2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy AWD Review: Tech Overload and Plush Family Hauler

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade is being praised for hitting the sweet spot for families who value both practicality and a touch of luxury, making it a 2024 Editors' Choice. It shares its DNA with the Kia Telluride but offers a unique design.

Every Palisade comes with a smooth 3.8L V6 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available, but front-wheel drive comes standard. While reviewers say it might not be the most thrilling to drive compared to something like the Mazda CX-90, the Palisade prioritizes a comfortable and confident ride, making it ideal for conquering long journeys. Stepping inside, the Palisade showcases a high-quality cabin with three spacious rows of seating. Hyundai incorporates plenty of technology and convenience features throughout the interior to keep everyone happy. If you're looking for an even more luxurious feel, higher trims like the Limited and Calligraphy offer quilted leather upholstery, upgraded trim accents, and the option for second-row captain's chairs․

What's New in 2024

For 2024, the Hyundai Palisade sees a few minor updates but welcomes a new top-of-the-line trim level. The biggest change is the addition of the Calligraphy Night Edition. This new trim features a dramatic blacked-out look with black exterior trim, wheels, and roof rails, all complemented by a sleek black leather interior.

Beyond the exciting new Night Edition, there are a handful of other updates for 2024. The base SE trim now comes standard with dual-zone automatic climate control for the front seats and single-zone control for the rear. This provides more temperature control options for all passengers. For the XRT trim, rear-side window shades have been added, providing extra comfort and sun protection for passengers in the second row. Finally, the Limited trim gains ambient interior lighting, which can enhance the cabin's atmosphere.

Overall, the 2024 Palisade retains its strong features from the 2023 model year while adding a touch more style and standard equipment

Trims and Pricing

The 2024 Palisade offers a range of trims to suit different needs and budgets: SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, CAlligraphy and Calligraphy Night Edition.

The starting price sits at $38,045 for the base SE trim, which offers a good foundation with features like heated side mirrors, automatic LED headlights, and a suite of driver-assistance technologies. Stepping up through the trims, the price increases along with the features. The SEL ($40,795) adds desirable options like a sunroof and a larger touchscreen infotainment system. The XRT ($43,195) focuses on a sportier look with unique wheels and trim. For luxury seekers, the Limited ($49,345) and Calligraphy ($51,745) trims boast premium materials, advanced sound systems, and additional driver-assistance features. Finally, the top-of-the-line Calligraphy Night Edition ($55,245) stands out with a dramatic blacked-out exterior and a sophisticated black leather interior.

According to some reviewers of the 2024 Palisade that I viewed online, the SEL with the Premium package seems to be a sweet spot, offering a significant bump in technology and comfort features like navigation and advanced driver-assistance systems at a price point that might be more attractive to a wider range of buyers.

Why Calligraphy Trim

Stepping up from the luxurious Limited trim, the 2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy offers an even more premium feel with unique design elements and an emphasis on passenger comfort.

The Calligraphy sets itself apart visually with exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels, a distinct front grille design, and special front and rear fascias. The interior is where the Calligraphy truly shines. Nappa leather upholstery replaces the perforated leather found on the Limited trim, and the door panels are wrapped in quilted leather for a luxurious touch. Even the headliner gets an upgrade to a microfiber suede for a more upscale feel.

While some features are shared with the Limited trim, the Calligraphy boasts a few exclusive options. One such feature is a rearview mirror that can function as a digital display, allowing you to see a wider view behind the car than a traditional mirror. The Calligraphy also gets a surround-view camera system with additional angles to aid in parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. For enhanced comfort, the driver's seat in the Calligraphy features a massage function, adding to the sense of relaxation during long journeys. Overall, the Calligraphy trim elevates the Palisade experience to near-luxury status with its distinctive design cues, opulent materials, and additional technology features.

Engine and Powertrain of the 2024 Palisade

The 2024 Palisade offers a single powertrain option, focusing on smooth performance and confident capability. Every Palisade comes equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers 291 horsepower, providing ample acceleration for merging and highway cruising. An eight-speed automatic transmission seamlessly handles gear changes, with the option for manual shifting via steering wheel paddles for those who prefer a more engaged driving experience.

Front-wheel drive comes standard, offering a balance of fuel efficiency and everyday practicality. All-wheel drive is available for an extra cost on the SE, SEL, and Limited trims, providing additional traction and confidence in slippery or challenging conditions. Notably, all-wheel drive is standard on the top-of-the-line Calligraphy trim.

The Palisade isn't just about comfort; it can handle some light off-roading as well. The reviewer highlights the Palisade's ability to tackle terrain beyond city streets. Additionally, every Palisade comes equipped with a standard transmission cooler, trailer pre-wiring, and sway control to enhance towing capabilities. With the dealer-installed trailer hitch, the Palisade can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a great choice for hauling a camper or trailer for your next adventure.

