2025 Hyundai Palisade SE vs.
2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy
When you need an SUV that can handle everything your family throws at it, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade delivers without compromise. This three-row SUV excels at the daily realities of family transportation: school pickups, grocery runs, sports equipment hauling, and weekend getaways. Whether you're navigating city traffic or heading out for a family adventure, the Palisade provides the space, comfort, and capability you need.
The Palisade has earned its reputation by focusing on what families actually want: generous seating for up to eight passengers, impressive cargo capacity that adapts to your needs, and a refined driving experience that makes long trips enjoyable rather than enduring. It's engineered to be equally capable on highway commutes and weekend camping trips, with the reliability and features that make daily family life run more smoothly.
This guide examines both trims in detail, explaining the key differences and helping you understand which features matter most for your family's specific needs. By the end, you'll have a clear picture of which Palisade configuration offers the best value and functionality for your lifestyle.
The Foundation
Before we explore the distinct personalities of the SE and Calligraphy trims, it’s essential to understand the powerful foundation of excellence they share. A common concern when looking at any vehicle lineup is whether the entry-level model sacrifices the core attributes that matter most: power, safety, and capability. With the 2025 Palisade, that concern is completely unfounded. Hyundai has engineered every Palisade, including the value-focused SE, upon a premium, powerful, and exceptionally safe platform. This ensures that no matter which trim you choose, you are getting the absolute best in the areas that are non-negotiable for your family.
A Powertrain Built for Oklahoma's Demands
At the heart of every 2025 Palisade is a single, formidable powertrain: a 3.8-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) V6 engine that produces a robust 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. These aren’t mere numbers on a page; it’s about real-world confidence. It means you have smooth, assertive acceleration for merging safely onto a bustling I-40 during peak hours or for confidently passing on a two-lane highway. It’s the power you need when the vehicle is fully loaded with family and gear for a scenic drive.
This potent engine is paired with a highly responsive 8-speed automatic transmission featuring SHIFTRONIC, which includes steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters standard on every trim. This gives you the option for a more engaging driving experience and greater control when you desire it, transforming a routine drive into a moment of connection with your vehicle.
Key standard technologies on every Palisade include:
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Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Car/Pedestrian/Cyclist Detection and Junction Turning: This system is your second set of eyes, providing crucial alerts and automatic braking if it detects a potential collision. The Junction Turning feature adds another layer of safety, helping to prevent accidents when making left turns at busy intersections, a common scenario in downtown Oklahoma City or near the University of Oklahoma campus.
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Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA): These features provide invaluable peace of mind. BCW alerts you to vehicles in your blind spot when changing lanes on I-44, while RCCA can warn you and even apply the brakes if it detects cross-traffic while you’re backing out of a tight parking spot at Penn Square Mall or in a crowded grocery store lot.
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Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Lane Following Assist (LFA): On long, straight stretches of Oklahoma highway, these systems help reduce driver fatigue by providing gentle steering inputs to keep you centered in your lane. They make long-distance travel less demanding and more relaxed.
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Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Curve Control: This is a truly premium feature that comes standard on the SE. It goes beyond typical cruise control by using navigation data to anticipate upcoming curves in the road and automatically adjust your speed for smoother, safer cornering. The Stop & Go function makes the daily stop-and-go commute from Yukon to Midwest City far less stressful, managing your speed and distance to the car ahead, even in heavy traffic.
Now that we’ve established that the SE and Calligraphy share the same excellent performance and safety features, the real question becomes: which luxury upgrades are worth the extra cost? The SE isn't a stripped-down version—it's a fully capable SUV that delivers everything most families need.
This makes comparing the two trims straightforward for you: you're simply deciding whether the Calligraphy's premium features justify the higher price. Let’s get started.
The Palisade SE
The Hyundai Palisade SE is the embodiment of smart, practical design. It’s a vehicle crafted with a deep understanding of what a modern family truly needs, delivering exceptional functionality, technology, and comfort without the premium price tag. This section will explore in detail how the SE’s features align perfectly with the demands and joys of life here in Oklahoma.
Interior & Practicality
Step inside the Palisade SE, and you’ll find a cabin designed for the beautiful, organized chaos of family life. A key feature of the SE is its standard 8-passenger seating capacity, thanks to a versatile second-row bench seat.
