2021 Hyundai Palisade Review

Name: 2021 Hyundai Palisade Review
Brand: Hyundai
Price: 26700 USD

Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy 4dr SUV Exterior

Hyundai Palisade Limited 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

+305

The Hyundai Palisade might be new to the three-row crossover SUV segment, but it's already one of our top picks. Packed with value, comfort and capability, the Palisade has everything shoppers are looking for. Only the lackluster handling and mediocre fuel economy could be considered demerits, but they are minor ones given this well-rounded SUV.

Used Palisade for sale

$26,700 - $40,998

65 listings

See Cars for Online Purchase See All for Sale

Appraise This Car

Build & Price

Hyundaiusa.com

4 Offers Nearby

Check out current offers on the Hyundai PALISADE

View Offers

Hyundaiusa.com

Hyundai Palisade model years

Hyundai Palisade for Sale

2022
2021
2020

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

See pricing history

2021 Hyundai Palisade Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Plenty of space for adults in all three rows
Lots of standard and optional high-tech features
Comfortable seating and ride quality

Cons

Handling isn't as crisp as with some rival SUVs

What's new

New range-topping Calligraphy trim level
Restructured option packages
Part of the first Palisade generation introduced for 2020

Overview

The Hyundai Palisade is a midsize three-row SUV that serves as the brand's biggest and most expensive SUV. Compared to the model it replaced, the Santa Fe XL, the Palisade is roomier, more comfortable and more refined. Typical Hyundai strengths also abound, as the Palisade is packed with features and backed by a comprehensive warranty.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade SE 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.80 per gallon for regular unleaded in Pennsylvania.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Pennsylvania

$214/mo

$273/mo

Avg. Large SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Take one step inside the cabin and you'll find this Hyundai is one of the most luxuriously trimmed vehicles in the class. In fact, a new range-topping Calligraphy trim debuts for 2021, adding exotic luxury features such as quilted-leather door inserts and a suede-like headliner. Overall, the Palisade is one of our top picks in the three-row SUV class. But is it the right model for you? Read more about the Palisade in our in-depth Expert Review below.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Great

8.2

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the Palisade drive? What the Palisade lacks in all-out performance it more than makes up for with a competent and well-rounded skill set. Accelerating from a standstill to 60 mph takes 7.6 seconds, which is an average time for a three-row SUV. High-speed passing can be done with confidence. In our emergency braking tests, the Palisade demonstrated strong and predictable braking. In more routine driving, the brake pedal is easy to control for smooth stops.

Handling and steering are less of a strong point, but the big Hyundai rarely feels sloppy or out of sorts as you drive around turns. Thanks in part to a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic, the Palisade is a stress-free companion for both city and highway driving.

Comfort

8.5/10

How comfortable is the Palisade? Three-row SUVs aren't always hauling around six or seven people, so there's something to be said for having a little peace when it's just you. The Palisade delivers with minimal amounts of road and wind noise and a quiet yet effective climate control system.

The front seats offer a nice mix of support for cornering and comfort for driving long distances. Just about everybody should like them. The optional second-row captain's chairs are just as good and feel better than some front seats in other vehicles. Even the third row is decent and has a nicely contoured seat cushion.

Interior

8.5/10

How’s the interior? The Hyundai Palisade blurs the lines between near-luxury and luxury thanks to a well-appointed and comfortable interior for all its passengers. Though a few of the controls on the center stack are a bit of a reach, everything is laid out well and simple to understand. The driving position offers a commanding view out the front and sides, and the somewhat limited rear visibility can be offset with the optional surround-view camera system.

Rear passengers will also like the Palisade. The rear doors open wide, and you can easily slide the optional second-row captain's chairs up and out of the way by pushing a button. Once done, there's a clear path to the third-row seat.

Technology

8.0/10

How’s the tech? The Palisade is equipped with several collision avoidance and mitigation systems as well as adaptive cruise control that operates down to a stop. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard, and numerous USB ports are spread across all three rows (although only one can be used for phone connectivity). The wide infotainment screen looks sharp, and it comes with navigation that offers several useful features.

