Overall Rating
Updated on: July 20, 2020
Automotive Journalist
The 2021 Palisade is Hyundai’s flagship SUV, thus it needs to have everything to make it stand out in the competitive market. And Hyundai knows how to do it. The 2021 Palisade is the largest SUV of the Hyundai, and the performance, features, and comfort it offers is something that not every SUV can serve up to its customers. Launched in 2019 for the 2020 model year, the Palisade replaced the Hyundai Santa Fe XL and shares its underpinnings with the Kia Telluride.
8 seater SUV with 3 spacious rows
Stylish exterior with no compromise in headroom for the taller ones
High towing capacity
Clever features like Driver intercom and Rear Sleep Mode
No engine variant available
Rigid suspension
Rivals have already established themselves in the market
No major changes expected
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Features
Engine and Performance
Fuel Economy
Exterior
7.0
OVERALL RATING
Overall Rating
The expected price range of the 2021 Palisade is between $33,000-$46,500. The 2020 model had a 3.8L V6 engine that produced 291 hp power and 262 lb-ft torque. The 2021 Palisade is expected to have the same engine, that is not meant for high speed and acceleration, but for maximum comfort and most importantly, efficiency. The FWD could be changed to AWD, and the ride quality and handling is something that you would not expect from a 4200 lbs SUV.
The Palisade was introduced primarily for the US market, with an aim to suit a large family. The Palisade is not like any other SUV, it has 3 rows for seating, and could comfortably fit 8 passengers with no compromise in comfort, features, and style. It has a stylish exterior, that would make you doubt its high seating capacity. All the standard features are available like climate control, push-button start, heated seats, etc, and the infotainment system is up to the mark.
9.0/10
Features
6.0/10
Engine and Performance
4.0/10
Fuel Economy
7.0/10
Exterior
The 2020 model was available in three trims- SE, SEL, and Limited. The 2021 Hyundai Palisade is expected to have the same variants. The engine would be the same, with 8-speed automatic transmission, and FWD. AWD would be available as an option. Let’s look at the features of the trims of Hyundai Palisade.
Trim |
SE |
SEL |
Limited |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$31,975 est |
$33,925 est |
$45,125 est |
Key Features |
Cruise control |
Adds features from SE Trim |
Adds features from SE and SEL Trims |
5 USB outlets |
8-way power-adjustable seats with lumbar support |
Adjustable front head tilting restraints |
|
Lane assistant |
Heated front seats |
Remote-controlled approach lights |
|
Standard wheel audio control |
Blind-spot assist with collision avoidance features |
Power sunshade |
|
Keyless entry |
Dual Automatic climate control |
Heated and tilting steering wheel |
|
Back up camera |
Safe-exit assist |
Cruise control with steering assist |
|
Power Mirrors |
Power folding, reclining seats (3rd row) |
Key Fob door release |
*2020 Figures used for reference
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade is expected to have the same trims with similar features, with some minor add-ons. All three trims are well equipped with standard features, but you could improve the mid level trim with the addition of optional packages.
With no major changes in the 2021 model, the price of the new 2021 Palisade will not be increased by more than $1000 than the 2020 version. The estimated price range of the 2021 Palisade would be between $33,000-$46,500.
There’s no official announcement of the release date of the 2021 Hyundai Palisade, but it is expected to be launched in Summer 2020.
The 2020 Palisade had a 291hp 3.8L V6 engine. The same engine is expected in the 2021 model, with no options to choose from. The numbers wouldn’t impress you much, this is primarily because this car is made for a comfortable family drive, and not for high performance and speed. Hyundai has made tremendous efforts to make this car as silent as possible, with no vibrations inside the cabin.
To add to the smooth performance this car delivers, the 2021 Palisade comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission and that too with paddle shifter behind the steering wheel. Paddle shifters are quite unexpected from an 8 seater SUV with a 4200 lb weight, but they sure make your drive smooth and easy. The FWD is standard in all trims, but the optional AWD would be a better choice for steep roads considering the automatic transmission system.
Models |
2021 Hyundai Palisade (expected) |
2020 Kia Telluride |
2020 Honda Pilot |
2020 Chevrolet Traverse |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$32,700 |
$32,785 |
$31,550 |
$29,800 |
Engine |
3.8L V6 |
3.8L V6 |
3.5L V6 |
3.6L V6 |
Drivetrain |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
Transmission |
9-Speed Automatic |
8-Speed Automatic |
6-Speed Automatic |
9-Speed Shiftable Automatic |
Power (hp @ rpm) |
291 @6,000 |
291 @6,000 |
280 @6,000 |
310 @6,800 |
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) |
262 @5200 |
262 @5200 |
262 @4,700 |
266 @2,800 |
As mentioned earlier, the Hyundai Palisade has some pre-established competitors that have similar features and reputation in the market. The numbers above are almost the same for all, while the Chevrolet Traverse seems to have a bit powerful engine. Hyundai has carefully analyzed what its rivals have to offer, and even the cost of the Palisade is comparable to all its rivals and gave no chance for us to complain.
The Palisade is primarily a family SUV and not meant for high performance instead its built to be an elegant and comfortable family vehicle. In spite of this, this 2020 SUV managed to go from 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds. The 2021 model is expected to have the same performance, as fast acceleration is not the primary concern for the Palisade’s manufacturers.