This is a crucial differentiator from the 7-seat Calligraphy and a real-world game-changer for families. It means you have the space to be the carpool champion, easily fitting your kids and their friends for a birthday party or a team outing to a game. It’s the freedom to say "yes" to bringing one more friend along without having to coordinate a second car.
Space is never a concern. The Palisade offers cavernous and flexible cargo room, with identical dimensions across all trims. You get a generous 18.0 cubic feet of space behind the third row, which expands to 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a massive 86.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down.
Let’s translate those numbers into your weekend plans:
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18.0 cu. ft. is more than enough for a week’s worth of groceries, your stroller, and a few backpacks.
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45.8 cu. ft easily accommodates all the tents, coolers, and gear for a family camping trip at Arcadia Lake.
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86.4 cu. ft means you can tackle that big DIY project with a single trip to the hardware store, fitting long and bulky items with ease.
Hyundai also focused on the small details that make a big difference. The standard one-touch 2nd-row seat slide provides effortless access to the third row, so kids can get in and out on their own. Numerous USB ports are strategically placed in the first and second rows, ending the "who gets to charge their device?" debate on long drives.
Technology
In 2025, in-car technology is no longer a luxury; it’s become an essential part of a safe and convenient driving experience. The Palisade SE shatters the expectation that you need to buy a top-tier model to get top-tier tech. The centerpiece of the dashboard is a stunning 12.3-inch high-resolution touchscreen navigation system, which comes standard. This is a feature many competitors reserve for their most expensive models. It’s your brilliant, intuitive portal for maps, media, and vehicle settings.
Even more impressive is the inclusion of Bluelink+ , Hyundai’s advanced connected car system, which is now complimentary for the original owner of any new 2024 or newer Hyundai model. This service transforms your smartphone into a remote control for your Palisade, offering features that are perfectly suited for Oklahoma’s unpredictable climate and lifestyle:
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Remote Start with Climate Control: This feature alone is worth its weight in gold. Imagine a blistering 93°F afternoon; with a few taps on your phone, you can start your Palisade and pre-cool the cabin to a comfortable 72°F before you even open the door. Conversely, on a frosty 31°F January morning, you can warm the engine, melt the ice off the windshield, and heat the interior from the comfort of your home. It’s a level of comfort and convenience that you’ll appreciate every single day.
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Enhanced Roadside Assistance: If you get a flat tire on a quiet road or run into trouble on your way to a getaway, Bluelink+ can transmit your exact GPS coordinates to the roadside assistance operator, ensuring help can find you quickly and accurately.
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Peace of Mind Features: Services like Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Stolen Vehicle Recovery, and On-Demand Diagnostics provide a constant sense of security and control over your vehicle, no matter where you are.
Exterior Presence
The Palisade SE’s exterior design projects confidence and capability. It’s purposeful and refined, avoiding unnecessary adornments that add cost without adding function. It rides on stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, which provide a smooth and comfortable ride over varied road surfaces and offer the practical benefit of more affordable tire replacement costs compared to the larger wheels on higher trims.
Crucially, the SE does not skimp on safety-related exterior features. Standard LED Headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and High Beam Assist ensure maximum visibility, whether you’re driving on a dimly lit rural road at night or navigating through one of Oklahoma’s sudden, intense thunderstorms.
Hyundai 2025 Palisade SE Key Standard Features
| Feature Category | Specific Feature | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3.8L GDI V6 Engine (291 hp) | Confident power for highway merging and carrying a full family load. |
| Capability | 5,000-lb Towing Capacity | The freedom to tow a boat to the lake or a camper for a weekend trip. |
| Capacity | 8-Passenger Seating | Room for the whole family and their friends, perfect for carpools and outings. |
| Technology | 12.3-inch Touchscreen Navigation | A premium, large-screen experience for maps and media without the premium price. |
| Connectivity | Complimentary Bluelink+ | Remote start with climate control to conquer Oklahoma's hot summers and cold winters. |
| Safety | Hyundai SmartSense Suite | A comprehensive shield of safety technologies to protect your most precious cargo. |
| Convenience | Proximity Key with Push Button Start | Quick, keyless access to your vehicle when your hands are full. |
The 2025 Palisade Calligraphy
While the Palisade SE masterfully delivers on everything a family needs, the Palisade Calligraphy caters to those who desire an experience of curated, first-class luxury. It transforms the daily drive into a serene escape, wrapping its occupants in premium materials and cutting-edge technology. This trim is designed for the discerning buyer who prioritizes bespoke appointments and is willing to invest in an elevated, near-luxury experience.
