Since its debut in 2020, the Hyundai Palisade is an excellent combination of comfort, utility, style, safety, and convenience. These attributes make it suitable for a large family or a person who needs extra cargo when traveling. Does this mean it has third-row seating? We have researched the Hyundai Palisade to get the answer on its seating configuration.
The Hyundai Palisade is an SUV with a third-row seat in all four of its trim packages the SE, SEL, Limited, and new Calligraphy package. The third-row seat isn't an interchangeable option and comes standard with these packages. Consumers will be happy to know that the third row is roomy and can comfortably fit three adults.
Its third-row seating and roomy cabin make the Hyundai Palisade another SUV to add to your test-drive list. How does it compare to other third-row seat SUVs regarding cargo space, passenger seating, and interior features? Read on as we discuss the questions and the seating configurations in each Palisade trim package.
The Debut of the Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade has been a popular midsize SUV pick since coming into the market in 2020. When it first hit the dealership lots, it only had three trim packages, the SE, SEL, and Limited. In 2021, they added their aesthetically pleasing Calligraphy package that takes a step up in exterior and interior features. The Hyundai Palisade four packages price can range from $32,675 to the highest trim package coming in at $47,750.
As we stated above, all four of the packages come standard with a third-row that seats three passengers, but some of the packages can seat eight while others only seat seven. Let's take a look at each package and its seating options.
What Are The Seat Features In A Palisade?
With four different package options with the Palisade, several various features come standard within the seating arrangements. Continue reading as we break down each package's seating characteristics.
Hyundai Palisade SE
Starting with the base model, the Hyundai Palisade SE is obviously the least expensive trim package with a starting MSRP of $32,675. It doesn't come with a plethora of bells and whistles, but it does come with an eight-passenger seating arrangement. While this is nice for large families with a modest budget, the second-row bench seat cannot be swapped out with the captain's chairs.
The SE may not be loaded with tech and gadgets like the other packages, but as of 2021, the SE package has added features that are now a part of its standard equipment. These include:
- AppleCare Play
- LED headlights
- Android Auto
- HD Radio
- Multiple new connections ports
The SE package also comes standard with some great safety features, such as Rear Occupant Alert and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection.
Hyundai Palisade SEL
Taking a step up in features is the Hyundai Palisade SEL. The SEL is a sweet spot when it comes to budget and tech features. The SEL package comes standard with captain's chairs in the second row and comfortably seats seven passengers. However, unlike the SE, the second-row can come equipped with the captain's chairs or bench seating at no additional costs. The SEL also comes with the following seating features:
- 8-way power driver seat
- 2-way lumbar driver seat
- Heated front seats
- Sliding second-row seats with electric cargo-area releases
- Map pockets, with extra mini pocket
- Third-row 60/40 split-fold seats with ingress/egress handles
- One-touch second-row seat slide for third-row access
- Underfloor storage compartment
- Three first row and two second-row 2.1-amp USB ports (1x power/data and 4x power)
The SEL is an excellent choice if you are looking for extra interior and safety features. Surprisingly, it's not that much more in price compared to the base SE with a starting MSRP of only $35,325.
Hyundai Palisade Limited
Going up in luxury and price is the Hyundai Palisade Limited Package. This package takes a giant leap in price with a starting MSRP of $45,275. Besides added safety and tech features, one main difference in seating is that the Limited trim package only comes with a second-row captain's seat. With Palisade Limited, consumers will enjoy these added interior features:
- 115-volt power outlet
- Heated steering wheel
- Ventilated front and second-row seats
- Heated front and second-row seats
- Wireless device charging
- Dual third-row 2.1-amp USB ports (power)
- Multiple device connection (up to two devices)
- Drive-talk intercom
- 25-inch color touchscreen with onboard navigation and traffic flow, including incident data via HD Radio™
- Third-row power folding/unfolding/reclining seats
- Integrated Memory System (IMS) for driver seat
- Premium NAPPA Leather
Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy
Last but not least, we present the newest trim package, the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy. Prior to 2021, the Calligraphy package was only offered for sale in Hyundai's home country of South Korea. Its increased popularity made it an easy decision to bring it to the United States market.
What is the difference between the Limited and the Calligraphy package?
When it comes to seating configurations and features, the two luxury packages are virtually the same. However, when it comes to cosmetics, Calligraphy is a spiced-up version of the Limited. The Calligraphy offers a new premium grill, quilted leather door panels, and 20-inch Calligraphy-exclusive alloy wheels. Unlike the Limited, the Calligraphy only comes in all-wheel-drive, making it a great choice for consumers living in colder regions.
If you would like to learn more about the Hyundai Palisade Limited and the Calligraphy trim package differences, check out the article "Hyundai Palisade: Limited Vs. Calligraphy – What's The Difference?"
How Many Does The Hyundai Palisade Seat?
The Hyundai Palisade seats seven or eight passengers, depending on what package you go with. If you need some extra room, then you can get eight-passenger seating in the base SE package, or you have the option to add the bench second-row seating in the SEL package. The top shelf packages, the Limited and Calligraphy, only come with captain's chairs, so the max seating is seven passengers.
However, if you need eight-passenger seating and you want all of the safety and tech features, then you are in luck. Consumers can upgrade the SEL to the Hyundai Palisade Premium Package that offers all of the Limited and Calligraphy features. It can also come equipped with second-row bench seating at no extra cost.
If you would like to learn more about the Hyundai Palisade Premium package, then you would like the article "What is the Hyundai Palisade Premium Package?"
Is the Palisade A Full-Size SUV?
We discussed that the Hyundai Palisade comes standard with third-row seating but does that make it a full-size SUV. This may be confusing, but technically the Palisade is a mid-size SUV and not a full-size SUV.
What's the difference between mid-size and full-size SUVs?
The difference between a midsize SUV and a full-size SUV is obvious, the size. Full-size SUVs are much larger, tow more, and typically come standard with a truck-like frame or a body-on-frame. To learn more about SUVs with body-on-frames, you can read our article "What SUVs Have Full-Frames."
How Much Cargo Space Does The Palisade Have?
The Palisade may only be considered a midsize SUV, but consumers will be happy to know that it has quite a bit more cargo space than its competitors. Behind the third-row seat, the Palisade has 18 cubic feet of cargo space. When the third-row seat is folded, it has 45.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Finally, with the second and third-row seats folded down, the Palisade offers 86.4 cubic feet of cargo space!
If you need the room for pets, long travel trips, or a run to the hardware store, the Palisade is versatile to fit your needs. Not all SUVs have the option to fold the second and third-row completely flat, so this alone sets the Palisade apart from its competitors.
How Does It Stack Up Against Other Midsize SUVs?
Overall, if you are looking for a comfortable family SUV with a roomy cabin, multiple package options, and a reasonable price point, then the Palisade is one to add to your test-drive list. The Palisade is longer than other midsize SUVs making its third-row seat comfortable even for adults. It may have only been around for two years now, but it's already getting the reputation as a top SUV pick in the market.
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