Which Hyundai Palisade Year Model Has The Most Value For Money?

The Hyundai Palisade stormed the three-row SUV scene upon its debut, offering a potent combination of upscale features, cavernous space, and a price tag that undercut many established rivals. For families and discerning buyers, it quickly became a go-to choice. However, with several model years now available on the new and used markets, a critical question arises: which Hyundai Palisade year offers the absolute best value for your money? The answer isn't a single year, but rather a choice between two key periods: the pre-refresh models and the updated post-refresh models.

To pinpoint the sweet spot, we will delve into the different generations, focusing on the key changes, features, and overall cost of ownership. This analysis will help you decide whether saving money on an older model or investing in newer technology is the right move for you.

The First Generation (2020-2022): The Original Value Champion

The first-generation Hyundai Palisade, spanning the 2020, 2021, and 2022 model years, is what established the vehicle's reputation. These models share the same core powertrain, a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which has proven to be reliable and smooth. The interior design was praised for its premium feel, user-friendly layout, and an abundance of standard features that competitors often charged extra for.

Even the base SE trim from this era came impressively equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a host of standard safety features like forward collision-avoidance assist and lane-keeping assist. Moving up to the SEL and Limited trims brought luxuries like leather seating, larger touchscreens (on later models), and advanced driver aids. For shoppers on a tighter budget, any year from this generation represents a fantastic deal, offering the same fundamental space, comfort, and performance as newer models but at a significantly lower price point on the used market.

Why the 2022 Model Stands Out

Within this first generation, the 2022 Hyundai Palisade is often considered the pinnacle of value. By this third year of production, Hyundai had ironed out most of the minor kinks and issues reported in the initial 2020 models. More importantly, Hyundai made its comprehensive suite of safety features, known as SmartSense, standard across all trims for 2022. This includes features like Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, which were previously optional on lower trims.

Therefore, a 2022 model provides the perfected version of the original design without the significant price jump associated with the 2023 refresh. You get a mature, reliable platform with a full complement of modern safety tech, making it an incredibly compelling used vehicle purchase.

The Mid-Cycle Refresh (2023-Present): A Leap in Tech and Style

For the 2023 model year, the Hyundai Palisade received a significant mid-cycle refresh. The most obvious changes are external, with a new, bolder cascading grille, redesigned headlights, and updated wheel designs giving it a more muscular and premium appearance. The interior also saw substantial upgrades aimed at enhancing the tech and luxury experience. The dashboard was redesigned to accommodate a new standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen, which is a major step up from the previous 8-inch and 10.25-inch options.

This generation also introduced new convenience features like the Digital Key 2 Touch, allowing owners to use their compatible smartphone as a key, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. A new rugged-looking XRT trim was added to the lineup, catering to buyers who prefer a more adventurous aesthetic. While mechanically similar to the first generation, the 2023 and newer models feel distinctly more modern and refined inside, closing the gap even further with true luxury-brand SUVs.

Is the 2023 Model Worth the Extra Cost?

If your budget allows, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade arguably presents the best value for those who prioritize the latest technology and a fresh design. The standard 12.3-inch screen is a game-changer for usability and interior ambiance. The updated exterior styling ensures the vehicle looks current for years to come. While a new or lightly-used 2023 model costs more than a 2022, the value comes from getting a vehicle that feels a generation ahead in terms of its user interface and creature comforts without a fundamental change in its excellent core attributes of space and reliability.

Comparison Table: 2022 Palisade vs. 2023 Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade's Rise to Prominence

Before the Palisade's arrival in 2020, the three-row SUV segment was dominated by long-standing names like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer. Hyundai identified a gap in the market for a vehicle that offered the space and practicality of these mainstays but with a level of design, materials, and technology typically reserved for luxury brands. Hyundai's strategy was simple but effective: pack the Palisade with an incredible amount of standard equipment, give it a striking and premium design, and back it with America's best warranty (10-year/100,000-mile powertrain).

This approach was a resounding success. Critics and consumers praised its quiet, comfortable ride, its thoughtfully designed interior with clever storage solutions, and its intuitive technology. The Palisade didn't just compete; it often won comparison tests, forcing other manufacturers to step up their game. Its rise to prominence demonstrates a shift in consumer priorities, where value is defined not just by the lowest price, but by the quantity and quality of features received for that price.

Answering Key Palisade Shopper Questions

What are the common problems with the Hyundai Palisade?

While the Palisade has a strong reputation for reliability, no vehicle is perfect. Early models (primarily 2020-2021) had some owner complaints regarding an unpleasant interior odor, which was often linked to the headrests or seat materials. Hyundai addressed this issue, and it is far less common in later models. Some owners have also reported a higher-than-average incidence of windshields cracking easily, though this can be subjective and dependent on road conditions.

A more significant issue was a recall involving a tow hitch wiring harness that could potentially short-circuit, posing a fire risk. This recall affected 2020-2022 models equipped with a tow hitch. It's crucial for any used-car shopper to ensure this recall work has been completed by a Hyundai dealer. Overall, the 3.8L V6 engine and 8-speed transmission are considered robust and reliable components.

How does the Palisade compare to the Kia Telluride?

This is the ultimate question for many shoppers, as the Palisade and Kia Telluride are corporate cousins, sharing the same platform, engine, and transmission. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference in styling and interior design. The Telluride generally sports a boxier, more traditionally rugged SUV look, while the Palisade leans towards a more elegant and luxurious aesthetic, especially after the 2023 refresh.

Inside, the Telluride's dashboard is more upright and truck-like, whereas the Palisade's is a flowing, more car-like design. Feature availability can also differ slightly between comparable trims. For instance, one might offer a feature as standard while it's part of an optional package on the other. Because they are so similar mechanically, you can't go wrong with either. The best advice is to test drive both and see which design language and interior layout appeals more to you.

Is the Calligraphy trim worth the extra cost?

The Calligraphy is the top-of-the-line Palisade trim, and it piles on the luxury features. It adds exclusive elements like unique 20-inch wheels, a premium grille finish, quilted Nappa leather seating, a microfiber suede headliner, and an upgraded driver's seat with a massage function (on 2023+ models). It truly feels like a vehicle from a premium German brand inside.

Whether it's "worth it" depends entirely on your budget and priorities. The Limited trim already contains nearly every major tech and convenience feature, including the surround-view monitor, heated and ventilated seats, and a premium sound system. The Calligraphy trim is about adding that final 10% of pure luxury and ambiance. If you want the absolute best Palisade experience and appreciate fine materials and exclusive styling touches, the Calligraphy is a worthy upgrade. If you are more focused on practical value, the SEL with the Premium package or the Limited trim offers a better balance of features for the price.

Conclusion

Determining the best value Hyundai Palisade hinges on your personal priorities. For the budget-conscious buyer seeking the most bang for their buck, the 2022 Hyundai Palisade is the undisputed champion. It offers a perfected version of the original, highly-praised design, complete with a full suite of modern safety features, at a significant discount on the used market.

For those with a larger budget who prioritize the latest technology, modern aesthetics, and a new-car warranty, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade represents the best value. Its standard 12.3-inch screen and refreshed design provide a more contemporary ownership experience that will feel fresh for many years. Ultimately, both choices uphold the Palisade's core promise: delivering a near-luxury SUV experience for a mainstream price.

References

• Edmunds - Hyundai Palisade Reviews & Specs
• Kelley Blue Book - Hyundai Palisade