments from the Limited are included. Exterior details include 20-inch alloy wheels with a unique design, chrome trim accents, and a roof rack. The Calligraphy also includes a power-adjustable third row and all the safety and convenience features from lower trims.

The Calligraphy costs significantly more than the Limited, so it's best for buyers who prioritize luxury touches, want the digital cluster and head-up display, and plan to keep the vehicle long-term. For most families, the Limited delivers nearly all the comfort and features at a lower price point.

Front-Wheel Drive vs. All-Wheel Drive

Every 2025 Palisade trim is available in FWD or AWD. Front-wheel drive is the standard choice and delivers better fuel economy—expect around 23 mpg city and 29 mpg highway according to EPA estimates, though real-world numbers vary. FWD is lighter, costs less, and handles well on dry and wet pavement. If you live in a mild climate or mostly drive on paved roads, FWD is the practical choice.

All-wheel drive adds traction in snow, ice, and light off-road conditions. The 2025 Palisade's AWD system includes HTRAC (Hyundai Traction Advanced Control), which offers multiple terrain modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, and Snow. Snow mode adjusts throttle response and traction control to help you navigate winter roads. AWD reduces fuel economy by roughly 1 to 2 mpg and costs the same amount across all trims—typically $1,800 to $2,000 more than FWD.

Choose AWD if you live in a region with regular snow or ice, drive on unpaved roads, or want the extra security of all-wheel traction. Otherwise, FWD saves money and fuel without sacrificing safety or capability on normal roads.

Optional Packages and Add-Ons

Beyond the four main trims, Hyundai offers optional packages that let you customize your Palisade. The most common is the Technology Package, which adds features like a wireless charging pad, a surround-view camera system, and sometimes an upgraded infotainment system depending on trim. Some trims also offer a Convenience Package with items like a power sunroof (if not already included) or additional storage solutions.

Paint color choices vary, and some colors carry an upcharge—typically $300 to $500 for metallic or pearl finishes compared to solid colors. Wheel upgrades are also available; you can swap the standard wheels for larger or different designs, though this affects ride quality and fuel economy slightly. Check with your dealer about what packages and options are available for your chosen trim, as availability can change during the model year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the SEL and Limited if I'm not sure which to choose?

The SEL gives you heated seats, a power liftgate, and power driver's seat for comfort. The Limited adds leather, a sunroof, power third-row seats, and a Bose audio system. If you spend a lot of time in the car or want a more upscale feel, the Limited is worth the extra cost. If you prioritize value and don't need leather or a sunroof, the SEL is plenty comfortable.

Does the Calligraphy's head-up display and digital cluster make it worth the extra money?

The head-up display is convenient and reduces eye movement while driving, which some drivers love. The digital cluster is customizable and looks modern. However, both are luxury features, not necessities. If you value these technologies and plan to keep the vehicle for many years, the Calligraphy justifies the cost. Otherwise, the Limited covers most needs at a lower price.

Will I regret choosing FWD instead of AWD?

Only if you live in a snowy climate or drive on unpaved roads regularly. FWD handles winter driving better than many people expect, and modern traction control helps a lot. If you're in a mild climate or mostly drive highways and city streets, FWD is the right choice. You can always add winter tires to an FWD Palisade for extra winter security.

Can I add features from a higher trim to a lower trim?

Some features can be added as options or packages, but not all. For example, you might be able to add a sunroof to an SEL, but leather seats are usually only available on the Limited and Calligraphy. Ask your dealer what's possible for your specific trim choice—options vary by region and availability.

How much does the 2025 Palisade cost across the trims?

Pricing varies by region, dealer, and current incentives, so there's no single number that applies everywhere. The SE starts at a lower price point, and each trim step adds $3,000 to $5,000 or more. Check Hyundai's official website or contact local dealers for current pricing in your area, as prices change throughout the year.