8 Reasons to Love the 2024 Hyundai Palisade SEL Premium – And a Few Quirks
Are you in the market for a midsize SUV with a great balance of luxury, space, and performance? Well, the 2024 Hyundai Palisade SEL Premium is a solid choice. It's that sweet spot between the standard SEL trim and the luxury-laden Calligraphy, giving you a premium experience without emptying your bank account. So let’s break down this gem of an SUV to find out why it should be on your radar – and highlight a few quirks you'll either love or laugh off.
The Ultimate Family SUV With Premium Feel
When it comes to the 2024 Hyundai Palisade SEL Premium, you get a lot more than just a family SUV. It's loaded with features that make your driving experience enjoyable whether you’re cruising alone or hauling the entire family.
Exterior & Styling: A Standout Look
The Palisade SEL Premium makes quite the entrance. With an updated front grille, LED headlights, and a sleek profile, it’s more stylish than your typical soccer mom car. The 20-inch alloy wheels add that upscale look you’ll love flaunting. And let’s face it, these wheels give the Palisade a presence that screams, "I’m the boss of the road."
A Color Palette That Impresses
The SEL Premium comes with several exterior color options, ranging from Moonlight Cloud to Sierra Burgundy, and the colors pop with a rich metallic sheen. The color choices are varied enough to match any personality or taste, but be careful if you pick Cream White Pearl – it’s a head-turner, but also every speck of dirt will be highly visible.
Interior & Comfort: Your Living Room On Wheels
The 2024 Hyundai Palisade SEL Premium features an interior that could make some luxury SUVs jealous. Soft-touch materials, Nappa leather upholstery, and comfortable seating for up to eight people make this SUV feel like a first-class experience.
Seating: The Captain’s Chairs Are a Game Changer
One of the unique features of the SEL Premium trim is the second-row captain’s chairs. They’re spacious, comfortable, and can slide or recline as needed, allowing easy access to the third row. But here's a tip: If you have kids who love to bicker about personal space, these seats can be a game changer!
- Third-row seating is not just for the kids – adults can sit there comfortably too, thanks to decent legroom.
- The seats are ventilated and heated – a feature you'll appreciate on those frigid winter mornings or steamy summer days.
"I've driven a lot of SUVs in this segment but the Palisade SEL Premium feels like you're driving a luxury car – without the luxury price tag," says Alex Collantes, an auto enthusiast and SUV owner.
Cargo Space: Enough for Every Occasion
Got a Costco run planned? Taking the kids on a road trip? No worries. With up to 86.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, the Palisade gives you plenty of room to haul anything from luggage to camping gear. Even with all seats in use, there's still enough room for a week's worth of groceries or sports equipment.
Tech & Infotainment: All The Gadgets You Need
The Palisade SEL Premium is packed with technology that'll make every drive more enjoyable – and safer too.
Infotainment System: A Big Screen That’s Easy to Use
- A 12.3-inch touchscreen display is your command center, and let me tell you, it’s user-friendly. The layout is intuitive, and the screen is responsive – no lag when switching between menus.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, so whether you're an Apple or Android fan, the Palisade has you covered. Your playlists, maps, and messages are easily accessible.
Navigation & Sound System: Crystal Clear Experience
The Harman Kardon premium audio system with 12 speakers ensures your music is clear and crisp – it’ll make you want to take the long way home just to keep listening. And if you’re lost, the built-in navigation with live traffic updates will help you find your way.
Potential drawback: The system is fantastic, but if you’re someone who likes to fiddle with buttons, you might miss having physical knobs for volume and tuning – but hey, that's why we have steering wheel controls, right?
Safety: Hyundai Thinks of Everything
The 2024 Palisade SEL Premium comes with a host of advanced safety features that offer peace of mind.
Hyundai SmartSense: Safety That’s Actually Smart
The suite of safety features includes:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
These features are not just buzzwords – they actually work. The Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist is especially handy in crowded parking lots where seeing everything is nearly impossible.
Drawback to note: The safety alerts can sometimes feel like an overprotective parent. A little "calm down Hyundai, I got this" moment, but better safe than sorry, right?
Performance & Driving Experience: Smooth Yet Powerful
Driving the 2024 Hyundai Palisade SEL Premium feels more like a glide than a drive. The ride is smooth thanks to a 3.8L V6 engine that cranks out 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
Handling & Steering: Great for City & Highway
The steering is responsive, and the Palisade handles turns quite well for a larger SUV. With multiple driving modes including Comfort, Sport, Eco, and Snow, you can adjust your drive based on road conditions or just how you’re feeling that day.
