Hyundai Palisade 2025 test drive on a 5-day excursion to Hilton Head Island revealed an irritating feature; learning to disable it enhanced the journey.
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Night Edition has made a strong impression during a five-day test drive from Charlotte, NC, to Hilton Head Island. This SUV, competing with the Kia Telluride, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Subaru Ascent in the 3-row family SUV segment, offers a unique blend of comfort, style, and value.
Powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the Palisade produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle achieved a fuel economy of 21 MPG combined (19 city / 24 highway) during the test drive. No major known reliability issues were encountered with the 3.8L V6 or 8-speed transmission.
The interior of the Calligraphy Night Edition features Nappa leather seats, a suede headliner, and ambient lighting, creating a luxurious atmosphere. The Ergo Motion Driver's Seat, a standout feature, includes an automatic lumbar massage function designed to reduce driver fatigue. However, this massage function can activate on its own during the drive, running for about three minutes before stopping. There is currently no clear instruction on how to manually turn off or disable the massage lumbar support in this model.
The Palisade's interior often feels more upscale compared to the Honda Pilot, whose roomier third row and handling prowess are commendable but come at the cost of a more utilitarian interior. The Subaru Ascent offers standard AWD and top safety scores, but its cabin and infotainment system are less refined compared to the Palisade.
The Toyota Highlander offers an available hybrid option with better fuel economy (up to 36 MPG combined), but the Palisade's superior warranty, elegant styling, more standard features across trims, and lower price point make it a compelling choice for many.
The Calligraphy Night Edition's dark, stealthy appearance, with blacked-out grille, roof rails, window trim, and wheels, drew attention from other SUV enthusiasts throughout the test drive. The vehicle's infotainment system does not support wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring a USB connection instead.
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Night Edition AWD, with its Ergo Motion Driver's Seat with massage and lumbar support, retains value well compared to its rivals due to Hyundai's recent reputation surge. Its popularity on the used market, as evidenced by the high demand for the Calligraphy Night Edition, may also contribute to reduced depreciation over the first 3 years.
For specific or updated instructions on how to manually turn off the massage lumbar support, contacting a Hyundai dealer or consulting the official 2025 Palisade owner's manual may be necessary. The average annual maintenance cost for the Palisade is around $515-$620, according to Edmunds and RepairPal.
In conclusion, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Night Edition offers a comfortable and stylish 3-row family SUV experience, with a unique blend of luxury, value, and practicality that sets it apart from its competitors.
- The unique blend of luxury, value, and practicality offered by the 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Night Edition extends to its financial aspect, as it retains value well in the used car market, potentially reducing depreciation.
- In the realm of the automotive industry, the Palisade competes not only in the 3-row family SUV segment but also in the finance sector, offering a lower price point compared to its rivals, such as the Toyota Highlander, while maintaining an elegant styling and a superior warranty.
