The Ascent of a Flagship: Charting the Evolution of the Hyundai Palisade
In the highly competitive world of the three-row family SUV, making an entrance is one thing; making an impact is another entirely. When Hyundai unveiled the Palisade at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show for the 2020 model year, it was more than just a new vehicle. It was a bold declaration of intent. Replacing the competent but less-imposing Santa Fe XL, the Palisade was designed from the ground up to challenge the established titans of the segment—the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer. It aimed to do so not just by competing on price, but by excelling in design, technology, and perceived luxury. In the years since its debut, the Palisade has not only succeeded in this mission but has evolved, refining its formula to become a benchmark in its class. This is the story of its evolution.
The First Generation (2020-2022): A New Contender Arrives
The Hyundai Palisade launched into the North American market as a 2020 model, immediately turning heads with its audacious styling. Where many competitors opted for safe, conservative lines, the Palisade was distinctive. Its most prominent feature was the large, cascading grille, framed by a unique composite lighting signature. The slim, horizontal LED Daytime Running Lights sat high, flanking the hood, while the primary headlamp clusters were stacked vertically below, integrated into the bumper. This unconventional look gave the Palisade an imposing and unmistakable presence on the road.
Under the hood, Hyundai kept things simple and effective. Every Palisade from its inception has been powered by a 3.8-liter Atkinson-cycle V6 engine, producing a robust 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired exclusively with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. Buyers had the choice of standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or Hyundai’s capable HTRAC All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, which included a driver-selectable AWD lock and a SNOW mode for enhanced traction in adverse conditions.
The real revolution, however, was inside. The Palisade’s cabin was a masterclass in packaging, ergonomics, and near-luxury appointments. The “bridge-style” high center console created a cockpit-like feel for the driver, while freeing up a massive storage area below. Material quality was a clear step above expectations, even in the base model. Family-friendly innovations abounded, including seven standard USB ports, one-touch sliding second-row seats for easy third-row access, and an available “Driver Talk” in-car intercom system that allowed the driver to speak to rear passengers through the audio speakers.
For its initial run from 2020 to 2022, the Palisade was offered in three primary trim levels, with a fourth, ultra-luxurious trim added in its second year.
SE (2020-2022): The entry-point Palisade was anything but basic. It came well-equipped with an 8-inch infotainment display featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a comprehensive suite of “Hyundai SmartSense” safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, and Driver Attention Warning. It offered seating for eight passengers with a second-row bench seat.
SEL (2020-2022): As the volume seller, the SEL trim added a significant number of comfort and convenience features. These included heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, roof rails, proximity key with push-button start, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Critically, the SEL offered the option to swap the second-row bench for a pair of captain’s chairs, reducing seating to seven but dramatically increasing comfort and third-row access. The SEL was also the gateway to powerful optional packages, such as the Convenience Package (adding features like a hands-free smart liftgate and 20-inch wheels) and the Premium Package (which brought leather seating, a larger 10.25-inch navigation screen, and a power sunroof).
Limited (2020-2022): The Limited trim was Hyundai’s first major push into the premium space with the Palisade. It made nearly every optional feature standard and added a host of exclusive luxury appointments. Key features included premium Nappa leather upholstery, a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, a Head-Up Display (HUD), heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, a dual-pane sunroof, and a powerful Harman Kardon premium audio system. The Limited trim solidified the Palisade’s reputation as a vehicle that offered a luxury experience at a mainstream price point.
The Introduction of the Calligraphy (2021)
By 2021, the Palisade was a runaway sales success. To capitalize on this and push the vehicle even further upmarket, Hyundai introduced a new range-topping trim: the Calligraphy. Building on the already lavish Limited trim, the Calligraphy was all about bespoke details and ultimate refinement. It featured standard HTRAC AWD and was distinguished by:
An exclusive, premium grille with a triangular element pattern.
Unique 20-inch alloy wheels with a complex, intricate design.
Quilted leather door panels and a microfiber suede headliner.
A perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Signature puddle lamps that projected a wide beam of light from under the side mirrors.
The Calligraphy was Hyundai’s answer to luxury-brand SUVs like the Acura MDX or Lincoln Aviator, delivering a comparable level of opulence for thousands of dollars less. It proved there was a strong appetite for a fully-loaded, premium-feeling Hyundai.
The Mid-Cycle Refresh (2023-Present): A Sharper, Smarter Flagship
After three successful model years, Hyundai gave the Palisade a comprehensive mid-cycle refresh for the 2023 model year, unveiled at the 2022 New York International Auto Show. This was no mere cosmetic touch-up; it was a significant enhancement of the vehicle’s design, technology, and feature set, designed to keep it at the forefront of the segment.
The most noticeable change was on the front fascia. The cascading grille was replaced by a wider, more rectangular “parametric jewel” design, with the individual shield-like elements appearing to be integrated into the structure. The lighting was also revised, with the vertical DRLs now more seamlessly connected and the main headlamps housed in a more technical-looking assembly. The rear bumper and wheel designs were also updated across the lineup.
Inside, the cabin received a major technological overhaul. The dashboard was redesigned with a slim, full-width air vent that unified the look. Most importantly, the large 12.3-inch infotainment screen, previously optional or reserved for higher trims, became standard on every Palisade, including the base SE. This was a massive value proposition. New features included a digital rearview mirror, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and the introduction of Hyundai’s Digital Key 2 Touch, which allows owners to use a compatible smartphone or smartwatch as a key. A new Ergo-Motion massaging driver’s seat was also made available on the top trims.
The trim structure was also expanded to cater to a new aesthetic trend.
SE (2023-Present): The base model received the biggest upgrade with the standard 12.3-inch screen, making it an even more compelling entry point.
SEL (2023-Present): Remained the versatile mid-tier trim, now benefiting from the updated interior design and technology. It also gained standard faux-leather seating surfaces.
XRT (2023-Present): Capitalizing on the growing demand for rugged-looking SUVs, Hyundai introduced the XRT trim. Based on the SEL, the XRT is fundamentally an appearance package. It added dark-finish 20-inch wheels, a dark-finish grille, blacked-out roof rails, more rugged front and rear fascias with skid plate elements, and a standard power sunroof.
Limited (2023-Present): Continued its role as the luxury-focused trim, incorporating all the new design and technology updates from the refresh.
Calligraphy (2023-Present): The pinnacle trim also received the refresh treatment, with the new grille and interior tech enhancing its already premium feel. It also gained exclusive features like the aforementioned Ergo-Motion driver’s seat.
Calligraphy Night Edition (2024-Present): For the 2024 model year, Hyundai added another flavor to its top trim with the Night Edition. This model takes the Calligraphy and applies a “blackout” treatment, featuring a dark chrome grille, gloss black 20-inch wheels, black roof rails, and other blacked-out exterior accents for a more aggressive, stealthy aesthetic.
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Legacy and Impact
The Hyundai Palisade’s evolution from 2020 to the present day is a story of ambitious growth and intelligent refinement. It arrived on the scene as a disruptor, offering a combination of bold style, immense practicality, and near-luxury features that reset expectations for a mainstream family hauler. It immediately put established competitors on notice, forcing them to re-evaluate their own value equations.
With the 2023 refresh, Hyundai demonstrated that it wasn’t content to rest on its laurels. By making its best technology standard across the board and expanding the lineup with trims like the XRT and Calligraphy Night, it has broadened the Palisade’s appeal while simultaneously sharpening its competitive edge. The Palisade’s journey is a microcosm of Hyundai’s own brand evolution—a confident ascent from a value-oriented choice to a recognized leader in design, technology, and quality. It is, and continues to be, the undisputed flagship of the Hyundai fleet.