While fuel efficiency isn't the Palisade's strongest suit, it delivers a respectable 21 MPG combined. For those who prioritize highway driving, the numbers improve to 24 MPG, while around-town driving is expected to see 19 MPG

Design

The 2024 Palisade retains the overall exterior design that has been praised for its bold and stylish look, but there have been some subtle refinements for a more upscale appearance.

The most noticeable change is the new grille design. Gone is the chrome zigzag pattern; instead, vertical and horizontal chrome bars create a more substantial and modern look. The cascading block design adds a touch of three-dimensionality, further enhanced by the way light reflects off the chrome. This new grille stretches outward, visually connecting with the LED headlights that have been redesigned with a slimmer profile that echoes the lines of the cascading grille blocks. The daytime running lights are also new, featuring a straighter, more contemporary design.

Overall, the front fascia has been redesigned to project a sense of class and sophistication, while still maintaining the Palisade's recognizable presence.

Changes were also made to the rear end, with a focus on clean lines and a wider appearance. The reflectors borrow the clean, horizontal design cues from the grille, emphasizing the broadness of the tailgate. The underbody fairing has been extended to create a more finished look and hides the towing hitch for a cleaner aesthetic. Even the exhaust tips have been redesigned, adopting a symmetrical square shape for a more polished appearance. While these changes might seem minor, they contribute to the Palisade's overall impression of refined style and attention to detail.

Interior

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade offers a spacious and comfortable interior designed to accommodate families of all sizes. The seating configuration varies depending on the trim level. The base SE and SEL trims offer seating for eight passengers with a traditional bench seat in the second row.

Moving up to the Limited and Calligraphy trims, the second-row bench is replaced with captain's chairs, reducing passenger capacity to seven but offering increased individual comfort. Regardless of configuration, all three rows provide ample headroom and legroom for passengers

Getting in and out of the third row is made easier with a second-row seat that can be moved forward with the touch of a button. Second-row and third-row seats can be folded down either manually or electronically depending on the trim level, providing a variety of cargo-carrying options. While some reviewers mentioned noticeable wind noise coming from the doors, the overall cabin is well-insulated from road noise.

The cargo capacity of the Palisade is impressive, offering 86 cubic feet with all seats folded down. This is enough space to fit 33 carry-on suitcases, making it a great choice for road trips or hauling large items. Even with the second-row seats upright, there's still a decent 46 cubic feet of cargo space behind them. Even with all rows in use, there's a usable 18 cubic feet of cargo space for groceries or small luggage. For storing muddy or wet items, there's a handy hidden compartment under the cargo floor. While the door cubbies might be a bit on the small side, the center console offers a good amount of storage for everyday essentials

Every Palisade comes equipped with a user-friendly 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, in-dash navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. Up to seven USB ports are available throughout the cabin to keep devices charged, and two Bluetooth devices can be connected simultaneously. For added convenience, the Hyundai Blue Link app allows you to remotely lock, unlock, and even start your Palisade using voice commands via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

I think the 3rd row looks good as well.

The Drive

As I drove this vehicle I felt that the 2024 Hyundai Palisade prioritizes a smooth and comfortable ride over sporty handling. Reviewers note that it doesn't offer the most exciting driving experience when compared to some competitors, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The 3.8L V6 engine provides adequate power for merging and highway cruising, and the eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, with the option for manual shifting for those who want a bit more control.

The Palisade's well-tuned suspension absorbs bumps and road imperfections with ease, making it a great choice for conquering long stretches of highway. The cabin remains quiet and isolated from road noise, further enhancing the sense of comfort and tranquility. While some reviewers mentioned a slight amount of wind noise seeping in from the doors at highway speeds, it doesn't detract significantly from the overall pleasant driving experience.

Around town, the Palisade's maneuverability is sufficient for navigating city streets and parking tasks. Its size might not be ideal for the tightest corners, but the well-weighted steering and available parking sensors make handling tight spots less stressful. Overall, the Palisade prioritizes a relaxed and comfortable driving experience, making it a perfect companion for road trips and everyday errands.

I do like the Palisade. I liked it when I reviewed the 2023 Palisade last year and have recommended it to my friends who were looking for a sizeable SUV with good technology. And even now 2024 Hyundai Palisade remains a compelling choice for families seeking a spacious, comfortable, and feature-rich SUV that won't break the bank. It offers a strong value proposition with its long list of standard equipment, upscale interior finishes available in higher trims, and impressive cargo space. While some competitors might offer better fuel economy or a more dynamic driving experience, the Palisade counters with its smooth ride quality, luxurious interior options, and strong warranty coverage.

Ultimately, the choice between the Palisade and its close competitors like the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander depends on individual priorities. If you prioritize a blend of luxury, practicality, and a smooth ride, the Palisade is a top contender. If fuel efficiency is a major concern, the Highlander might be a better choice. And for those seeking the most exciting driving experience, there are sportier options to consider. But for most families, the 2024 Hyundai Palisade offers a well-rounded package that's difficult to beat.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.