Premium Comfort
The distinction of the Calligraphy is immediately apparent the moment you open the door. The cabin is an oasis of tactile and visual delights. Seats are adorned with supple Premium Nappa leather, with elegant quilting that extends to the door panels, creating a cohesive and upscale environment. The Calligraphy features a 7-passenger layout with heated and ventilated second-row captain's chairs, providing a personal, first-class experience for rear passengers.
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For the driver, the exclusive Ergo-Motion massaging seat gently kneads away the stress of a long day, turning the commute home into a therapeutic session.
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The ambiance is further enhanced by 64-color ambient interior lighting that can be customized to your mood and a sweeping dual-panel sunroof that bathes the cabin in natural light.
Technology That Makes a Difference
The Calligraphy takes the Palisade's technology to the next level with features that genuinely improve your driving experience. If you're serious about audio quality, you'll appreciate the Harman Kardon premium audio system with 12 speakers and QuantumLogic Surround technology that transforms your daily commute into a concert-like experience.
Your driving awareness gets a significant upgrade, too.
Instead of traditional gauges, you get a full 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that you can customize to show the information that matters most to you. The Head-Up Display (HUD) projects your speed and navigation directions directly onto the windshield, so you can stay focused on the road ahead.
Several features help you navigate tight spaces and heavy traffic with confidence.
The Surround View Monitor gives you a complete bird's-eye view around your vehicle, while the Blind-Spot View Monitor shows you exactly what's in your blind spot right on your dashboard when you signal a lane change. The Full-Display Digital Rearview Mirror can switch between a traditional mirror and a clear camera view—especially helpful when your cargo area is loaded with gear.
Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA)
For those challenging parking situations, Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) lets you guide your Palisade into tight spots using just your smart key while you stand outside the vehicle.
Powertrain & Efficiency
This table highlights a key practical difference. While both trims share the same powerful engine, the SE offers drivetrain flexibility. For many Oklahoma drivers who navigate primarily city streets and highways, the standard Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) configuration provides a tangible benefit in fuel efficiency and a lower initial purchase price. The Calligraphy comes standard with HTRAC All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which is also available as an option on the SE.
| Specification | 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE | 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.8L GDI V6 | 3.8L GDI V6 |
| Horsepower | 291 hp | 291 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain Options | FWD Standard, AWD Optional | AWD Standard |
| EPA-Est. MPG (FWD) | 19 City / 26 Hwy / 22 Combined | Not Available |
| EPA-Est. MPG (AWD) | 19 City / 24 Hwy / 21 Combined | 19 City / 24 Hwy / 21 Combined |
Interior & Technology – Essentials vs. Luxuries
This comparison allows you to see exactly where the value is placed in each trim. You'll notice that on core technology like the main infotainment screen, the SE provides the exact same premium experience.
The differences lie in seating capacity—where the SE holds an advantage for larger families—and in the addition of specific luxury amenities in the Calligraphy.
| Specification | 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE | 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 8 Passengers | 7 Passengers |
| Seating Material | Durable Cloth | Premium Nappa Leather |
| Heated Front Seats | Not Available | Standard |
| Ventilated Front Seats | Not Available | Standard |
| 2nd-Row Seating | 60/40 Split-Folding Bench | Heated & Ventilated Captain's Chairs |
| Sunroof | Not Available | Standard Dual-Panel Sunroof |
| Main Touchscreen | 12.3-inch w/ Navigation | 12.3-inch w/ Navigation |
| Instrument Cluster | 4.2-inch LCD Display | 12.3-inch Full Digital Cluster |
| Premium Audio | Not Available | Standard Harman Kardon 12-Speaker |
| Head-Up Display (HUD) | Not Available | Standard |
| Remote Smart Parking | Not Available | Standard |
A Look at Long-Term Value
A vehicle is one of the most significant investments a family makes. Beyond the initial sticker price, the true cost of ownership includes fuel, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation. When you analyze the complete financial picture, the Palisade SE and Calligraphy present two different but equally compelling value propositions based on your financial priorities.
