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2021 Hyundai Palisade review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Hyundai Palisade highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • There is plenty of space for adults in all three rows
  • Lots of standard and optional high-tech features
  • Generous cargo space

Cons

  • Handling isn't as crisp as some rival SUVs
  • No hybrid option
  • Visibility through the rear is limited

Mileage (EPA estimate)

19 city, 24 highway, 21 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

7 photos
Price
Year
Mileage

Abundant cargo space in a smart package

If your lifestyle requires three rows, you're on the right track with the 2021 Hyundai Palisade. Whether you've got a growing family, regularly use the carpool lane, or just love to take all your friends on a road trip, this three-row SUV should have you covered. Alongside the interior space, this SUV has a wealth of convenience features that will keep everyone riding in comfort.

All Hyundai Palisade years

What is new for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade?

  • The Palisade is available in a new trim called the Calligraphy.
  • Palisade trims have been upgraded with Panoramic Sunroof as standard equipment this year.
  • The SE trim now comes with Rear Air Conditioning as standard equipment.
  • The SEL trim now comes with Sunroof(s) and Quad Seats as standard equipment.

2021 Hyundai Palisade trims

Curious how Hyundai Palisade trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

SE:

  • Forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, five USB charge ports, eight-passenger seating, reversing sensor, eight-inch display, and more.

SEL:

  • Proximity key entry, eight-way power driver seat, dual automatic temperature control, heated front seats, and more.

Limited:

  • Wide dual sunroof, 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster, full-color heads-up display, ventilated front seats and second-row captain's chairs, ambient interior lighting, and more.

Calligraphy:

  • Puddle lights, perforated leather steering wheel, quilted leather door panel, 20-inch wheels, and more.

SEL Convenience Package:

  • Adds 20-inch alloy wheels, forward parking sensors, hands-free liftgate, wireless device charging, LED taillights, and more.

SEL Premium Package:

  • Adds leather seating, eight-way front passenger seat, highway driving assist, talk-in-car intercom, heated steering wheel, SiriusXM satellite radio, and more.

View all Hyundai Palisades in stock

Hyundai Palisade photos

5 reasons to buy the 2021 Hyundai Palisade

1. Plenty of passenger space

2021 Hyundai Palisade Review: 5 Reasons to Buy #1 | CarMax

The base SE model of the 2021 Hyundai Palisade comes with standard seating for eight passengers. This is the best option if you regularly need to carry a lot of people. But if you want a little more legroom, opt for the captain's chairs in the middle row (standard from the SEL trim). This reduces the total seating capacity to seven but gives your middle-row passengers space to stretch out. In the cabin, you'll get plenty of convenient storage for drinks, kids' toys, paperwork, and road trip snacks.

Need to speak to your passengers in the back row? The available talk-in-car intercom (SEL Premium Package) makes it easy for everyone to chat without the need to shout across the Palisade's cavernous space.

2. Tow all your toys

2021 Hyundai Palisade Review: 5 Reasons to Buy #2 | CarMax

With an estimated towing capacity of 5,000 lbs with the 3.8L V6 engine (when properly equipped), the 2021 Palisade is a great companion for camping trips and more.

Whether you're towing a camper, an ATV, or just need a trailer for those trips to the DIY store, the Palisade has you covered. When all your seats are full and you can't use the interior cargo space, this means you've still got the option to tow what you need behind you. Perfect for family vacations or an adventure with your crew.

3. Great standard tech

2021 Hyundai Palisade Review: 5 Reasons to Buy #3 | CarMax

Starting at the base SE trim, you get a wealth of great tech features. From driver assistance technology, including lane-keeping assist, to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, you won't be disappointed by the 2021 Palisade. If you're looking for a bit of an upgrade on the standard features, you'll find an eight-way power driver seat on the SEL model and a Harman Kardon premium sound system on the Limited trim. There are also a number of additional packages to look for if you'd like features such as auto-leveling rear suspension, wireless device charging, and highway driving assist.

4. All-wheel drive for off-road

2021 Hyundai Palisade Review: 5 Reasons to Buy #4 | CarMax

The optional all-wheel drive system gives the 2021 Hyundai Palisade the ability to traverse tricky terrain. This is great news if you regularly drive in the snow. The Drive Mode Select feature allows you to optimize HTRAC AWD for snowy conditions. What's perhaps more exciting, though, is the chance to head out on off-road adventures. The HTRAC AWD is available on all trims and includes downhill brake control. This means that when you're heading down a steep hill, it'll maintain traction and control your speed without the need to press the brake pedal.

5. Luxury calligraphy trim

2021 Hyundai Palisade Review: 5 Reasons to Buy #5 | CarMax

If you and your passengers like to travel in the lap of luxury, the Calligraphy trim is for you. Not only do you get some beautiful exterior features such as a trim-exclusive grille and front bumper, but you also get some lovely interior features, too. The quilted leather door panel inserts alongside the perforated leather steering wheel add a touch of high-end sophistication to the cabin. The puddle lights on the door mirrors are another nice touch that remind you you're about to climb into something special.

Similar vehicles

If you're interested in the 2021 Hyundai Palisade, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.

Image of Ford Explorer

Three rows of fun await your next great adventure in the 2017-2019 Ford Explorer. If you're looking for something with a touch of luxury, consider the 2017-2019 Ford Explorer Platinum trim. Premium leather seating, aluminum, and brown ash trim, a rear-seat entertainment system creates a luxurious experience for everyone inside. In addition, when equipped with either of the V6 engines, the 2017-2019 Ford Explorer can tow up to an estimated 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

A base-model 2017-2019 Ford Explorer includes:

  • Three rows of seating

  • A 4.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system

  • A 290-hp 3.5L V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.7 out of 5

9 customer reviews
4
1
2
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Hyundai Palisade an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Hyundai Palisade 3rd out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Hyundai Palisade

Hyundai Palisade features and specs

SE 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Third Row Seat
  • Traction Control
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Parking Sensors
  • Quad Seats
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.8L

Horsepower

291

Torque (ft-lbs)

262

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

18.8

Wheelbase

114.2"

Overall length

196.1"

Width

77.8"

Height

68.9"

Leg room

F 44.1"/M 42.4"/R 31.4"

Head room

F 40.7"/M 40.1"/R 37.8"

Front tires

P245/60TR18

Rear tires

P245/60TR18

Seating capacity

8

Max towing capacity

500/5000 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2021 Hyundai Palisade FAQ

More about the 2021 Hyundai Palisade

2021 Hyundai Palisade Review: Colors | CarMax

Exterior colors:

  • Becketts Black

  • Hyper White

  • Lagoon Silver

  • Moonlight Cloud

  • Rainforest

  • Sierra Burgundy

  • Steel Graphite

  • Typhoon Silver

Interior details

  • Seat up to eight across three rows

  • The 2021 Hyundai Palisade has 18 cu-ft of space behind the third row. This opens up to 45.8 cu-ft with the third row folded. Behind the front seats, there's a total of 86.4 cu-ft of space.

  • Eight-inch display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity

  • Available Harman Kardon premium sound system

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