Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the 2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL, a three-row SUV that's been making waves in the family car market. I know a lot of you guys are looking for a vehicle that can haul the kids, handle weekend trips, and still look good doing it. Well, the Palisade SEL might just be your perfect match. We'll cover everything from its impressive features and comfortable interior to its performance on the road and overall value. Buckle up, because we're about to explore why the Palisade SEL is a top contender in its class. In this comprehensive review, we'll explore every aspect of the 2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL, from its design and features to its performance and value. This SUV is a popular choice for families due to its spacious interior, advanced technology, and stylish design. So, let's get started!

Exterior Design and Styling of the Palisade SEL

First impressions matter, right? And the 2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL certainly makes a strong one. The exterior design is all about blending sophistication with a rugged, adventurous vibe. Hyundai really nailed the balance here. The front fascia is dominated by a bold, cascading grille flanked by sleek LED headlights. These headlights aren't just for show; they provide excellent visibility, especially on those late-night drives. The SEL trim boasts a more subtle, yet still attractive, front-end design compared to the higher trims like the Limited or Calligraphy. The overall silhouette is clean and modern, with a long wheelbase that contributes to the spacious interior we'll talk about later. The side profile showcases strong character lines that add a touch of athleticism to its otherwise family-friendly appearance. It's not just a big box on wheels; it's got personality! The SEL trim typically rolls on stylish alloy wheels that complement the overall aesthetic. These wheels are designed to enhance both the appearance and the handling of the vehicle. You can choose from various exterior colors to match your taste, from classic options to more vibrant hues. The rear design is equally well-executed, with distinctive taillights that wrap around the corners, adding to the Palisade's premium feel. The integrated roof rails are functional and add to the SUV's adventurous spirit, perfect for carrying extra gear on those weekend getaways. Overall, the Palisade SEL presents a confident and stylish exterior that reflects Hyundai's commitment to design excellence. It’s a vehicle that looks good parked in your driveway and fits right in, whether you're at the school pickup or heading out on a road trip. The exterior design of the Palisade SEL is a great start. It is an ideal mix of sophistication and functionality, making it an attractive choice for those who want a vehicle that looks as good as it performs. The 2023 Palisade SEL's exterior design is a well-considered package that will turn heads.

Size and Dimensions of the Hyundai Palisade SEL

Knowing the size and dimensions of a vehicle is super important, especially when you're considering a three-row SUV. The 2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL offers a generous amount of space, making it ideal for families. Let's break down the key dimensions: The Palisade SEL is roughly 196.1 inches long, which gives it ample interior space without being overly difficult to maneuver in city driving. Its width is about 77.8 inches, providing a comfortable and spacious cabin for passengers in all three rows. The height is around 68.9 inches, ensuring plenty of headroom for all occupants. The wheelbase, which is the distance between the front and rear axles, is approximately 114.2 inches. This longer wheelbase contributes to a smooth ride and increased interior space. The Palisade SEL provides substantial cargo capacity. With all seats up, you still get a decent amount of cargo space for everyday needs. If you fold down the third-row seats, you get a significant increase in cargo volume, and with both the second and third rows folded, the cargo area becomes vast, perfect for moving furniture or luggage. The Palisade SEL is designed to comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers, depending on the configuration you choose. The second-row captain's chairs are an available option for the SEL trim, providing even more comfort for passengers. The overall dimensions make the Palisade SEL a great choice for families. It provides ample space for passengers and cargo while still being manageable in various driving conditions. It strikes a good balance between interior space and maneuverability, making it a practical and attractive choice for many drivers. These dimensions are a significant factor when considering a new vehicle, especially one designed for family use. The Palisade SEL delivers on this front, offering a spacious, comfortable, and versatile interior.

Interior Comfort and Features

Okay, let's talk about the inside! The 2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL is all about providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone on board. The interior design is thoughtfully laid out, with a focus on both functionality and aesthetics. The materials used throughout the cabin feel high-quality, giving the SUV a premium feel. The seats in the Palisade SEL are designed for long-distance comfort, and the upholstery is durable and easy to clean. The front seats are often power-adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. The second-row seats offer plenty of legroom, making them comfortable for adults, and the third-row seats are surprisingly accommodating, even for taller passengers. The Palisade SEL is well-equipped with a range of features designed to enhance your driving experience. You'll find a user-friendly infotainment system, usually with a touchscreen display, that controls navigation, audio, and other vehicle functions. The SEL trim often includes features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. You'll also find multiple USB ports throughout the cabin, ensuring that everyone can keep their devices charged. Climate control systems in the Palisade are usually advanced, with options like multi-zone climate control, ensuring that everyone can adjust the temperature to their liking. The Palisade also focuses on safety. You can expect a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to be included in the SEL trim, such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The panoramic sunroof is another highlight in some configurations, filling the cabin with natural light and enhancing the sense of spaciousness. The interior of the Palisade SEL is designed to provide a pleasant environment. It offers a combination of comfort, convenience, and technology, making it a great place to spend time, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a long road trip. The interior of the Palisade SEL is well-designed. This adds to the overall appeal, making it a top choice in its class.

