Luxury used to be easy to spot—Jaguar and Mercedes got the leather, wood trim, and plush rides, while everyday brands focused on getting you from A to B. But over time, especially with bigger SUVs, that line has faded fast, and mainstream models have started feeling a lot more upscale than anyone expected.
Some of today’s top trims now deliver real comfort, sharp design, and high-end tech without the luxury-brand price tag, and the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is a perfect example. It looks and feels genuinely premium, even without a badge that screams “luxury.”
With the 2026 update adding a more powerful and efficient hybrid option, the Palisade’s appeal only grows—it’s quicker, easier on fuel, and still loaded with features that make daily driving feel a little special.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Hyundai and other authoritative sources, including the EPA, IIHS, NHTSA, J.D. Power, and TopSpeed.
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Interior design and materials: punching above its weight
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Step inside the Palisade and the attention to detail hits you right away.
A lot of brands try to fake luxury with leather or wood in obvious spots, leaving the rest feeling cheap.
The Calligraphy doesn’t do that—it’s premium from floor to ceiling, top to bottom.
Soft materials that actually feel premium
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The Nappa leather isn’t just on the seats—it stretches across the door panels and key parts of the dash.
Quilted leather adds a look and feel that immediately feels upscale, and you can step it up even more with an Alcantara headliner.
Even the pillars get attention, wrapped in soft microfiber suede that rounds out the premium vibe.
A layout that feels thoughtful and balanced
Credit: Hyundai
The Calligraphy’s cabin feels balanced and calm, with a clean, modern vibe that doesn’t try too hard.
Sweeping curves and soft lines replace the usual boxy, “look-at-my-screen” layouts you see in so many cars today.
Tech is still front and center—two 12.3-inch screens handle the gauges and infotainment—but they sit neatly in the dash without stealing the spotlight from the leather trim sweeping under the windshield.
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Seats that are comfy and built for the whole family
Rear seating and cargo: practical, roomy, and surprisingly easy to use
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Some Palisade trims offer eight seats with a three-person bench in the middle, but the Calligraphy comes standard with luxury captain’s chairs.
The front and middle rows feel really roomy, giving plenty of space for adults and kids alike.
The back row is fine for kids or shorter adults, but taller passengers might feel a bit cramped.
All the tech you want, wrapped in comfort
Credit: Hyundai
All seven seats get Nappa leather, so the premium feel carries through the entire cabin.
The front seats are eight-way power-adjustable with lumbar support, and the driver’s seat even remembers your preferred seat and mirror positions.
Both front seats are heated and ventilated, with the driver’s seat adding massage and posture support through Erg Motion.
The second-row captain’s chairs don’t fall short either—they’re heated, ventilated, power-adjustable, have extendable leg support, and include a comfort mode for long drives.
Rear seating and cargo room that actually works
Credit: Hyundai
Third rows in most seven- or eight-seat SUVs often feel like an afterthought, but the Palisade makes them surprisingly user-friendly.
They’re not as roomy as the first two rows, but the second-row captain’s chairs slide forward with one-touch power to give easy access.
The third-row seats are heated and fold flat with the push of a button, making them both comfortable and practical.
Credit: Hyundai
Behind the third row, the Palisade offers 19.1 cubic feet of cargo space—enough for groceries or weekend bags.
Fold the third row flat, and that jumps to a roomy 46.3 cubic feet, giving plenty of space for bigger hauls.
Balancing seats and cargo is a common trade-off in midsize SUVs, whether luxury-badged or not, and the Palisade handles it well.
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Tech that feels seamless and surprisingly high-end
Everyday conveniences and smart features that actually make life easier
Credit: Hyundai
These days, luxury isn’t just about leather and trim—it’s also about tech and how it makes driving easier and more enjoyable.
Hyundai has always packed in smart features without breaking the bank, and the Calligraphy takes that to the next level.
All the features you actually want, in one place
Credit: Hyundai
The Palisade Calligraphy centers its tech around two 12.3-inch screens—one for the driver cluster and one for infotainment.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and built-in navigation.
It also includes Amazon Alexa and Hyundai Pay, letting you handle gas or parking without ever reaching for your wallet.
Dashcams and real buttons for a smarter, simpler ride
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The Calligraphy comes loaded with features like front and rear dashcams, blind-spot cameras, three-zone HVAC, wireless charging, and plenty of USB ports.
It even has a 115V outlet, UV device sterilization, and an in-car intercom—basically everything you might need on the road.
The touchscreens are paired with real buttons and knobs, making it way easier to control things while driving without fumbling through menus.
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The Palisade Calligraphy goes toe-to-toe with Acura, Lexus, and even Cadillac when it comes to luxury.
Look past the badge, and it competes with BMW, Mercedes, and Audi—especially when you factor in value for money.
With Nappa leather and top trims, it’s only a few thousand more than the average new car price in the U.S., while still earning accolades like the 2026 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year.
Even the entry-level $39,439 trim is solid value, and the SEL Premium—Car and Driver’s recommended pick—starts at $45,300.
Where research meets the right deal
Gas or hybrid: powerful options for every driver
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Adding a hybrid option tends to make any gas-powered car better, and the Palisade is no exception.
Toyota has already moved its Camry and RAV4 to hybrid-only, and now Hyundai offers a hybrid in the lineup as well.
You get the same premium interior, just with different price points and a boost in performance and efficiency.
What’s under the hood: 2026 Palisade specs
Gas only
Hybrid
MSRP
$54,560
$56,780
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6, 8-speed automatic
2.5-liter inline-4 turbo with 2-motor hybrid system, 6-speed automatic
Drivertrain
FWD standard/AWD optional
FWD standard/AWD optional
Power
287 hp
329 hp (combined)
Torque
260 lb-ft
339 lb-ft
Towing
5,000 lbs
4,000 lbs
Fuel efficiency (city/highway/combined)
19/25/21 mpg
31/32/31 mpg
The Palisade earns top marks across the board
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J.D. Power gives the Palisade high marks across the board, with an overall score of 82 and strong ratings for quality, reliability, driving experience, and resale value.
The IIHS names it a Top Safety Pick, and the NHTSA gave the 2025 model a full five stars in crash tests, with the 2026 model expected to match.
Hyundai also leads most luxury SUVs—except Genesis—when it comes to warranties, offering five years/60,000 miles limited coverage and ten years/100,000 miles for the drivetrain, including the hybrid system.
