Hey guys! Planning to dive into the world of the Hyundai Palisade? Great choice! It's a fantastic SUV known for its spaciousness, comfort, and impressive features. But when you start looking at the different trims, things can get a little confusing. Today, we're putting two popular trims head-to-head: the Palisade XRT and the Palisade Calligraphy. We'll break down the specs, features, and overall vibe of each so you can confidently choose the one that best fits your needs and lifestyle. Let's get started!

Exterior Styling: Rugged vs. Refined

When it comes to exterior styling, the Palisade XRT and Calligraphy take distinctly different approaches. The XRT is all about embracing a more rugged and adventurous aesthetic, while the Calligraphy exudes a sense of premium luxury. Understanding these differences is crucial in determining which model aligns with your personal taste and desired image.

Palisade XRT: The Adventurer

The Palisade XRT stands out with its dark exterior elements, giving it a bolder and more aggressive appearance. Think of it as the SUV equivalent of a stylish off-road explorer. Key features that contribute to its rugged charm include:

• Dark Grille: A prominent dark grille replaces the standard bright chrome, immediately setting a different tone.
• Unique Lower Bumper Trim: The XRT boasts a unique lower bumper trim that enhances its off-road-ready look. It's not just for show; it adds to the vehicle's overall robustness.
• Black Roof Rails and Cross Rails: Black roof rails and cross rails not only look fantastic but also add functionality for carrying cargo, bikes, or other gear.
• Exclusive XRT Badging: You'll find exclusive XRT badging throughout the vehicle, signaling its special edition status.
• Dark Finish Wheels: The dark finish wheels complement the overall dark theme, adding to the XRT's distinctive and sporty appeal.

These exterior elements combine to create a Palisade that looks ready for anything, whether it's navigating city streets or venturing off the beaten path. For those who want their SUV to project an image of adventure and capability, the XRT is a compelling choice.

Palisade Calligraphy: The Sophisticate

In contrast, the Palisade Calligraphy emphasizes luxury and sophistication. It's designed to make a statement of elegance and refinement, with premium touches and upscale details. Highlights of the Calligraphy's exterior include:

• Unique Front Grille Design: The Calligraphy features a unique front grille design with a bright chrome finish, adding a touch of class and distinction.
• Premium Rear Accent Lighting: Eye-catching premium rear accent lighting enhances the vehicle's visual appeal, especially at night.
• Calligraphy Exclusive Wheels: The wheels are uniquely designed for the Calligraphy trim, adding to its exclusive and luxurious feel.
• Premium Side Sills: Stylish premium side sills contribute to the Calligraphy's refined and polished look.
• Satin Chrome Door Handles: Subtle yet elegant satin chrome door handles add a touch of sophistication to the overall design.

The Palisade Calligraphy is for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Its exterior exudes an air of sophistication and elegance, making it a standout choice for drivers who want their SUV to reflect their discerning taste.

Ultimately, the choice between the Palisade XRT and Calligraphy when it comes to exterior styling depends on your personal preferences. Do you lean towards a rugged, adventurous look, or do you prefer a more refined and luxurious aesthetic? Consider which model aligns best with your style and how you want your SUV to represent you.

Interior Features and Technology: Comfort and Convenience

Moving inside, both the Palisade XRT and Calligraphy offer a wealth of features designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and entertainment. However, there are key differences in the materials, technology, and overall ambiance that set them apart. Let's delve into what each trim has to offer.

Palisade XRT: Practical and Stylish

The Palisade XRT focuses on providing a comfortable and stylish interior with practical features that cater to everyday needs. It's a great balance of form and function, making it a versatile choice for families and individuals alike. Key interior features include:

• H-Tex Leatherette Seats: Durable and easy to clean, the H-Tex leatherette seats are perfect for those with an active lifestyle or young children.
• 8-inch Touchscreen Display: An intuitive 8-inch touchscreen display provides access to essential features such as navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings.
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the vehicle's infotainment system for easy access to your favorite apps, music, and contacts.
• Five USB Ports: With five USB ports strategically located throughout the cabin, everyone can keep their devices charged on the go.
• Standard Safety Features: The XRT comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring.

The Palisade XRT offers a comfortable and connected driving experience with its practical features and user-friendly technology. It's an excellent choice for those who value convenience and reliability in their everyday travels. While it may not have the ultra-luxurious touches of the Calligraphy, it provides a well-rounded and enjoyable interior environment.

