2021 Hyundai Palisade Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The Palisade has made waves since its introduction in 2020, offering an impressive array of features for a relatively low price. It's no wonder that it quickly became the go-to three-row SUV option on the market! However, some areas still need work if this model is going to stay ahead of competition - and thankfully Hyundai didn't miss those details with their 2021 variant. All told, families from all walks will rejoice at just how much power there is behind this thrilling vehicle choice!

What's New for 2021?

Experience the future of driving with Hyundai's upgraded 2021 model. Enhance your journey with innovative features such as LED headlights, HD radio and wireless Android Auto/Apple Car Play compatibility. For a truly luxurious ride, opt for the all-new Calligraphy trim level boasting state-of-the art technology like 10.2" touchscreen display; satellite service; navigation tools plus semi-autonomous driving mode support to keep you safe on even long trips! Enjoy enhanced audio via an integrated intercom system - giving each passenger their own personalized experience When traveling away from home or in unknown territory.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2021 Hyundai Palisade – The Pros

1. Strong Value

One thing that the entire lineup of Hyundai vehicles has in common is the amount of value that they offer to drivers. Even the entry-level trim of the 2021 Palisade is loaded with incredibly popular features. Highlights include things like an 8-inch touchscreen and alloy wheels. The base Palisade SE even has five USB ports and a Quiet Mode that will mute the back speakers. On top of this, all models come with sophisticated driver assistance technologies, including automatic high beams, rear parking sensors, a rear-seat alert, and a driver attention monitor.

2. Available High-Tech Features

Both standard and available tech features for the Palisade are impressive. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay features mean you can keep connected while on the road without cluttering up your center console. On top of the advanced features included as part of the SEL Premium package, the Palisade is also available with a 12-speaker premium audio setup from Harman Kardon. You can get wireless device charging, even more USB ports, and a 12.3-inch digital display cluster when choosing select trims and package options. Even the most tech-savvy family should be able to find a version of the 2021 Palisade that satisfies their needs.

3. Spacious & Comfy Cabin

It is fairly easy for an SUV to cram a third-row into its back and claim it can seat up to eight. What is harder is actually making a vehicle where adults are comfortable sitting in all three rows. The Palisade does this beautifully, however. Although adults may not want to sit in the very back for a cross-country trip, they should be fine for trips around town. If you need room for only seven instead of eight, you can also choose to go with second-row captain's chairs for an even more comfortable cabin. There are many upgrades available for the Palisade, depending on the trim, such as genuine leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power-adjustment for the front row.

4. New Caligraphy Trim

Last year, the Palisade topped out at the Limited trim. In 2021, the top model of this SUV is called the Caligraphy. On top of all of the features found in the Limited, this new option gets 20-inch trim-exclusive wheels. It also has a unique design for its front grille and bumper. Inside, you will find quilted-leather on the door panels. The Caligraphy comes standard with all-wheel drive. Like the Limited trim, the Caligraphy comes with a hands-free power liftgate, auto-leveling suspension, the most advanced available tech features, four-way lumbar adjustment for the driver's seat, and much more.

5. Generous Cargo Space

On top of offering luxury and comfort, the Palisade is a practical choice. You get 18 cubic feet behind the third row, which is plenty for the typical grocery store run. With just the third-row folded down, the number jumps all the way up to nearly 46 cubic feet. Deciding to also fold down the third-row means getting over 86 cubic feet to work with, which is above average for a midsize SUV. Optional for the SEL and standard for the trims above are also power-folding second and third rows for added convenience. There is also under-floor storage, which can come in handy for securing valuable or fragile objects.

6. Selectable Drive Modes

All models of the 2021 Palisade come with selectable driving modes. You get Comfort, Sport, Eco, and Smart. That last option will automatically choose a mode based on the way you are driving. Models that have all-wheel drive also get a Snow mode. All models are eligible for all-wheel drive, except the Caligraphy, on which it comes standard. Selectable driving modes give you more control of your experience behind the wheel, which is what has made them so popular in recent years.

