The 2020 Hyundai Palisade SE marked a significant entry into the competitive mid-size SUV market, and a key aspect of its appeal was undoubtedly its interior. For families and individuals alike, the interior of a vehicle is more than just seats and a dashboard; it's a mobile living space where comfort, convenience, and technology converge. Let's explore the interior features, design elements, and overall ambiance that the 2020 Hyundai Palisade SE offered.

Interior Design and Layout

The first impression upon entering the 2020 Palisade SE is one of spaciousness and thoughtful design. Hyundai's designers clearly prioritized creating a cabin that feels airy and accommodating, even for larger families. The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with controls logically placed for easy access by the driver. The use of high-quality materials, even in the base SE trim, contributes to a sense of refinement that belies its price point. The seats are upholstered in durable cloth, designed to withstand the rigors of daily use while still providing adequate comfort for long journeys. The overall aesthetic leans towards understated elegance, with a focus on functionality and practicality.

Seating and Comfort

One of the standout features of the Palisade SE is its three-row seating configuration, offering ample space for up to eight passengers. The second-row seats are particularly noteworthy, with plenty of legroom and headroom to keep adult passengers comfortable on extended trips. Access to the third row is made relatively easy thanks to a one-touch folding mechanism on the second-row seats, a feature that is especially appreciated by parents juggling kids and car seats. While the third row is best suited for children or smaller adults, it still provides a usable and comfortable space for shorter journeys. The driver's seat offers a good range of adjustment, allowing drivers of various sizes to find a comfortable driving position. Features like a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel further enhance driver comfort.

Technology and Features

Despite being the base trim, the 2020 Palisade SE comes equipped with a respectable array of technology features. An 8-inch touchscreen display serves as the central hub for infotainment, providing access to features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These smartphone integration systems allow drivers to seamlessly connect their smartphones to the car, enabling them to use navigation apps, stream music, and make hands-free calls. The Palisade SE also includes a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of the area behind the vehicle when reversing, enhancing safety and convenience. Other standard tech features include Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and a six-speaker audio system.

Storage and Cargo Space

Practicality is a key consideration for any family SUV, and the Palisade SE delivers in this area with its generous storage solutions. Numerous storage compartments are located throughout the cabin, including door pockets, a center console storage bin, and a glove compartment. Cupholders are plentiful, ensuring that everyone has a place to stash their drinks. When it comes to cargo space, the Palisade SE offers a competitive amount of room behind the third row, enough to accommodate groceries or a few suitcases. With the third-row seats folded down, the cargo area expands significantly, providing ample space for larger items. For maximum cargo capacity, the second-row seats can also be folded down, creating a cavernous space that is perfect for hauling bulky items.

Materials and Build Quality

Hyundai has made significant strides in recent years in terms of material quality and build quality, and the Palisade SE is a testament to this progress. While the SE trim doesn't feature the leather upholstery or premium trim of higher-end models, the materials used throughout the cabin still feel durable and well-made. The cloth upholstery is soft to the touch and appears to be resistant to wear and tear. The plastics used on the dashboard and door panels have a pleasant texture and don't feel overly cheap or flimsy. The overall fit and finish are impressive, with tight panel gaps and no noticeable rattles or squeaks. This attention to detail contributes to a sense of quality and refinement that is often lacking in base-model vehicles.

Overall Impression

The interior of the 2020 Hyundai Palisade SE is a well-designed and executed space that prioritizes comfort, convenience, and practicality. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end trims, it offers a compelling value proposition for families looking for a spacious and well-equipped SUV. The comfortable seating, ample storage, and user-friendly technology make it a pleasant place to spend time, whether you're running errands around town or embarking on a long road trip. The use of quality materials and solid build quality further enhance its appeal, making it a standout contender in the competitive mid-size SUV segment.

The Hyundai Palisade 2020 SE isn't just about exterior aesthetics; the interior is where you'll spend most of your time. Let's dissect the key features that make the cabin a comfortable and functional space for both driver and passengers.

Dashboard and Controls

The dashboard layout in the Palisade SE is designed for ease of use. All essential controls are within easy reach of the driver, minimizing distractions while driving. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, providing a clear and intuitive interface for accessing various functions. Physical buttons and knobs are also provided for frequently used controls such as volume, temperature, and fan speed, allowing for quick and easy adjustments without having to navigate through menus on the touchscreen. The instrument cluster is clear and easy to read, providing essential information such as speed, fuel level, and engine temperature. Overall, the dashboard and controls are well-organized and user-friendly, contributing to a positive driving experience.