Palisade Calligraphy: Premium and Luxurious

The Palisade Calligraphy elevates the interior experience to a new level of luxury and refinement. It's designed to pamper occupants with premium materials, advanced technology, and upscale amenities. Highlights of the Calligraphy's interior include:

• Premium Nappa Leather Seats: Sink into the lap of luxury with premium Nappa leather seats that offer exceptional comfort and support.
• 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster: A stunning 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster provides a customizable and high-tech display of essential vehicle information.
• 10.25-inch Touchscreen Display with Navigation: A larger 10.25-inch touchscreen display offers enhanced functionality and a more immersive user experience.
• Harman Kardon Premium Audio System: Immerse yourself in crystal-clear sound with the Harman Kardon premium audio system, featuring multiple speakers strategically placed throughout the cabin.
• Heads-Up Display (HUD): Keep your eyes on the road with the heads-up display, which projects important information onto the windshield.
• Heated and Ventilated Front and Rear Seats: Enjoy year-round comfort with heated and ventilated front and rear seats that adapt to your preferences.
• Quilted Leather Door Panels: Exquisite quilted leather door panels add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the interior design.

The Palisade Calligraphy is the epitome of luxury and comfort. Its premium materials, advanced technology, and upscale amenities create a truly exceptional driving experience. If you're looking for an SUV that pampers you and your passengers with the utmost in comfort and convenience, the Calligraphy is the clear choice.

When choosing between the Palisade XRT and Calligraphy in terms of interior features and technology, consider your priorities. Do you value practicality and ease of use, or do you crave a more luxurious and technologically advanced experience? The XRT offers a solid set of features for everyday driving, while the Calligraphy elevates the interior to a premium level.

Performance and Capability: Engine and Driving Experience

Under the hood, both the Hyundai Palisade XRT and the Calligraphy share the same robust engine and drivetrain, ensuring comparable performance and capability. However, subtle differences in features might influence the overall driving experience.

Engine and Drivetrain

Both trims are powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers around 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive (AWD) is available for enhanced traction and control in various driving conditions.

Driving Experience

While the engine and drivetrain are the same, the driving experience can vary slightly due to differences in features. The Palisade XRT, with its rugged exterior styling, might give a sense of adventure and capability. The Palisade Calligraphy, on the other hand, with its luxurious interior, might offer a more refined and comfortable ride.

• Ride Quality: Both trims offer a comfortable and composed ride, thanks to the Palisade's well-tuned suspension. However, the Calligraphy's premium features, such as the Nappa leather seats and the Harman Kardon audio system, might enhance the overall sense of luxury and comfort during long drives.
• Handling: The Palisade handles well for a large SUV, with responsive steering and minimal body roll. The available AWD system provides added confidence in slippery conditions.
• Off-Road Capability: While the Palisade is not designed for serious off-roading, the XRT's rugged styling and available AWD system might make it slightly more capable on unpaved roads or in light off-road situations.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is similar for both trims, with the EPA estimating around 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway for the front-wheel-drive models. The AWD models have slightly lower fuel economy ratings.

In terms of performance and capability, both the Palisade XRT and Calligraphy offer a similar driving experience. The choice between the two trims will likely come down to personal preferences in terms of styling, features, and overall ambiance.

Price and Value: Making the Right Choice

Price is always a crucial factor when making a car-buying decision. The Hyundai Palisade XRT typically comes in at a lower price point than the Calligraphy. The XRT offers excellent value for those seeking a stylish and well-equipped SUV without breaking the bank. The Calligraphy, with its premium features and luxurious appointments, commands a higher price tag. However, for those who prioritize luxury and are willing to pay extra, the Calligraphy offers a compelling value proposition.

Considerations

• Budget: Determine your budget and how much you're willing to spend on an SUV.
• Priorities: Identify your priorities in terms of features, styling, and overall driving experience.
• Lifestyle: Consider your lifestyle and how you plan to use the SUV. Do you need a rugged and capable vehicle for outdoor adventures, or do you prefer a luxurious and comfortable ride for daily commuting and family trips?

By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the Hyundai Palisade trim that best suits your needs and budget. Whether you opt for the rugged XRT or the luxurious Calligraphy, you're sure to enjoy the Palisade's spaciousness, comfort, and impressive features.

Alright guys, I hope this breakdown helps you make a confident choice between the Palisade XRT and the Calligraphy! Both are fantastic options, it really just boils down to your personal style and what you're looking for in an SUV. Happy driving!