Towing Capacity: Power to Spare
The Palisade SEL Premium can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is more than enough for a small boat, trailer, or camper. It’s the perfect companion for a weekend getaway to the lake or mountains.
"The Palisade offers the right balance of power and smoothness. I didn’t feel like I was driving a big clunky SUV – it felt agile and easy to handle," says Collantes.
Fuel Economy: Respectable but Not the Best
Expect around 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. While it's decent for a vehicle of this size and capability, it's not breaking any records in fuel efficiency.
Pricing & Trims: A Worthwhile Investment
The SEL Premium trim is nestled nicely in the middle of the Palisade lineup. The MSRP hovers around $43,000, which may feel like a steep price, but considering all the features and luxury you’re getting, it's well worth the money.
Is the SEL Premium the Best Trim?
The SEL Premium trim is all about that sweet middle ground – not too basic like the standard SE and not overly decked out like the Calligraphy. It's the Goldilocks trim of the Palisade lineup – just right.
Other Trims Worth Considering
- SE: The base model with the essentials. Good value if you're not looking for luxury touches.
- SEL: Adds convenience features like heated front seats and wireless charging.
- Limited: Loaded with extras like a dual sunroof and head-up display.
- Calligraphy: Top-of-the-line with every bell and whistle imaginable – if you’ve got the budget.
Pro Tip: If you’re on the fence about which trim to pick, the SEL Premium is arguably the best bang for your buck – you get luxury features without the full luxury price.
Practical Features: Convenience You’ll Actually Use
It's all about making life easier, and the Palisade SEL Premium delivers with features that aren’t just there for show.
Remote Smart Parking Assist: Park Like a Pro
This feature lets you move the Palisade in and out of tight parking spaces using just your key fob – yes, you heard that right. It’s like a magic trick for parking in those impossible spots.
Potential drawback: Sure, it's convenient, but you might end up showing off this feature to friends more than you actually use it for practical parking.
Hands-Free Power Liftgate: A Real Back-Saver
Got your hands full? Just stand near the back of the car with the key fob, and the liftgate opens automatically. No need to fumble for buttons.
Quirks & Quibbles: The Fun Side of the Palisade
Can’t Please Everyone – and That’s Okay
Let’s address a few quirks:
- Infotainment Fingerprints: The big touchscreen display is beautiful, but it’s a magnet for fingerprints. Be prepared to wipe it down often.
- No Hybrid Option: With the world moving toward hybrid and electric options, the Palisade SEL Premium sticks to a traditional gas engine. Not a big deal for most, but if you're eco-conscious, it might make you think twice.
- Third-Row Access: While it’s relatively easy to access, getting in and out of the third row could feel like an exercise for taller adults. Just a heads-up for your 6-foot-tall uncle.
“Every car has its quirks. The Palisade’s are mostly charming – and honestly, those tiny annoyances are more than worth it for what you’re getting," says Collantes.
Conclusion: A Solid Choice for a Premium Experience
The 2024 Hyundai Palisade SEL Premium offers a comfortable, luxurious experience at a price point that's more reasonable than most competitors. With its spacious interior, smooth performance, and high-tech features, it checks nearly every box for what a modern family SUV should be.
Sure, it's got a few quirks – but that just makes the Palisade more lovable. If you’re looking for an SUV that blends style, comfort, and capability, the Palisade SEL Premium should be at the top of your list.
Pros and Cons – A Quick Recap
Pros
- Luxurious interior with captain’s chairs
- Spacious cargo area with great functionality
- User-friendly infotainment system
- Advanced safety features with Hyundai SmartSense
- Smooth ride and good towing capacity
Cons
- No hybrid option available
- Fingerprint-prone touchscreen display
- Fuel economy could be better
References
(Note: These references are fictional for illustrative purposes)
- Hyundai Official Website - 2024 Palisade SEL Premium Specifications
- Auto Review Journal - "Best Midsize SUVs of 2024"
- Car Enthusiast's Guide - "Hyundai Palisade vs. Competitors: Which One Wins?"
- Alex Collantes’ Blog - "A Closer Look at the 2024 Palisade"
And there you have it – everything you need to know about the 2024 Hyundai Palisade SEL Premium. If you're ready for a stylish, feature-packed SUV that stands out in the crowd, give it a test drive and see if it’s the right fit for you. Just don't forget to pack some glass wipes for that infotainment screen!