Maybe you’re one of the many people searching for a roomy, comfortable midsize SUV and live or travel in places with the occasional snow-packed or gravel road. In that case, the 2022 Hyundai Palisade AWD is a top-ranked contender worthy of your attention. Interestingly, like many other modern vehicles, the Hyundai Palisade does not offer a four-wheel-drive option. Instead, Hyundai offers the Palisade in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) drivetrains.

2022 Hyundai Palisade

Recently, U. S. News reviewed the third-row equipped 2022 Hyundai Palisade and placed it at the top of its midsize SUV rankings. According to Hyundai, the Palisade features a 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission, you have your choice of FWD or AWD in any of its four trim levels.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade features a class-leading new car warranty program. In addition to its five-year/60,000-mile limited “New Vehicle” warranty, Hyundai includes a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. Not to mention its seven-year corrosion warranty, and five years of “24/7 Road Assistance.”

What are the different trim levels on the Palisade?

Starting price for the lowest trim level Palisade SE is $33,600. Increasing one trim level to the Palisade SEL increases the starting price to $35,950. After that, the price jumps substantially, with the Palisade Limited starting at $45,840 and the top-trimmed Caligraphy starting at $47,290.

Select Palisade trim levels offer seating for seven or eight, depending on the options chosen for seating configurations. The SE trim only seats eight, while the SEL trim has seating for seven with an optional configuration seating eight. Limited and Caligraphy trim levels only offer seating for seven.

Hyundai Palisade incorporates a robust suite of driver-assist safety features in every trim level. The only offerings requiring an upgrade are forward-facing parking distance warning and highway driving assistance. In addition, downhill brake control requires AWD, but it’s included on all trim levels.

Opting for upgraded trim levels grants access to more luxury inside the Palisade. Adornments like leather-trimmed seats with multiple adjustments, leather-quilted door panels, micro-fiber headliners, power-folding third-row seats, increased technology features, and a 10.25-inch color infotainment touchscreen await those buyers willing to pay the extra price. Available upgrades continue on the Palisades exterior with rain-sensing windshield wipers, a hands-free liftgate, larger alloy wheels, and a dual-panel sunroof.

2022 Hyundai Palisade AWD is capable

Some off-road enthusiasts will scoff at the 2022 Hyundai Palisade’s AWD offering. They might think it is less capable than their beloved 4X4 drivetrains (4WD). While there are some differences between the two drive systems, AWD offers features most people find helpful without some of the extra hassles presented by 4WD systems.

The most significant difference between AWD and 4WD systems is the option to shift a 4WD system between a high range and a low range. Low range 4WD provides lower drivetrain gearing that allows slowly navigating obstacles without stalling the engine. Lower gearing is beneficial when crawling over rocks or climbing steep-rugged terrain. However, not many Hyundai Palisade owners put their vehicles in those situations.

For most people, AWD is the perfect solution to the occasional slick road conditions throughout North America. What’s more, AWD is always working to provide you with the most traction. So, despite the lack of a 4WD system, the Hyundai Palisade AWD is quite capable.