7. Smooth Ride

The suspension for the Palisade truly is a thing of beauty. Minor bumps in the road are not felt at all. Thanks to the responsive steering and strong stopping power, the Palisade moves along smoothly. Although a truly athletic midsize three-row SUV does not exist, the Palisade does a more than adequate job of offering an engaging drive.

8. Competitive Towing Capacity

Although it may not win the award for the most towing capacity, the 2021 Palisade can bring along up to a very respectable 5,000 pounds. This is considered good for this vehicle class. Considering the generous interior space and the fact that the Palisade can easily tow a trailer or small boat, it is easy to see how it would be a great choice for the next family vacation.

9. Adaptive Cruise Control

With the all-new 2021 Palisade, Adaptive Cruise Control is no longer a luxury feature. Now standard on every model of this SUV, ACC makes driving easier and safer by automatically maintaining an ideal distance between you and vehicles ahead with its forward-scanning radar located in your car's grille. Experience convenience at its best today.

10. Hard-to-Top Warranty Coverage

One thing that has drivers turning to Hyundai is its extensive warranty. It gives you bumper-to-bumper limited coverage for five years or 60,000 miles and powertrain coverage for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Corrosion is covered for seven years with no cap on mileage in that time frame. The only other vehicle brands that offer this kind of peace of mind are Kia and Genesis. This is not surprising, considering that Genesis broke off from Hyundai just a few years ago to offer more high-end vehicles. The Hyundai Palisade's warranty also includes roadside assistance for five years, with no mileage restrictions in that time.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2021 Hyundai Palisade – The Cons

1. Noisy at Highway Speeds

The Palisade's slick exterior design may lead drivers to expect a quiet and peaceful cabin environment, yet at highway speeds you can almost feel the rushing wind invading your personal space. This is of course something that one quickly adjusts to after time spent behind the wheel - but if it really becomes too much for you there’s always the option of cranking up some tunes.

2. No Optional Engine

All models of the Palisade get a 3.8L V6 engine working with an eight-speed automatic transmission in 2021. The SUV generates 291-horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This is merely adequate for a vehicle of this size. Hyundai should consider offering a turbocharged engine for those who are after a bit more thrill when they hit the road.

3. Fuel Economy Does Not Wow

Just like the horsepower for the Palisade's engine is merely okay, the same is true for the fuel economy numbers. Front-wheel-drive models get 19mpg in the city and 26mpg on the highway. Going with all-wheel drive will mean getting only 17mpg city and 24mpg highway. Many rivals do much better, even when they are equipped with AWD. Moving forward, increasing these numbers would be a great way to make the Palisade even more competitive.

How it Stacks Up to the Competition:

 

2021 Hyundai Palisade vs 2021 Kia Telluride

The Palisade and Telluride are cousins of sorts. As a result, they are very similar in many ways. They both rely on the same engine and offer the same amount of power, for example. The style for these midsize SUVs is considerably different, however, which may help buyers decide between the two. Also, be aware that the Palisade is available with a few extra features, such as a power-folding third-row and digital gauge cluster.

2021 Hyundai Palisade vs 2021 Honda Pilot

If you're in the market for an SUV, then either the 2021 Hyundai Palisade or 2021 Honda Pilot might be a good option. Both models have a V6 engine and produce 262 lb-ft of torque; however, the Palisade has 11 more horsepower than its counterpart. The base model of the Pilot only comes with a 5-inch touchscreen while all versions of the Palisade come equipped with an 8-inch one – perfect if staying entertained on long drives is important to you! Moreover, when it's time to take that family vacation and load up your vehicle, consider opting for 4 extra cubic feet offered by Palisade over Pilot - plus 2 extra behind third row seating compared to just 1 from Pilate. For those seeking practicality & value along their journey choose wisely: will it be  Hyundai or Honda?

Final Thoughts

Offering unbeatable interior room and luxurious amenities, coupled with advanced safety features like blind spot monitoring and lane-keep assist, it's no wonder why this car has been winning awards left right & center! With comfort on long drives assured by its smooth ride quality along with great value for money - all signs point to the 2021 Palisade as your perfect companion for any journey.