Our Limited test vehicle also had the head-up display and rear-seat intercom features; both are useful. Sound quality from the upgraded 10-speaker sound system is decent but not outstanding. Another mild disappointment is the optional turn-signal camera display in the gauge cluster. It's gimmicky and can be distracting to use.

Storage

8.5/10

How’s the storage? Trunk space is generous, with 18 cubic feet behind the third row and 87 cubes with both rows folded down. Beyond that, the hatch opening is wide and accommodating. There's also a useful underfloor compartment. The Palisade can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which is an average amount for the class.

Small-item storage is almost too much of a good thing: a fairly giant center bin with a retractable cover, a second bin on the floor between the front passenger seats, and a traditional center console. Cupholders are retractable but allow for smaller bottles to rattle about. Even the bulkiest car seats fit easily, and the seat anchors are easy to find.

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates an all-wheel-drive Palisade will get 21 mpg in combined city/highway driving. We were able to match that with our test vehicle on our 115-mile evaluation route. Some rival SUVs offer better fuel economy. But you can run the V6 on regular gas, unlike some rival SUVs that require premium unleaded to return their rated power and fuel economy numbers.

Value

8.5/10

Is the Palisade a good value? The Palisade, and its corporate sibling, the Kia Telluride, might be the best value in the class. Everything is top-notch, from the driving experience to the interior quality to the standard and optional features. Even the base model seems to give you a bit extra, and in the top trims you get a near-luxury experience. Overall, we are very impressed with the quality and feel of the Palisade. You also get Hyundai's excellent 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance.

Wildcard

8.0/10

The Palisade really blurs the lines between a luxury and non-luxury vehicle. Value and quality are everywhere. This Hyundai has a breadth of talents and is sure to find itself near the top of this competitive class for a few years to come.

Which Palisade does Edmunds recommend?

The SEL is undoubtedly the sweet spot in the Palisade lineup. It doesn't cost much more than the SE and comes with a dizzying number of quality-of-life upgrades. There are also a pair of option packages that allow you to get a few more goodies without jumping all the way to the Limited.

2021 Hyundai Palisade models

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade is a three-row midsize SUV sold in four trims: SE, SEL, Limited and Calligraphy. All models are powered by a 3.8-liter V6 (291 horsepower, 262 lb-ft of torque) that is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is an option on all trims.

A second-row bench seat with seating for eight is standard on the SE and optional for the SEL. The SEL, Limited and Calligraphy come with second-row captain's chairs that reduce capacity to seven.

SE
The base SE model starts you off with:

18-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights
Heated mirrors
Height-adjustable driver's seat
Power-folding second-row seats
8-inch touchscreen
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Five USB ports (three up front and two in the second row)
Rear Seat Quiet Mode (silences the speakers in the second and third rows)

The Palisade is also equipped with a healthy list of driving aids, including:

Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane keeping assist (steers the Palisade back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Rear parking sensors (alerts you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Hyundai and the car in front)

SEL
Stepping up to the SEL adds:

Sunroof
Keyless entry and ignition
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Power-adjustable driver's seat with two-way lumbar
Heated front seats
Second-row captain's chairs
Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse)

A second-row bench seat in lieu of captain's chairs is a no-cost option. Also available are two features packages that bridge the gap between the SEL and the Limited.

Convenience package

20-inch wheels
Self-leveling rear suspension
Sound-reducing front side glass
Hands-free liftgate
Rear sunshades
Wireless charging pad
Two USB ports in the third row
115-volt household-style outlet
Front parking sensors

Premium package

Convenience package
Heated steering wheel
Driver-seat memory settings
Power-adjustable passenger seat
Heated second-row seats
Power-folding third-row seats
Leather upholstery
10.25-inch touchscreen
Navigation system
Cabin intercom system

Limited
The Limited comes with all of the above features, plus:

