Trims, Mechanical Specs, and Efficiency

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade is offered in SE, SEL, Limited, and all-new Calligraphy trim levels, seating up to seven or eight depending on whether the second row is a bench seat or a pair of captain’s chairs. All four trims are thrust into motion by a 291 hp (262 lb.-ft. of torque) 3.8-liter V6 paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For most trims, front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available, with the exception of the Calligraphy, which, as mentioned above, gets standard all-wheel drive. The EPA estimates that the FWD versions achieve 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, while the AWD ones get 19 city/24 highway.

Amenities

The SE may be an entry-level trim, but it’s packed with features: LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, heated side mirrors, paddle shifters, a second-row bench seat (which allows for eight-passenger seating), and a Rear Seat Quiet Mode (which silences the speakers in the second and third rows). The SEL adds roof rails, a moonroof, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and second-row captain’s chairs that limit seating capacity to seven (the bench seat can be returned as an option). This trim qualifies for a Convenience Package and a Premium Package. The Convenience Package consists of LED taillights, 20-inch wheels, a hands-free liftgate, an auto-leveling rear suspension, a wireless smartphone charger, a 115-volt power outlet, and rear side-window sunshades.

The Premium Package supplies the features from the Convenience Package, along with leather upholstery, an in-car PA system, a heated steering wheel, memory functions for the driver’s seat, a power-adjustable front passenger’s seat, heated second-row seats, and power-folding third-row seats. The Limited receives as standard all of the features from both packages, in addition to rain-sensing wipers, a dual-pane sunroof, premium Nappa leather upholstery, a leg cushion extender for the driver’s seat, ventilated front and rear seats, ambient interior lighting, and a head-up display. The debuting Calligraphy comes with unique 20-inch wheels, distinctive front and rear fascias, a more prominent grille, sophisticated quilted-leather door panels, and a nice microfiber headliner.

Technology and Safety

The SE gets a long list of standard driver-assist features, including forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane keeping and following assist, a driver attention monitor, adaptive cruise control, rear occupant alert, and rear parking sensors. The SEL gets a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe exit assist. The available Convenience Package adds front parking sensors, and the Premium Package furnishes highway drive assist. The Limited gets both the front parking sensors and highway drive assist system, as well as a blind-spot camera and surround-view system.

The base infotainment system stands out with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming capability, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and five USB ports. The Convenience Package will add third-row USB ports, while the Premium Package enhances the infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, HD radio, and navigation. The Limited comes standard with those optional items, plus a premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.