Comments by "Stephen Hendricks" (@stephenhendricks103) on "" video.

  1. The Palisade "Calligraphy" is undeniably appealing. But to call it the "KING of 'luxury' SUVs" is a claim that even Hyundai would reject. They'd reserve that crown for the Genesis GV80. So what's going on with this new trim level? At first it appears to have a significantly higher MSRP (in the US) than the "Limited" trim. But the $2625 difference in MSRPs is misleading. The Calligraphy model comes only with AWD. It's a $1700 option on the Limited version. Add the AWD to the Limited trim and the difference in MSRPs is $925. What does the $925 buy? A a few minor differences in the front and rear fascias, quilted leather on the door panels, a leather wrapped steering wheel, puddle lights, a larger, roof mounted taillight and some Calligraphy badges. On the other hand the Limited is offered in six colors; the Calligraphy in only three of the same colors. Otherwise, the Calligraphy and Limited trims are virtually identical in all other respects. Worth the premium? That's a personal choice. So what's going on here? The answer begins with the fact that the Pallisade is designed to appeal to international markets outside North America, especially those in Asia. It's built in South Korea where it competes mainly with European luxury SUVs from Audi, BMW, Volvo, Land Rover and MB. Mainstream 3 row SUVs in the US (e.g. the Explorer, the Highlander, the Pilot, the CX-9, the Durango and the Traverse) have either minuscule sales in Korea and most of Asia or aren't even offered for sale in those countries. There the Palisade is a compelling budget version of a European luxury SUV with significant appeal to the growing middle class especially in Asia for those who can't afford a Genesis, much less a Mercedes. Bottom line. The Calligraphy trim is a minor update designed to reinforce the "budget luxury" image of the top trim Palisade, especially in Asian (and some other international markets). The combined lineups of Hyundai and KIA models reflect the Korean brands' genius in slicing market categories ever so thinly to expand the conglomerate's overall appeal. In the US, the Calligraphy edition will appeal to those who value quilted leather door panels. The Limited version will hold greater appeal to those who want more choices in their vehicle's color or prefer FWD and the resulting savings. All in all Hyundai's strategy is clear. In 2020 the Limited trim had AWD as a standard feature. By making it an option they've reduced the MSRP and added a few bells and whistles to the Calligraphy version for an additional $925 that cost Hyundai far less than what they're charging.
    1