Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the 2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL, a popular choice in the crowded SUV market. Is this the right car for you and your family? Let's find out! We'll cover everything from its design and features to its performance and value. Buckle up, and let's get started. This review focuses specifically on the SEL trim, which strikes a sweet spot between affordability and features. We'll explore what makes it stand out, its strengths, and any potential drawbacks to help you make an informed decision. The Palisade has quickly become a favorite due to its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and impressive technology. Is the SEL trim still up to par with expectations?

Exterior Design and Styling

First impressions matter, right? The 2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL has a bold and modern exterior design. The front fascia features a wide cascading grille and sleek LED headlights. These elements give it a premium look, which makes it feel a bit more expensive than its price tag might suggest. The Palisade SEL has a strong road presence, and its overall design is both stylish and functional. You'll notice the well-defined lines and sculpted body that contribute to its sophisticated appearance. It’s an SUV that definitely turns heads, and this specific trim level adds some unique touches that subtly differentiate it from other trims. The Palisade SEL trim also includes stylish alloy wheels and other exterior accents that enhance its visual appeal.

Looking at the side profile, the Palisade boasts a long wheelbase, which translates into a spacious interior. The rear design is equally attractive, with distinctive taillights that add to its overall appeal. The Palisade SEL is available in various colors, allowing you to choose one that best matches your style. Hyundai has done an excellent job of creating an SUV that is both visually appealing and practical, with features designed to make it easy to live with. From its muscular stance to its refined details, the Palisade SEL offers a compelling exterior package. The overall design language is consistent throughout, making the Palisade a cohesive and attractive vehicle. The exterior design of the Palisade SEL is a significant factor in its popularity, as it combines elegance with functionality. The designers have clearly paid attention to detail, creating a vehicle that stands out in a crowded market.

Interior Comfort and Features

Alright, let’s move inside. The 2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL is all about comfort and space, especially when it comes to interior features. The cabin is spacious, offering ample room for both passengers and cargo. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, which is a huge plus, especially on longer journeys. Passengers in the second and third rows will appreciate the generous legroom and headroom, making the Palisade ideal for families or groups of friends. The SEL trim provides a comfortable and well-equipped interior, with high-quality materials and a thoughtfully designed layout. The infotainment system is user-friendly, and the controls are easy to reach and understand.

One of the standout features is the available dual-panel sunroof, which enhances the feeling of spaciousness and lets in plenty of natural light. The Palisade SEL also comes with a range of standard features, including a touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and a premium sound system. The interior design is both stylish and practical, with plenty of storage compartments and thoughtful touches throughout. The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with well-placed controls that are easy to operate. You'll find features like heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power-adjustable driver's seat, all of which contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. The Palisade SEL offers a premium feel without the premium price tag. The materials used in the interior are of high quality, and the overall design is both modern and functional. The combination of comfort, space, and technology makes the Palisade SEL a great choice for those seeking a practical and enjoyable SUV.

Performance and Driving Experience

Now, let's talk about how it drives. The 2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL is powered by a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine, which delivers plenty of power for everyday driving and highway cruising. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth and efficient gear changes. The Palisade offers a comfortable and composed ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in various driving conditions. The SEL trim is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, giving you the flexibility to choose the configuration that best suits your needs.

The Palisade SEL excels in providing a relaxed and comfortable driving experience. The suspension is tuned to prioritize comfort, making it a great choice for long road trips. The engine provides sufficient power for acceleration and merging onto highways. The Palisade also offers a range of driving modes, allowing you to tailor the driving experience to your preferences. The Palisade's performance is well-suited for family use, with a focus on ride quality and ease of driving. You'll find the Palisade to be a capable and enjoyable vehicle, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a weekend getaway. The Palisade’s performance characteristics make it a practical and versatile SUV.

Technology and Infotainment

Let's get into the tech! The 2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of technology features. The infotainment system is user-friendly, with a large touchscreen display that provides access to navigation, audio controls, and smartphone integration. The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps. The Palisade SEL also includes a digital instrument cluster, providing important driving information in a clear and concise format. The technology features enhance both the convenience and the safety of the vehicle.

The Palisade offers a range of advanced driver-assistance systems, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. These features help to enhance safety and provide peace of mind on the road. The Palisade SEL keeps you connected and entertained, making every journey more enjoyable. Hyundai has done an excellent job of integrating technology into the Palisade, creating a user-friendly and feature-rich driving experience. The technology in the Palisade SEL makes it a standout in its class.

