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Dealerships can’t keep the 2021 Hyundai Palisade in stock. The SUV is selling twice as fast as competitors in its segment. After a shaky history in the third row SUV category, it seems Hyundai has finally hit a home strike. During these unprecedented times, shoppers are taking extreme care. Observing sales trends during this time reveals which cars are showing strong favor with careful buyers. What makes the 2021 Palisade so irresistible?

A black 2021 Hyundai Palisade on display next to another Palisade hung to display its underside
2021 Hyundai Palisade | SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Hyundai has tried to break into the thrid row segment

The South Korean automaker has produced a few third-row SUVs to gain traction in the segment. The brand has had some success but nothing like the spike in Palisade’s popularity. The Veracruz was an affordable mid-size SUV. It was low on features and comforts to save on the price tag. The Veracruz was discontinued due to poor sales as buyers preferred competitors with options like rear entertainment systems.

Hyundai fared much better after it introduced the Santa Fe. This SUV had a better balance of features and value. It filled in the gap in the segment between no-frills bargains and trimmed-out options. Sante Fe drivers enjoy little perks throughout the vehicle, such as USB ports on all trim levels and LED headlights. These details made the Santa Fe more popular than the Veracruz but haven’t earned overwhelming popularity.

The average amount of time a mid-size SUV waits on a sales lot to be sold is nearly 50 days. The 2021 Hyundai Palisade sells in half that time according to Hyundai sales data. Among other contenders in this segment, only the Kia Telluride sells faster. A major reason for this uptick in sales is The Palisade’s attractive price. While dealers have offered historically low discounts, the Palisade can be found up to 10% of some dealerships.

Buyers are opting for all the 2021 Palisade bells and whistles

The gray interior of the 2021 Hyundai Palisade SUV
2021 Hyundai Palisade interior | Hyundai

New car shoppers aren’t just buying up 2021 Hyundai Palisade’s fast. They’re also splurging for the extra bells and whistles. 23% of all Palisade sales represent the highest trim level. Higher trim levels have been steadily increasing in price as features become more and more tech-based. Buyers have shown no hesitation in choosing better features, despite sky-high prices.

Lower trim levels are selling fast, too, with good reason. The Palisade SEL adds just $2632 to the base price and includes wood panels, leather touches, power seats, and remote start. The SEL’s 2.8-L V6 engine offers 291-hp. one level up, the Limited adds heated, ventilated, leather seats. A leather dashboard adds to the aesthetic.

The highest trim level, Calligraphy, packs enough luxury and comfort to draw buyers from the highly-rated Kia Telluride. This package brings the price to a cool $47,750 but includes a laundry list of upgrades. Nappa leather seats and leather paneling give the cabin an expensive feel. A second-row sunroof and 12V DC outlets give passengers added comfort.

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