Dual-pane sunroof
Automatic wipers
Digital instrument panel
Configurable ambient lighting
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
Thigh extension and four-way lumbar adjustment for driver's seat
Ventilated front and rear seats
Upgraded leather upholstery
12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Palisade and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Blind-spot camera (displays an image of the vehicle's blind spot in the instrument panel when the turn signal is activated

Calligraphy
The new Calligraphy trim further adds:

Unique grille, wheel designs, and front and rear fascias
Faux suede headliner
Quilted-leather door inserts

Build Your 2024 Hyundai PALISADE

At a Glance:

6 Colors
6 Trims
5 Packages
$36,650starting MSRP

Build & PriceHyundaiusa.com

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4.5/5Excellent

#3 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Hyundai Palisade from 2008-2022.}

$474/yr

vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.11x/yr

vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

8.5%

vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Hyundai Palisade.

5 (65%)

4 (13%)

3 (5%)

2 (7%)

1 (10%)

4.2

75 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 75 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

So Far So Good

Dave Fletcher., 09/06/2020

2021 Hyundai Palisade SEL 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A)

Bear in mind at the time I am writing this review I have only put a little over 1,000 miles on my SEL premium package but at this point, at 73 years old, I can say this is the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned. I came to that conclusion after not being tired or sore after a 300+ mile road trip. Some of my previous vehicles have been Mercedes E class, Genesis 3.8, Infiniti M & Q …

Beware

T Green, 09/05/2021

2021 Hyundai Palisade Limited 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A)

I loved my 2021 Hyundai Palisade for the first 6 months I had it. But at just under 14,000 miles it powered down in the fast lane on the interstate. An alarm went off and there was a message on the dash that said “shift to P or N to start engine”. Silly me…I thought the engine was running since I was in traffic. It started slowing down and I was fortunately able to cross 4 lanes of …

Love My Palisade Calligraphy

New Happy Hyundai Owner, 12/12/2020

2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A)

I purchased a 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy last August. I have driven it almost 2,500 miles and so far, so good. It is extremely quite and has a great ride. I was very interested in the safety features of a 3rd row SUV and the amenities. After looking at Honda, Toyota, Subaru, and Hyundai, I chose the Palidade. It has the most up-to-date features of all the others and has a …

Bought it yesterday, so just figuring it all out..

J. Thompson, 09/20/2020

2021 Hyundai Palisade SEL 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A)

My wife and I traded our 2018 Honda Odyssey for the 2021 Palisade SEL AWD. She had really wanted a Telluride, but since they are like finding a two-headed unicorn, she settled for trying out a Palisade. She had wanted the Moss Green Telluride so we found a "Rainforest" with black interior SEL two hours away from us. We called the dealer and they held it for us to come see it. She …

See all 75 reviews of the Hyundai Palisade

Write a vehicle review

2021 Palisade Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$32,675
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$214/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	18.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Palisade models:

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist: Alerts the driver about an imminent collision and can automatically apply the brakes if necessary.
Safe Exit Assist: Temporarily prevents you from opening your door if sensors detect a car approaching from the rear.
Surround View Monitor: Shows a top-down view of your SUV when you park, making it easier to avoid curbs and line up in the parking space.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover15.9%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Marginal
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

People who viewed this also viewed

Kia Telluride
3.8 average Rating out of 17 reviews.
Starting at $35,990

See Kia Telluride Inventory

Toyota Grand Highlander
3.9 average Rating out of 36 reviews.
Starting at $43,320

See Toyota Grand Highlander Inventory

Mazda CX-90
3.9 average Rating out of 47 reviews.
Starting at $37,845

See Mazda CX-90 Inventory

2021 Hyundai Palisade Review

2021 Hyundai Palisade Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade SE 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.80 per gallon for regular unleaded in Pennsylvania.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Palisade does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Hyundai Palisade models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

So Far So Good

Beware

Love My Palisade Calligraphy

Bought it yesterday, so just figuring it all out..

2021 Palisade Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Consider these recommendations

Related Used 2021 Hyundai Palisade info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Hyundai

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade SE 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.80 per gallon for regular unleaded in Pennsylvania.}