Safety Features

Safety first, right? The 2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL is equipped with a comprehensive array of safety features. It has a strong focus on passenger protection and driver assistance. This ensures a secure and confident driving experience. Standard safety features include forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, all designed to prevent accidents. These are complemented by a suite of airbags throughout the cabin for added protection. The Palisade SEL consistently receives high safety ratings from leading safety organizations, reflecting its commitment to passenger safety.

The Palisade also incorporates advanced driver-assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. This is a game-changer for those long highway drives. The Palisade SEL is designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision, with a robust safety cage and energy-absorbing structure. Hyundai has prioritized safety in the design and engineering of the Palisade, giving drivers and passengers peace of mind. The Palisade SEL is a safe and reliable choice, making it a top contender in its class. The focus on safety is a key factor in the Palisade's popularity, especially among families. You can feel confident knowing you and your loved ones are well-protected. The Palisade SEL is an excellent choice for those who value safety.

Fuel Economy

Let’s discuss fuel economy. The 2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL offers competitive fuel efficiency for its class. The 3.8-liter V6 engine provides a balance of power and efficiency, making it a practical choice for everyday driving. The fuel economy figures vary depending on the drivetrain configuration, with front-wheel-drive models typically offering slightly better fuel efficiency. You can expect to get decent gas mileage, which helps to keep ownership costs down. The Palisade SEL provides a fuel-efficient option without compromising on performance.

The Palisade SEL is designed to maximize fuel efficiency, with features like an efficient transmission and aerodynamic body design. The Palisade's fuel economy makes it a great choice for families and anyone who spends a lot of time on the road. The fuel efficiency of the Palisade SEL helps to make it an attractive option, especially when compared to other SUVs in its class. With its efficient engine and transmission, the Palisade SEL provides a balance of performance and fuel economy. The Palisade SEL balances power and fuel efficiency.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade is offered in several trim levels, including the SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy. The SEL trim is a popular choice, as it provides a good balance of features and value. The SEL trim typically sits in the middle of the lineup, offering a range of features without the highest price tag. The Palisade SEL offers great value for its price. The price of the Palisade SEL falls within a competitive range, making it a strong contender in the SUV market.

The price of the Palisade SEL varies depending on the specific options and packages you choose. The Palisade SEL offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and value. Hyundai has priced the Palisade SEL competitively, making it accessible to a wide range of buyers. The pricing strategy for the Palisade SEL ensures that it remains an attractive option in a crowded market. The Palisade SEL’s price point and features make it an attractive option for many families. Overall, the Palisade SEL provides excellent value for your money. The Palisade SEL is a great value for those looking for a well-equipped and spacious SUV.

Pros and Cons

Okay, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL to help you with your decision.

Pros:

• Spacious Interior: The Palisade offers ample room for passengers and cargo, making it ideal for families.
• Comfortable Ride: The suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.
• User-Friendly Technology: The infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, with smartphone integration.
• Attractive Design: The Palisade has a stylish and modern exterior design that stands out from the crowd.
• Strong Safety Ratings: The Palisade is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, ensuring peace of mind.
• Good Value: The Palisade SEL offers a great combination of features, performance, and value.

Cons:

• Fuel Economy: While not terrible, fuel economy could be better compared to some competitors.
• Base Model Features: Some might find the base model features a bit lacking compared to the higher trims.

Conclusion: Is the 2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL Right for You?

So, after all that, is the 2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL the right SUV for you? If you're looking for a spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped SUV with a stylish design and a focus on safety, the answer is a resounding yes! The SEL trim provides a great balance of features and value, making it a smart choice for families and anyone who wants a practical and enjoyable vehicle. While it may not be perfect, the Palisade SEL offers a lot to love, making it a top contender in the mid-size SUV segment. The Palisade SEL offers a compelling package, making it a great choice for many buyers.

Before making a final decision, it's always a good idea to test drive the Palisade SEL and compare it to other SUVs in its class. Consider your specific needs and preferences to determine if the Palisade SEL is the best fit for you. The Palisade SEL is a well-rounded SUV. The 2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped SUV. The Palisade SEL is a strong contender in the SUV market. It's a great option for families who need space, safety, and a touch of style. It's a solid choice for anyone seeking a versatile and reliable SUV. I hope this review helped you guys!