Infotainment and Technology

Let's dive into the tech! The 2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL is packed with features designed to keep you connected, entertained, and informed. The centerpiece of the infotainment system is a touchscreen display. This screen is your gateway to navigation, audio controls, smartphone integration, and vehicle settings. The size and resolution of the screen are typically impressive, making it easy to see and use. The system is user-friendly, with intuitive menus and controls. The Palisade SEL is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. The audio system in the Palisade SEL delivers great sound quality. You can enjoy your music, podcasts, and audiobooks with clarity and depth. The sound system's quality will depend on the trim level, with higher trims often featuring premium audio systems. The Palisade SEL is equipped with multiple USB ports throughout the cabin. This ensures that everyone can keep their devices charged. The available wireless charging pad is another convenient feature. The Palisade SEL includes a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that utilize technology to enhance safety. These systems can include features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. These technologies are designed to help prevent accidents and make your drive safer. The infotainment system is regularly updated with the latest software and features. Hyundai often offers over-the-air (OTA) updates, so you don't have to visit a dealership to get the newest features and improvements. The Palisade SEL offers a robust suite of technology. The combination of a user-friendly infotainment system, smartphone integration, advanced safety features, and convenient charging options, makes the Palisade SEL a great choice. It keeps you connected, entertained, and safe on the road. The technology in the Palisade SEL is a significant selling point, making it a modern and desirable SUV.

Performance and Driving Experience

How does it drive, you ask? The 2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL delivers a smooth and composed driving experience, perfect for daily commutes and family adventures. Under the hood, you'll typically find a powerful V6 engine that provides ample power for accelerating, merging onto highways, and hauling a full load of passengers and cargo. This engine is usually paired with a smooth-shifting automatic transmission that contributes to the overall refined feel. The Palisade SEL is available in both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. The AWD system provides added traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road. This ensures a comfortable ride for passengers. The steering is responsive and precise, making the Palisade SEL easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces. The Palisade SEL offers a quiet cabin, with minimal road and wind noise. This contributes to the overall feeling of refinement. The Palisade SEL is equipped with a range of safety features, including advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. These features help to enhance safety and provide peace of mind on the road. The Palisade SEL's performance makes it a great choice for various driving conditions. It offers a smooth and confident driving experience, making it enjoyable for both the driver and the passengers. The performance of the Palisade SEL is one of its strong points, making it a pleasure to drive.

Engine and Transmission

Let's get into the heart of the matter: the engine and transmission. The 2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL typically comes with a robust V6 engine. This engine is known for its smooth power delivery and reliability. It provides ample power for everyday driving tasks, such as accelerating on highways and carrying passengers and cargo. The engine is usually paired with a well-matched automatic transmission. This transmission is designed to provide smooth and seamless gear changes, contributing to the overall refined driving experience. The combination of the V6 engine and the automatic transmission delivers a balance of power and efficiency. The engine offers enough power to handle various driving situations. The transmission contributes to a smooth and effortless drive. The Palisade SEL is usually available in both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. The AWD system provides enhanced traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. The Palisade SEL offers a balance of power and efficiency. The V6 engine provides enough power for various driving situations while maintaining reasonable fuel economy. The engine and transmission are designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. The engine and transmission are key components in any vehicle. The combination in the Palisade SEL contributes to a smooth, powerful, and efficient driving experience.

Safety Features and Driver-Assistance Systems

Safety first, right? The 2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL is packed with a suite of advanced safety features and driver-assistance systems (ADAS) designed to protect you and your passengers. Standard safety features typically include multiple airbags throughout the cabin, including front, side, and curtain airbags. These are designed to provide protection in the event of a collision. The Palisade SEL often includes advanced driver-assistance systems to help prevent accidents and enhance safety. These systems can include lane-keeping assist, which helps to keep the vehicle in its lane, and adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Automatic emergency braking is another important feature that can automatically apply the brakes if a potential collision is detected. Blind-spot monitoring helps to detect vehicles in the driver's blind spot, and rear cross-traffic alert warns of approaching vehicles when backing up. The Palisade SEL has a robust set of safety features. These features are designed to provide peace of mind on the road. The inclusion of ADAS technologies. The focus on safety makes it a top choice. The Palisade SEL is a safe and reliable vehicle.

