2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy AWD: Don’t Miss It!

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade is available in 4 trim levels including SE ($32,674), SEL ($35,325), Ltd ($45,275 and Calligraphy ($46,200). Our tester was the Calligraphy trim level, complete with plenty of features. Overall, the Palisade includes such features as Air conditioning, AM/FM radio, Automatic headlights, cargo area light, cruise control, daytime running lights, multi-adjustable power seats and electric steering.

The Palisade, new in 2020 was a hit from the get-go, along with its stablemate, the Kia Telluride. Both models were flying off the shelf, and at hefty prices. General pricing, however, is at an affordable level and apparently, appeals to those looking for this squarish-built sport utility. It appears larger than it feels when behind the wheel. Much like the VW Atlas, this 3-row SUX has room, style and all the amenities a family would want when carting around 8 people.

An unexpectedly ‘premium’ SUV, the Palisade is a luxury-level product, felt in the interior seating materials, generous foot-room in the second seating area and a quiet ride. This mass-market vehicle is a bonafide luxury SUV, particularly when choosing the top-of-the-line Calligraphy.

There were no ‘extra’ options on our test car. Interior space abounds for the active family, styling is handsome, and the price is appealing. AS Hyundai’s flagship SUV, the Palisade is equipped with lots of features and driver safety technology.

Safety features on the Palisade include Brake Assist, DRL, Integrated ???? signal mirrors, Blind-spot monitor, Lane Keeping Assist. The V6 engine provides plenty of power and a nice little pick-up when the driver steps on the gas. Can you opt for faster SUV’s? Sure, but the Palisade is more than adequate. Perhaps not as ‘sporty’ as some SUV’s, but it’s a handsome, refined choice for those times you’re not off-roading.

Competition for the Palisade includes of course the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander. Lots of good choices. The Hyundai Palisade is hard to fault. It comes with many standard features, plenty of driver safety aids, a spacious and plush interior, and a quiet ride.
We had an opportunity to drive the Palisade around town and also on the Tollway. It handles well, has excellent visibility. The safety features were notable and appreciated when navigating busy highway space. The dash is easy to read and features simple to operate. Which is saying a lot for this challenged low-tech reviewer. When changing lanes, the driver gets a glimpse of the vehicle being passed. This is helpful and makes the driver alert.

There are just so many neat features on this SUV, all well thought out and appreciated.
While the Palisade might not be as fast or fun to drive as some competitors, we found it a worthy contender. For this writer it was a lesson in appreciation of the larger, boxier SUVs. They appear somewhat daunting on first appearance, but when behind the wheel, they handle very well for any size driver.

Wind noise on the highway is minimal; not at annoying levels, by any means. The GPS system is intuitive and the knobs are all reachable from the driver’s seat. Seating is very comfortable, supportive. The middle seat gets captain’s chairs, and when the third seat is up, it limits any cargo space. Our Calligraphy came equipped with sunroofs, f/back. If you’re wanting Wireless Apple, you can get it in the lower models, but not in the limited or above. That is because the GPS is space consuming.

We found it odd that the front sidemirrors did not fold inward.

We especially appreciated the great sound system as we turned it on Bass to tune in SiriusXM.
Don’t pass up the Palisade-in any of the trim levels. Despite its appearing larger than life, we guarantee you’ll find it very easy to drive. If you can find one!!