Hyundai Palisade trim comparison
2025 Hyundai Palisade SE vs SEL Premium
The Palisade SE starts at $37,200 while the SEL Premium is $44,550. That $7,350 gap buys 2 meaningful differences.
$7,350 more is ~$130/month. The question is whether the added equipment will matter to you every week.
Stay with the SE if keeping roughly $130/month in your budget matters. Step up to the SEL Premium only if you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty. That is the real decision hiding inside this $7,350 trim jump.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The SEL Premium adds about $130/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $7,800 more overall with interest.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
When both feel the same
Both the SE and SEL Premium share the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $7,350 for 1 measurable difference, which works out to about $7,350 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 2 specification differences, 5 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2025. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | SE | SEL Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $37,200 | $44,550 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.8L V6 | 3.8L V6 |
| Horsepower | 291 hp | 291 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 19 | 19 |
| Highway MPG | 26 | 26 |
| Combined MPG | 22 | 22 |
| Fuel Tank | 18.8 gal | 18.8 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $2,000/yr | $2,000/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,226 lbs | 4,376 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 114.2" |
| Length | 196.7" | 196.7" |
| Width | 77.8" | 77.8" |
| Height | 68.9" | 68.9" |
| Safety | ||
| IIHS Award | TSP | TSP |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 7yr/unlimited | 7yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2025 Hyundai Palisade SE vs SEL Premium Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Hyundai Palisade lineup, the Hyundai brand hub, the Midsize SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2025 Palisade SEL Premium cost than the SE?
The SEL Premium starts at $44,550 compared to $37,200 for the SE. That is a $7,350 difference, or approximately $130/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE and SEL Premium have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 3.8L V6 producing 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Do both the 2025 Palisade SE and SEL Premium come in AWD?
Both trims start with FWD as standard. AWD is typically available as a factory option on both. Check with your dealer for current AWD pricing. This comparison uses the base FWD configuration.
What warranty does the 2025 Hyundai Palisade come with?
All 2025 Hyundai Palisade trims, including both the SE and SEL Premium, come with Hyundai's standard warranty: 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Breaking Down the $7,350 Gap
The Palisade SEL Premium costs $7,350 more but shares the same engine, drivetrain, fuel economy as the SE. The differences are mostly cosmetic or marginal, so the practical jump is limited.
What Both Trims Share
The Palisade SE and SEL Premium share the same engine, drivetrain, transmission, and fuel economy. The $7,350 difference comes down to 1 feature and equipment change, not mechanical differences.
The Short Version
$7,350 more for the Palisade SEL Premium gets you 1 real difference. At $130/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Hyundai Palisade SE
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the SE best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Hyundai Palisade SEL Premium
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the SEL Premium when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2025 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Hyundai or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.