Infotainment System

The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the Palisade SE offers a range of features to keep you connected and entertained on the road. As mentioned earlier, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car. The system also includes Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming. A USB port is provided for charging your devices and playing music from a USB drive. The six-speaker audio system delivers decent sound quality, although audiophiles may want to consider upgrading to a higher-end system. The infotainment system is relatively responsive and easy to navigate, although some users may find the graphics to be a bit dated.

Climate Control

The Palisade SE comes standard with a single-zone manual climate control system. While it may not offer the same level of customization as a dual-zone or tri-zone system, it still provides effective cooling and heating for the entire cabin. The controls are simple and easy to use, allowing you to quickly adjust the temperature and fan speed. Rear air conditioning vents are provided to keep passengers in the second and third rows comfortable. Overall, the climate control system is adequate for most climates, although those living in extremely hot or cold regions may want to consider upgrading to a higher trim level with a more advanced system.

Interior Lighting

The interior lighting in the Palisade SE is functional and well-placed. Map lights are provided for both the front and rear seats, allowing passengers to read or work without disturbing the driver. A dome light illuminates the entire cabin, making it easy to find items in the dark. The instrument cluster and infotainment screen are backlit, making them easy to read at night. Overall, the interior lighting is adequate for most needs, although some users may want to add aftermarket LED lights for a brighter and more modern look.

Safety Features

While not strictly interior features, it's worth noting that the Palisade SE comes standard with a range of safety features that enhance the overall driving experience. These include features such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. These systems use sensors and cameras to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and provide warnings or assistance to the driver in potentially dangerous situations. The Palisade SE also includes a rearview camera, which makes it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. Overall, the safety features in the Palisade SE provide an added layer of protection for both the driver and passengers.

When evaluating the 2020 Hyundai Palisade SE's interior, it's essential to consider real-world owner feedback. Here's what drivers and passengers appreciate and what they feel could be improved:

What Owners Love

• Spaciousness: The overwhelming consensus is that the Palisade SE offers exceptional interior space, especially in the first two rows. Families appreciate the ample legroom and headroom, making long trips more comfortable. “My kids have so much space in the second row; no more kicking the back of my seat!” says one satisfied parent.
• Ease of Use: Owners frequently praise the intuitive layout of the dashboard and controls. The physical buttons for essential functions are a welcome feature, preventing drivers from getting bogged down in touchscreen menus. “I love that I can quickly adjust the volume or temperature without taking my eyes off the road,” notes another owner.
• Value for Money: Many owners feel that the Palisade SE offers a compelling value proposition, given its generous interior features and spaciousness at an affordable price point. “For the money, you can’t beat the amount of space and features you get in the Palisade SE,” claims one reviewer.
• Comfortable Seating: The cloth seats in the Palisade SE are generally well-regarded for their comfort, even on long journeys. Owners appreciate the supportive design and the durable fabric. “I’ve driven over 500 miles in a day in my Palisade SE, and the seats were surprisingly comfortable,” says one long-distance driver.

Areas for Improvement

• Base Trim Limitations: Some owners express a desire for more premium materials and features in the base SE trim. While the cloth seats are comfortable, some would prefer leather upholstery. Similarly, the single-zone climate control system is seen as adequate but not ideal for families with varying temperature preferences. “I wish the SE trim came with dual-zone climate control; it would make everyone happier on road trips,” remarks one owner.
• Infotainment System: While the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is functional, some owners find the graphics to be a bit dated and the system to be occasionally slow to respond. The lack of built-in navigation is also a drawback for some. “The infotainment system works fine, but it’s not as slick or responsive as some of the other systems I’ve used,” notes one tech-savvy owner.
• Third-Row Access: While the one-touch folding mechanism on the second-row seats makes it relatively easy to access the third row, some owners still find it a bit cumbersome, especially when dealing with car seats. “Getting into the third row can be a bit tricky, especially for adults,” admits one parent.
• Noise Levels: Some owners have noted that the Palisade SE can be a bit noisy at highway speeds, with wind and road noise being noticeable in the cabin. “The Palisade is generally quiet, but you do hear some wind noise at higher speeds,” says one owner.

Final Thoughts on the 2020 Hyundai Palisade SE Interior

Overall, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade SE interior receives high marks from owners for its spaciousness, comfort, and user-friendliness. While there are some areas for improvement, particularly in terms of premium materials and technology features, the Palisade SE offers a compelling value proposition for families looking for a well-equipped and affordable SUV. By understanding both the strengths and weaknesses of the Palisade SE's interior, potential buyers can make an informed decision about whether it is the right vehicle for their needs. The positive feedback regarding space and ease of use highlights Hyundai's success in creating a functional and family-friendly cabin, while the desire for more premium features points to opportunities for future improvements in the SE trim level.