Safety Ratings and Awards

Let's talk about how the 2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL performs in safety evaluations. The Hyundai Palisade has consistently performed well in safety tests conducted by major organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It typically receives high scores in crashworthiness tests. The Palisade's performance in these tests demonstrates its ability to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The Palisade also often receives positive ratings in the IIHS's crash prevention evaluations, which assess the effectiveness of its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These ratings show the effectiveness of the Palisade's safety technology. The Palisade has received awards and accolades from various automotive publications and organizations. These awards often recognize the vehicle's safety performance, design, and overall value. The high safety ratings and awards of the Palisade are a testament to Hyundai's commitment to safety. These ratings and awards provide valuable information. This can help inform your decision-making when choosing a vehicle for yourself and your family. The Palisade's commitment to safety makes it a reliable and trustworthy choice.

Trim Levels and Pricing

Okay, let's look at the options. The 2023 Hyundai Palisade is available in several trim levels, each offering a different set of features and options. The SEL trim, which we've been focusing on, is often positioned as a mid-range option. It offers a good balance of features and value. Other trim levels include the SE, which is the base model, and higher trims like the Limited and Calligraphy. These higher trims offer more premium features and upgrades. The pricing for the Palisade varies depending on the trim level, packages, and options you choose. The SEL trim typically falls within a competitive price range for its class, offering a good balance of features and value. It's always a good idea to check the manufacturer's website or visit your local dealership for the most up-to-date pricing information. The Palisade SEL often comes with a variety of optional packages that add additional features. These packages can include upgrades to the infotainment system, safety features, or comfort amenities. The price of the Palisade SEL is competitive. The trim levels provide options to suit different needs and budgets. The trim levels, along with pricing and options, allow you to tailor your Palisade to your specific needs and preferences. The pricing is an important factor. Choosing the right trim level is vital, ensuring you get the features you want at a price that fits your budget.

Fuel Economy and Efficiency

Let's talk about how much gas it guzzles. The 2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL typically offers competitive fuel economy ratings for its class. The specific fuel economy numbers will vary depending on factors such as whether you choose the front-wheel-drive (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) configuration. Generally, the FWD models tend to offer slightly better fuel efficiency. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) provides official fuel economy estimates. These estimates give you a good idea of what to expect in terms of miles per gallon (MPG) in both city and highway driving conditions. Real-world fuel economy can vary depending on your driving habits, the type of roads you typically drive on, and weather conditions. However, the EPA estimates provide a useful benchmark. The Palisade SEL is equipped with features designed to improve fuel efficiency. The engine is engineered to provide a balance of power and efficiency. The automatic transmission is tuned to optimize fuel economy. The Palisade's fuel efficiency is an important factor to consider when making a purchase. The fuel economy of the Palisade SEL is a consideration for many buyers. It provides a good balance between power, performance, and fuel efficiency. It is important to factor in your driving habits and typical driving conditions when evaluating fuel economy. This helps you to have realistic expectations for the vehicle's fuel consumption. The Palisade SEL offers competitive fuel economy. The driving habits affect the real fuel economy, and other factors as well. Overall, the Palisade SEL offers a balance of power and efficiency, making it a practical choice for many drivers.

Pros and Cons of the 2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL

Like any vehicle, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL has its strengths and weaknesses. Here's a quick rundown:

Pros:

• Spacious Interior: Offers ample space for passengers and cargo, making it ideal for families.
• Comfortable Ride: Provides a smooth and comfortable driving experience, well-suited for long trips.
• User-Friendly Technology: Features an intuitive infotainment system with smartphone integration and advanced driver-assistance systems.
• Stylish Design: Boasts a modern and attractive exterior design.
• Value for Money: Offers a competitive price point with a generous list of standard features.

Cons:

• Fuel Economy: While competitive, fuel economy could be better compared to some competitors.
• Third-Row Access: Accessing the third row can be a bit tricky for adults.
• Some Features Only Available on Higher Trims: Certain premium features are only available on higher trim levels. But overall, these are not very important.

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

So, after all this, is the 2023 Hyundai Palisade SEL the right SUV for you? If you're looking for a spacious, stylish, and feature-rich three-row SUV that offers a comfortable ride and excellent value, then the Palisade SEL is definitely worth considering. It's a great option for families who need plenty of space for passengers and cargo, and it comes with a range of technologies and safety features. However, if fuel economy is your top priority or you frequently need to access the third row with ease, you might want to consider other options or higher trims. Ultimately, the best way to decide is to visit your local Hyundai dealership for a test drive and experience the Palisade SEL firsthand. You'll get a feel for its comfort, performance, and features, and you'll be able to determine if it meets your specific needs and preferences. The Palisade SEL is a well-rounded SUV. It is an excellent choice for families and anyone seeking a spacious, comfortable, and feature-rich vehicle. Take a test drive, compare your needs and preferences, and see if the Palisade SEL is the right fit. The Palisade SEL is a compelling choice. It offers a great combination of features, space, and value. I hope this review has helped you make an informed decision! Happy car hunting, guys!