The Hyundai Palisade has established itself as one of the best-kept midsize SUVs on the market, earning significant traction in less than three years.
A critical component of this is the carefully matched palette of performance, comfort, luxury, technology, and distinctive design language.
It was positioned as a replacement for Hyundai’s then-leading SUV, the Santa Fe XL, which had outlived its usefulness due to its dated design language.
The Hyundai Palisade 2021 has the same zeal as last year, but with a few cosmetic tweaks, the most prominent of which is a new Calligraphy trim. It possesses distinct visual characteristics and is a work of art.
In 2021, it will continue to share its underpinnings and drivetrain with the Kia Telluride. Hyundai’s flagship SUV faces competition from the Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and the incredibly competitive Kia Telluride, which was named the 2020 “World Car Of The Year.”
Hyundai Palisade 2021: Performance
The 2021 Palisade retains the 3.8L naturally aspirated V6 engine shared with the 2021 Kia Telluride. This engine is not particularly interesting, but it is capable of getting the job done.
This time around, we were hoping for a turbocharger, but it appears that would have to wait. It continues to produce 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, which may be sent to either the front or all four wheels, depending on the transmission.
The line-up includes an eight-speed automatic transmission that is simple to operate and fits well with the NA engine’s high revving nature.
When compared to its competitors, it achieves an average of 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway.
Hyundai Palisade 2021: Interior
Inside, everything comes together, as Hyundai has built the cabin with outstanding attention to detail and high-quality materials to preserve the vehicle’s luxury element. Numerous upholstery options, including leather, are available
There are a few questionable plastics scattered throughout, but they are all adequately sheltered by the overall concept of plushness, and hence mix in beautifully.
All three rows of seats are nicely cushioned, and unlike many other three-row mid-size SUVs, the third row is not an afterthought.
It’s actually manageable for folks of ordinary stature and features plenty of conveniences even at the back. Additionally, heated and ventilated front rows can be added to power-adjustable front seats.
The 2021 Palisade retains its 8-inch infotainment screen on lower trim levels and 10.3-inch screen on higher trim levels.
Both vehicles include Android Auto and Apple Carplay, in addition to a plethora of 2021-relevant features.
Hyundai Palisade 2021: Exterior
Hyundai used a highly aggressive and unconventional design language to differentiate the Palisade from the rest of the SUV class.
It has paid off, as evidenced by the Palisade’s lengthened vertically placed headlight units and that “on the face” chrome grille upfront.
There are no changes for 2021, and it remains a head-tuner. The angled B-pillar adds a delightful touch to the floating roof above, while the modest shoulder lines emphasize the building’s strong form factor.
The integrated roof rails add to the SUV’s appearance, and those 20-inch alloy wheels are LOUD. That is the most audacious set of wheels we have ever seen on a vehicle, much less an SUV.
Additional Features
For Hyundai Palisade 2021, the most recent addition is the new Calligraphy trim, which emphasizes elegance over its trim siblings.
Unlike the others, it is exclusively available with all-wheel drive and has spider-mesh 20-inch wheels, puddle lamps, a premium taillight configuration, and an LED center spotlight on the outside.
The interior highlights include a microfiber suede headliner, quilted leather door panels, perforated leather steering wheel, cargo sill protection plate, and Downhill brake control. Numerous additional features are available exclusively as add-ons to the base set.
The 2021 Palisade, like its twin, the Kia Telluride, is a well-equipped premium car that strives to redefine the midsize SUV industry.
Hyundai Palisade 2021: Trims And Pricing
For 2021, the Hyundai Palisade is available in four trim levels: SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy. Hyundai has always favored simplicity and innovation, and the freshly introduced Calligraphy trim is no exception.
When it comes to elegance and technology, all four trim levels provide ample options, and even the base SE trim does not feel out of place.
The SE trim level of the 2021 Palisade begins at $32,525 and goes all the way up to $47,750 for the newly introduced Calligraphy variation.
Due to the fact that there is only one powertrain configuration available, your selections are limited to the feature set that it offers, which is equally impressive.
Additionally, with the exception of the Calligraphy, all grades come standard with FWD, and adding AWD would cost $1,700.
It actually undercuts the more popular Honda Pilot, which starts at $34,930.