Upfront Cost and Running Expenses
The most immediate difference is the upfront cost, with the Calligraphy costing more. The potential for savings continues with running costs. As shown in the table above, the SE's available FWD configuration achieves an EPA-estimated 26 MPG on the highway, compared to 24 MPG for the standard AWD on the Calligraphy. While two miles per gallon may seem small, it can add up to noticeable savings at the pump over tens of thousands of miles.
Another factor is insurance. Vehicle insurance premiums are influenced by a vehicle's purchase price and trim level.
Adding even more value, Hyundai provides Complimentary Maintenance for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. This program covers normal, factory-scheduled maintenance, including engine oil and filter changes and tire rotations. This means your basic service costs are covered for the first three years of ownership, further reducing your out-of-pocket expenses and reinforcing the Palisade's incredible long-term value, regardless of trim.
The Palisade's Strong Resale Potential
The Hyundai Palisade has earned a strong reputation for retaining its value well over time.
This benefits all Palisade owners.
While the Calligraphy's higher initial price means a larger dollar amount of depreciation,
its desirability as a top-tier model helps it maintain a strong residual value percentage.
The SE, with its lower initial purchase price, offers a lower total dollar amount lost to depreciation, making it a financially sound asset when it comes time to sell or trade it in.
| Cost/Value Factor | 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE | 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Efficiency | FWD option for lower running costs | AWD only |
| Insurance Impact | Lower premium potential | Higher premium potential |
| Hyundai Complimentary Maintenance | Included (3 years/36,000 miles) | Included (3 years/36,000 miles) |
| Long-Term Depreciation | Lower initial investment | Higher initial investment |
Tailor Your Palisade SE: Genuine Accessories for Your Oklahoma Lifestyle
Choosing the Palisade SE doesn't mean you're limited to a single, fixed package. One of the smartest aspects of the SE is that it serves as a perfect, high-value platform that you can customize to your family’s specific needs with Genuine Hyundai Accessories. This à la carte approach allows you to add the exact functionality you want, often for a fraction of the cost of stepping up to a higher trim level.
For the Weekend Adventurer
Is your family always heading outdoors? Equip your SE for any adventure. Add a set of roof rack crossbars to carry kayaks for a day or mountain bikes for the trails around Lake Hefner.
To take full advantage of the standard 5,000-pound capability, install a tow hitch kit, and you’re ready to haul your boat or camper anywhere.
For the Busy Family
Life with kids means messes and gear. Protect your investment and stay organized with practical interior accessories. Durable all-weather floor mats are a must-have to combat Oklahoma's famous red dirt and are easy to clean after a muddy practice or a rainy day.
A seatback cargo tray or a versatile cargo organizer keeps groceries, sports equipment, and school projects from rolling around in the back, bringing order to your daily errands.
For the Road Tripper
Planning a family trip to see the sights? Keep your luggage and souvenirs secure with a cargo net or conceal valuables with a retractable cargo screen. These simple additions make long-distance travel safer and more organized.
This ability to personalize demonstrates the true value of choosing the SE. You start with an incredibly capable and well-equipped vehicle and then invest only in the specific features that add real value to your family’s unique lifestyle.
Find Your Perfect Palisade
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade lineup offers two exceptional but distinct choices for the modern family. The Palisade SE stands as a testament to intelligent, practical design, delivering robust V6 power, a comprehensive suite of standard safety technologies, and the maximum 8-passenger capacity that many growing families need. It is packed with high-value features like a 12.3-inch navigation screen and complimentary Bluelink+, making it a feature-rich option with an attractive price point.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Palisade Calligraphy represents the pinnacle of attainable luxury. It is crafted for those who desire a first-class travel experience every day, with exclusive materials like Nappa leather, advanced technologies like a Head-Up Display and Ergo-Motion driver's seat, and a host of premium comfort and convenience features that transform the cabin into a serene oasis.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities.
Come visit us at Joe Cooper Hyundai of Midwest City, located at 6601 SE 29th St, Midwest City, or contact us
here .
Let us help you compare these incredible SUVs and find the perfect Palisade for your Oklahoma life. We look forward to welcoming you.