Review: 2023 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is one of the best SUV’s currently available in my opinion. It is perfect for those wanting an SUV that feels somewhat luxurious and perfect for those needing a bigger SUV for the family. It is also a very stylish SUV both inside and outside and is very comfortable.

Engine/Transmission

The Hyundai Palisade has a 3.8L V6 engine with AWD. It produces 291hp and 262lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission. It is rated for 11.2L/100km but I averaged 10.8L/100km with mostly highway driving. For the size of the engine and the weight of the Palisade, I thought it was good on gas. 0-60mph (96km/h) is said to be reached in a little over 7 seconds. Accelerating from a stop is not quick but picks up speed once on the drive so there are no issues with trying to overpass another vehicle. Shifts are also very smooth whether you decide to manually shift with the mounted steering wheel paddles or automatic, so the drive is comfortable.

Handling/Performance

Driving the Palisade Calligraphy is not as engaging as say a Mazda CX-9 but it also isn’t super boring to the point where there is little to no feedback. Driving on windy roads can still be fun but you will notice that it does lean a bit. This is ok though because for all it has, this really shouldn’t be a big deal. It is available with Comfort, Eco, Snow, Mud, Sand, Smart, and Sport mode. Driving on Eco will of course help save a bit of fuel and is the mode I usually drive in, but I decided to drive in normal mode and noticed a difference when accelerating and the response of the Palisade. On Eco mode, it almost feels like it struggles to get the Palisade going, but on normal mode, it drives a bit more smoothly.

Comfort

I am obsessed with the space in the Palisade. It is spacious for adults and children. The front seats are comfortable, and I like that they are wide, so I had no issues on my back or legs. The 2^nd row seats are also very comfortable and leg room is plentiful even with the driver’s seat pushed back. The 3^rd row is not as comfortable as the 2^nd row as leg space is not much, but the seats are still cushiony. I was able to fit ok, my legs touched the front seats, but I didn’t feel extremely squished. I would be fine with sitting in the 3^rd row for a road trip so it’s a decent space for average height adults. How often can you say that about a 3^rd row SUV! Kids will have no issues fitting in the 3^rd row. With the 3^rd row up you get 509L of cargo space in the trunk, so this is more than its competitors offer. If you need more space, you can fold/unfold the 2^nd and 3^rd row seats with just the touch of a button placed beside the trunk panel.

Interior

The interior of the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is in between so it’s not super basic looking but also not extremely luxurious. It’s just about right. It is equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen that is simple to use. It is also equipped with leather Nappa seats, ventilated front, and rear seats, multiple USB ports and power outlets throughout the cabin and so much more! There is premium like soft touch materials used throughout the cabin that just makes it that much nicer to be in.

Exterior

The Palisade has a very modern look to it. It is equipped with LED tail and headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, dual sunroofs, and of course the grille which gives it a bold look.

Pros/Cons

All trim levels have the same powertrain 3.8L V6 with AWD as an option. FWD is the standard. The Palisade is not an engaging drive and pressing on the accelerator will not give you that thrill as it does feel like it struggles to get moving. It does, however, respond quick when already at speed so you won’t have issues overtaking. It is not available as a hybrid, only gasoline engine. Comfortability I can’t complain, it is spacious and very modern looking. If you decide on the base trim level, you will still get quite a few features as standard compared to its competitors. The base trim which is called the Preferred in Canada and SE in the US, has a starting price of $50,698CAD ($35,900USD) I think the Palisade will soon need to be available as a plug-in hybrid and it will be perfect in my eyes.