2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL Premium review for SUV buyers and car dealers

Hyundai enters 2025 armed with bold updates to one of its most successful SUVs—the Hyundai Palisade. As a midsize three-row crossover SUV, the Palisade has gained a loyal community of drivers who appreciate its comfort, technology, safety, and upscale design. In this in-depth review, we focus specifically on the highly anticipated 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL Premium trim. Based on an extensive test drive and detailed overview provided by The Fast Lane Car, we explore whether this SUV lives up to expectations.

As always, ENON Cars brings you a closer look at what matters to buyers and dealers alike.

Exterior Design and Styling

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade maintains its commanding road presence with design refinements that elevate its premium status.

• New front grille with wider, parametric mesh pattern
• Updated LED headlights and DRLs for a sharper, more integrated look
• Refined rear fascia including restyled taillights and lower bumper details
• Premium 20-inch alloy wheels exclusive to upper trims like the SEL Premium

The SEL Premium trim adds subtle chrome accents and roof rails, enhancing both aesthetics and practicality. It’s the kind of SUV that blends into suburban driveways while still evoking a sense of sophistication. The Cypress Green color showcased in the review stands out in a sea of grayscale SUV options—a great touch for buyers looking for individuality.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Once inside the Palisade SEL Premium, it becomes clear why this midsize SUV leads the pack in interior refinement.

Cabin Materials and Layout

The Palisade SEL Premium’s interior rivals some luxury-brand offerings. Hyundai uses a tasteful blend of soft-touch materials, perforated leather upholstery, and satin chrome accents.

• Power-adjustable, ventilated front seats with lumbar support
• Heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs
• Power-folding third row for optimized cargo convenience

Cabin layout emphasizes simplicity and comfort, with an intuitive button layout on the center console and raised driver sightlines.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Hyundai doesn’t cut corners when it comes to tech. The SEL Premium comes with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system supports:

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Over-the-air updates
• Bluetooth multiple device connectivity
• USB-C ports for all three rows

Audiophiles will enjoy the 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system—exclusive to the SEL Premium and above. Parents will appreciate the cabin intercom and Quiet Mode features, which allow front passengers to communicate with rear occupants or mute music in the back.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

On the road, the 2025 Palisade proves to be more than just a comfortable cruiser. Under the hood, it packs a solid powertrain that balances performance and efficiency.

Engine and Transmission

Hyundai retains its proven 3.8L V6 engine for 2025, producing:

• 291 horsepower
• 262 lb-ft of torque
• 8-speed automatic transmission, standard across all trims

The power delivery is smooth, with well-timed shifts and a surprising amount of torque available at mid-range speeds. Whether merging onto the highway or navigating mountainous terrain, the Palisade feels confident and composed.

Ride Quality and Road Comfort

Built for long stints on the road, the Palisade’s suspension is tuned more for comfort than sport. The SEL Premium features adaptive dampers and a stiffened chassis that reduce road vibrations, offering a plush, sedan-like ride.

• MacPherson strut front suspension
• Multi-link rear suspension
• Optional HTRAC all-wheel-drive system

Road noise is minimal thanks to effective insulation, and the vehicle maintains great composure even at higher speeds. Test drivers noted responsive steering for a vehicle of this size and impressive lane tracking on highways.

Fuel Efficiency

While not groundbreaking in the fuel consumption category, the Palisade is competitive.

• FWD: 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined mpg
• AWD: 19 city / 24 highway / 21 combined mpg

Its efficiency is respectable when matched against similarly equipped rivals such as the Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot.

Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance

Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite is standard across all trims and particularly thorough in the SEL Premium. It includes:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning
• Lane Following Assist
• Highway Driving Assist II
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Blind Spot View Monitor (displays live camera feed on gauge cluster)
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Safe Exit Assist

The Palisade’s highway driving capabilities have been noticeably improved for 2025 with more accurate lane centering and smoother adaptive cruise modulation—making long family road trips safer and less taxing.

Cargo Space and Utility

SUV shoppers want more than just seating—they need utility. The Palisade doesn’t disappoint.

• 18 cubic feet of cargo with all seats up
• 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded
• 86.4 cubic feet with second and third rows down

The hands-free power liftgate and underfloor storage add next-level practicality. Towing capacity remains solid at 5,000 lbs when properly equipped—ample for light trailers or small boats.

Trim Comparison: Why Choose the SEL Premium?

While SE and SEL trims offer compelling value, the SEL Premium finds the perfect balance between luxury and price. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Leather upholstery vs cloth (SE/SEL)
• Digital gauge cluster with navigation integration
• Harman Kardon premium audio system
• Surround View Monitor and Blind Spot View Monitor
• Third-row USB-C charging ports

It delivers nearly Calligraphy-level features at a more accessible price point—expected to start around $48,000.

Final Thoughts: Is the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL Premium a Top Contender?

Absolutely. With premium comfort, thoughtful technology, versatile performance, and class-leading safety features, the 2025 Palisade SEL Premium checks every box. Whether you’re an auto dealer seeking a fast-turn inventory option or a car enthusiast investigating your next family SUV, the Palisade deserves a top-tier recommendation.

Its approachable luxury, practical layout, and family-friendly features make it ideal for a range of buyers—from first-time SUV owners to seasoned drivers looking to upgrade.

ENON Cars’ Takeaway

As Hyundai continues to challenge traditional luxury brands with top-value offerings, the 2025 Palisade SEL Premium emerges as a shining example. Its well-rounded performance and elegant execution signal Hyundai’s commitment to packing more punch into its midsize SUV category.

If you’re exploring listings or seeking to showcase your vehicle to potential buyers, the Palisade deserves attention—and ENON Cars offers the perfect stage for just that.

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