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2020 Palisade is on display at the 112th Annual Chicago Auto Show

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Is Luxurious but Still Not Flexing

The Hyundai Palisade crossover is a smooth and feature-happy family SUV. The 2021 Hyundai Palisade SUV brings a new Calligraphy trim level that is draped in luxury. But overall, this people and stuff mover feels like it’s trying to fit in rather than stand out. This three-row hauler boasts safety features and user-friendly tech that …

The Hyundai Palisade crossover is a smooth and feature-happy family SUV. The 2021 Hyundai Palisade SUV brings a new Calligraphy trim level that is draped in luxury. But overall, this people and stuff mover feels like it’s trying to fit in rather than stand out. This three-row hauler boasts safety features and user-friendly tech that any family can appreciate, but where is that extra oomph that a modern crossover SUV needs to compete in today’s market?

2021 Hyundai Palisade features

The features of this three-row SUV aren’t skimpy. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. You’ll find 5 USB ports and remote keyless entry, according to US News and World Report. The Hyundai Palisade crossover SUV costs $32,525 – 47,750.

The power plant inside the 2021 Hyundai Palisade is a 3.8-liter V6 engine. This engine is good for up to 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard front-wheel drive. If you want all-wheel drive, it is available for $1,700.

In terms of safety, the 2021 Palisade offers a long list of standard features. On the list, we see rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and forward-collision warning equipped with pedestrian detection. Additionally, we have automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The 2021 Hyundai Palisade standard safety features also include a rear-seat alert for preventing anyone is left behind when exiting the vehicle. There’s also a drowsiness monitor for the driver and automatic high-beam headlights.

a white sideview of a 2021 Hyundai Palisade
2021 Hyundai Palisade | Hyunda USA

Caligraphy Palisade

According to Car and Driver, The 2021 Hyundai Palisade SUV adds the Calligraphy trim to its top tier. Already boasting luxury, the Palisade with the Calligraphy package adds even more. For instance, this model gets fancy exterior lighting and edgy, modern-looking, 20-inch wheels. You’ll also see a bold grille design, and all of this is paired with standard all-wheel drive.

On the inside of the Calligraphy trim, you see a headliner in faux suede. Plus, there is quilted leather upholstery on the seats as well as the doors. There is even the special touch of a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel. However, there is a missing element that the Hyundai Palisade crossover SUV offers in Korea but not in America.

executive seating in the calligraphy VIP package that is not available in the US version of this crossover SUV
2021 Hyundai Palisade VIP seating packing in the Calligraphy trim | Hyundai

Americans don’t get special selling point

While there’s no arguing that the Hyundai Palisade crossover SUV isn’t a good family vehicle, it blends in. In fact, among others like the Kia Telluride, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade fits in. Which isn’t a bad thing at all. However, the Palisade does have the Calligraphy package for 2021. Don’t get too excited, though. The Calligraphy package offered in the states won’t include the VIP seating option.

The executive seating package for this three-row family SUV would make it stand out. Yet, it’s not offered in America. The Korean Calligraphy Palisade offers a VIP package. This gives the middle row a pair of executive seats. Plus, a VIP entertainment screen mounted on the back of the front seat.

The Hyundai Palisade crossover SUV is a good option. But it isn’t flexing over here in the states. Therefore, without an edge like the Calligraphy’s VIP seating package, it’s probable that the edgier Kia Telluride will take precedence over the Palisade in terms of sales.

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