The Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy AWD Review

The Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy AWD is the latest of the now classic mid-large SUV from Hyundai. Typically, as things mature, they become better and more refined. Is that the case here? Napleton News had a chance to cruise around New England and Bean Town with the latest version of Hyundai’s flagship SUV. Read on to find out what we thought.

Napleton News Update: Exclusive V6 power in the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy AWD

Power for the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy AWD comes from a single engine choice. It’s the award-winning 3.8-liter V6 “Lambda” engine that delivers 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It mates to an 8-speed automatic transmission and with the Calligraphy, is equipped with all-wheel drive.

It’s not a full-time AWD system, though. By this, we mean that the Palisade acts as a front-wheel drive vehicle. When sensors feel the need for extra traction, torque is sent to the rear wheels. It’s a novel way to deliver extra grip while adding to your fuel economy.

Build your Palisade five ways.

They include:

• The Hyundai Palisade SE. It’s the entry-level model, which can be upgraded with available AWD. It delivers with a second-row bench seat.
• The Palisade SEL includes a choice of second-row bench or captain’s chairs, a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless Qi charging.
• The Hyundai Palisade XRT includes 20-inch wheels, exclusive lower bumper & door trim garnish and a dark front grille. It also includes black roof rails and cross bars.
• The Hyundai Palisade Limited includes most features from the previous trims but adds exclusive 7-passenger seating with heated 3^rd-row seats. The seating surfaces are all leather and the driver now enjoys a 10-inch color head-up driver’s display.
• Finally, the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy AWD is the top of the heap. It’s also our tester, and includes luxury trim, heated and ventilated first and second row seating, premium Nappa leather and an Ergo-motion driver’s seat.

The Palisade competes with a rather active field of midsize SUVs that include such stalwarts like its cousin, the Kia Telluride, the Toyota Highlander and the Chevrolet Traverse. Two-box styling is a feature common to all, but the Palisade stands out with an aggressively-styled brushed chrome grille. Ours featured a deep green metallic paint that Hyundai calls “Robust Emerald.” It imparted the right amount of luxury you would expect in a highline SUV.

What did the Napleton News crew think about the inside the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy AWD?

In keeping with Hyundai’s tradition of providing “class-above” styling, the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy AWD is closer to Land Rover than it is to a value-priced SUV. Nappa Leather seating is all around, and the mood is easily controlled via the high-end Harmon Kardan audio system. The second row captain’s chairs are both heated and ventilated. That’s a high-end feature found only in luxury-range SUVs. Second row passengers will be happy to have both.

New for 2023 is an updated dashboard design featuring a new instrument panel, gauge binnacle and steering wheel layout. The driver’s seat Ergo Motion function is supposed to mimic an in-seat massager. The sensation is not quite the same; it feels more like a rolling pin moving from cheek to cheek.

On the plus side, the third row seats are large enough to handle three passengers. The Calligraphy model makes folding the rear seats a thing of beauty. Touch the push buttons inside the rear hatch to have the third row automatic fold or unfold as needed.

Behind the wheel of the Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade is a mid-sized SUV that rides larger than it is. Or it feels that way. That “riding larger” does take a toll on the Pali’s engine. Sometimes we wished it was equipped with something a bit stronger than the 3.8-liter V6 fitted inside.

Climbing grades and navigating twisties in Massachusetts made this clear. Still, despite a power deficit, the Palisade offered a quiet, stable ride with comfortable accommodations for all who were aboard.

From the beginning, it has been love at first sight for us with the Hyundai Palisade. What would make us love it just a little more is extra power and a little bit better fuel economy.

Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Specifications: