I Left My Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy After Experiencing Drivetrain Issues And Poor Service, Choosing The VW Atlas SEL R-Line For Better Comfort And Styling

Brand loyalty in the automotive world often runs deep, built on years of positive experiences, familiar dealer relationships, and the comfort of knowing what to expect. But sometimes, even the most dedicated customers reach a breaking point where familiarity gives way to frustration, and the search for something better begins. Haris Vugdalic's journey from two consecutive Hyundai Palisades to a Volkswagen Atlas SEL R-Line represents this kind of automotive awakening, where practical concerns and evolving preferences ultimately outweighed brand allegiance.

Vugdalic's decision wasn't made lightly. After leasing both a 2020 Palisade Limited and a 2023 Calligraphy, he had developed a clear understanding of what he valued in a three-row SUV. However, the combination of design changes he couldn't embrace and reliability concerns with his current vehicle created the perfect storm for a brand switch. His methodical approach to finding a replacement, considering everything from the Lincoln Aviator to the Genesis GV80, demonstrates the thorough evaluation process that many experienced buyers undertake when making such a significant change.

“Decided to go another route this time after having owned 2 Palisades on lease. 2020 limited & 2023 calligraphy.

Looks are obviously subjective, and I personally just couldn't get myself to like the new ones. Both inside and out. The other options were Telluride and Santa Fe, which were similarly undesirable. In the process, I looked at a Lincoln Aviator, a Lexus TX, and a Genesis GV80

This Atlas SEL R-line struck the right notes on size, comfort, features, looks, and price. It's not perfect, but we feel that it was a good replacement for what we became used to with the Palisades.

Side note- we considered buying out the Palisade, but the drivetrain issues it was experiencing recently, and the service runaround did not give us confidence in that direction.”

The mention of drivetrain issues and service problems provides crucial context for his decision. These aren't merely aesthetic preferences but fundamental concerns about reliability and dealer support. Unfortunately, Vugdalic's experience isn't isolated, as other Palisade owners have reported significant engine problems that Hyundai has been reluctant to cover, even on relatively new vehicles.

The Design Evolution Dilemma

The subjective nature of automotive design means that what appeals to one buyer may completely turn off another. Vugdalic's inability to warm up to the newer Palisade's styling, both interior and exterior, reflects a broader challenge manufacturers face when updating successful designs. The risk of alienating existing customers while trying to attract new ones is a delicate balance that doesn't always succeed. His comment about the Telluride and Santa Fe being "similarly undesirable" suggests that Hyundai's current design language simply doesn't resonate with his preferences.

John Rutherford, another former Palisade owner, echoed similar sentiments about the brand's direction, particularly regarding the 2026 model year changes.

Same. Had 2020 Limited. Now a 2023 Calligraphy. 2026 is not for me. And definitely not at that price. I have been told dealers have lots of them. That didn't happen with previous releases. Not sure what I am getting, but unfortunately, not a Palisade. I am in FL. The dealer I bought my first 2 from is in NJ. They call me every few weeks to try to get me to change my mind.

Rutherford's experience reveals several concerning trends for Hyundai. The fact that dealers reportedly have "lots full" of 2026 Palisades suggests that the market reception hasn't been as strong as previous generations. The persistent dealer calls attempting to retain him indicate that customer defection is becoming a noticeable problem. Price increases without corresponding value improvements often drive away even loyal customers, a lesson that many manufacturers have learned the hard way. Recent reports of the 2026 Palisades experiencing violent shaking issues after just 60 miles certainly don't help the brand's reputation for reliability.

The Atlas Alternative: Practical Compromise

Vugdalic's choice of the Volkswagen Atlas SEL R-Line represents a pragmatic approach to vehicle selection. Rather than chasing perfection, he found a vehicle that "struck the right notes" across multiple criteria. His acknowledgment that "it's not perfect" demonstrates the mature perspective of an experienced buyer who understands that every vehicle involves compromises. The Atlas has historically been recognized for its practicality, even winning MotorWeek's SUV award for multiple years.

However, not all Atlas experiences are positive, as Justin Hawkins discovered during his rental experience.

“Not trying to judge the decision, hope for the best on this. I rented one of these for a week. The ride was awful, the turbo 4 is underpowered, and all the HVAC controls and haptic feedback touch-sensitive. My wife and I hated it. I hope your experience is better.”

Hawkins's criticism touches on several key areas that potential Atlas buyers should consider. The ride quality concerns and underpowered engine complaints are common themes in Atlas reviews, though experiences can vary significantly based on individual expectations and driving conditions. His mention of the touch-sensitive HVAC controls highlights a broader industry trend toward digitization that doesn't always improve usability. 

These concerns underscore the importance of extended test drives and realistic expectations when making any vehicle purchase.

Key Factors in the Palisade-to-Atlas Transition

• The 2026 Palisade's styling changes failed to resonate with existing customers, creating an opportunity for competitors.
• Drivetrain issues and service problems eroded confidence in the Hyundai brand among loyal customers.
• Price increases without corresponding improvements drove away cost-conscious buyers.
• Reports of full dealer lots suggest market resistance to the latest Palisade generation.

The Broader Three-Row SUV Landscape

Spencer Dom's experience provides another perspective on the competitive three-row SUV market, highlighting how financing incentives can influence purchase decisions.

We looked at the Atlas initially during their 1% financing deal over the winter, and before we signed the contract, I had to test drive the Palisade, and the rest was history. I love my Calligraphy Black Edition.

Dom's comment illustrates how promotional financing can draw initial interest, but ultimately, the driving experience and overall package determine the final choice. His satisfaction with the Calligraphy Black Edition demonstrates that the Palisade continues to find happy customers, even as others like Vugdalic move on. This highlights the subjective nature of vehicle preferences and the importance of individual test drives in making the right choice.

Atlas SEL R-Line Advantages:

• Offers a strong value proposition in the three-row SUV segment with attractive financing options.
• Provides the interior room and cargo capacity that families need without excessive exterior dimensions.
• SEL R-Line trim level includes desirable amenities without reaching luxury pricing territory.
• Styling that resonates with buyers seeking alternatives to Korean and Japanese designs.
• The turbocharged four-cylinder may feel underpowered for some drivers, particularly when fully loaded.
• Some owners report harsh ride characteristics, though experiences vary by road conditions and personal preferences.

Vugdalic's transition from Palisade to Atlas reflects broader shifts in the three-row SUV market, where established players can no longer rely solely on past success to retain customers. His methodical evaluation process, considering vehicles from Lincoln, Lexus, and Genesis before settling on the Volkswagen, demonstrates the increasingly competitive nature of this segment. While the Atlas may not be perfect, it apparently addresses his specific needs better than the alternatives, including the Palisade that once satisfied him.

The automotive landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with manufacturers constantly updating designs, features, and pricing strategies. Success in this environment requires not just building good vehicles, but maintaining the delicate balance between innovation and the qualities that originally attracted customers. For Hyundai, the challenge will be addressing the concerns that drove away loyal customers like Vugdalic while continuing to attract new buyers. For Volkswagen, the opportunity lies in proving that the Atlas can deliver on its promises of practicality and value over the long term. 

As more buyers share their experiences, the true winners and losers in this competitive segment will become increasingly clear. The three-row SUV market remains one of the most important battlegrounds in the automotive industry, where reliability and fuel efficiency often matter as much as style and features.

Have you made a similar brand switch after years of loyalty? What factors ultimately drove your decision to try something different, and how did your new vehicle compare to your expectations? Share your own brand transition experiences in the comments below.

Noah Washington is an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoys covering the latest news in the automotive industry and conducting reviews on the latest cars. He has been in the automotive industry since 15 years old and has been featured in prominent automotive news sites. You can reach him on X and LinkedIn for tips and to follow his automotive coverage.