Models |
2021 Hyundai Palisade (expected) |
2020 Kia Telluride |
2020 Honda Pilot |
2020 Chevrolet Traverse |
---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH (seconds) |
7.2 |
8.1 |
6.5 |
6.9 |
Quarter Mile (secs) |
15.3 |
17.1 |
NA |
14.7 |
Top Speed(MPH) |
N/A |
141 |
N/A |
130 |
Engine |
3.8L V6 |
3.8L V6 |
3.5L V6 |
3.6L V6 |
Comparing the Palisade with its rivals, the Honda Pilot and the Chevrolet Traverse stand out, while the Kia Telluride lags in terms of performance, and stands after the Hyundai Palisade. The Hyundai Palisade though having a longer 0-60 speed time than its rivals, has a steady acceleration that would not make you feel laggy and unresponsive.
There’s not much info available about the brakes of the Hyundai Palisade. But the braking system of yesteryear model is perfectly engineered considering the dimension and size of this SUV, and the wheels will always hold the ground in spite of the rigid suspension and large size.
Model |
2021 Hyundai Palisade (expected) |
2020 Kia Telluride |
2020 Honda Pilot |
2020 Chevrolet Traverse |
---|---|---|---|---|
Brake Front (inches) |
13.4 |
13.4 |
12.6 |
12.6 |
Brake Rear (inches) |
12.0 |
12.0 |
13.0 |
12.4 |
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
4231 |
4354 |
4036 |
4362 |
60-0 MPH (feet) |
129 |
120 |
128 |
133 |
One of the major advantages of the Hyundai Palisade over its rivals is the lower weight. This surely benefits the overall braking and handling of this SUV and makes it stand from its rivals in spite of such a fierce competition.
The handling and ride quality of the 2021 Hyundai Palisade is nothing extraordinary, and just like any other SUV, the steering feedback is almost negligible. The windows and pillars are perfectly placed and will cause no hindrance in the visibility outside. Driving this mammoth car on highways and curvy roads would not be something furious for you, and the AWD system would adjust to all the road conditions to make your drive easy and comfortable.
Six drive modes are available, including the Comfort, Eco, and Sport mode. Off-roading would be made easier with the Snow, Mud, and Sand modes with the AWD as an optional feature. The weight of the steering would change with every mode, but the feedback would be the same and close to negligible. So, the overall handling of the Hyundai Palisade is up to the mark, and someone familiar with a heavier vehicle, would love this SUV’s easy handling and ride quality.
Considering the mammoth size of this 8-seater SUV, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade would not disappoint you in terms of fuel economy. The 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on highways is what this car delivers, and the combined economy is 22 MPG. The fuel tank of this car has to be large, and thus, Hyundai has equipped its flagship car with an 18.8-gallon fuel tank.
Model |
2021 Hyundai Palisade (Expected) |
2020 Kia Telluride |
2020 Honda Pilot |
2020 Chevrolet Traverse |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
19 |
20 |
20 |
18 |
MPG (Highway) |
26 |
26 |
27 |
27 |
MPG (Combined) |
22 |
23 |
23 |
21 |
Fuel Tank Capacity (Gallons) |
18.8 |
18.8 |
19.5 |
19.4 |
Range (City/Hwy/Combined, in miles) |
357/489/413 |
376/489/432 |
371/527/448 |
349.2/523.8 |
The MPG figures of the rivals of the 2021 Palisade are quite close to each other. The Kia Telluride stands out from the other mostly due to its dimensions.
Since the introduction of the Palisade in 2019, Hyundai set a new benchmark in terms of interiors of its SUV’s and consequently, all its rivals had to improve their interiors. There’s no doubt about the comfort and cabin space the 2021 Palisade will offer would be first-class. The only thing you might dislike is the cheap plastic used in certain places but that could be neglected.
The 2021 Palisade will be an 8 seater, but the higher variants would replace the bench seats with captains’ chairs in the second row, and make it a 7 seater. The front seats are remarkably comfortable, but it’s surprising to know that the second and even the third-row seats are as spacious as the front seats. There’s enough space to fit someone as tall as 6-feet or more height. The second-row seats are adjustable, to give more knee room for the 3’rd row passengers.
Model |
2021 Hyundai Palisade (Expected) |
2020 Kia Telluride |
2020 Honda Pilot |
2020 Chevrolet Traverse |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seating capacity |
7/8 |
7/8 |
8 |
7 |
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
40.7/61.2/44.1 |
40.9/61.6/41.4 |
40.1/62.0/40.9 |
41.3/62.1/41.0 |
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
40.1/60.8/42.4 |
40.2/61.2/42.4 |
40.2/68.0/38.4 |
40.0/62.2/38.4 |
Third Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
37.8/55.2/31.4 |
38.1/55.3/31.4 |
38.9/44.6/31.9 |
38.2/48.5/33.5 |
As seen from the figures, all the rivals of the Hyundai Palisade have the same cabin space, with some minor differences. The adjustable second-row seats could provide more space for the rear passengers.
The infotainment system of the 2021 Palisade is expected to remain the same, and the reason maybe because it is already well equipped in the 2020 model. The base versions get an 8-inch infotainment touch-screen, while the Limited version will have a 10.25-inch display. All the connectivity features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto are standard in all models. The 12-speaker Harman Kardon system would keep the passengers entertained, with the QuantumLogic Surround sound technology in the Limited model.
Apart from these, Hyundai has added some special features for its SUV, like the Driver intercom system, and Rear sleep mode. The sleep mode allows you to disconnect the audio system at rear seats, and keep the passengers undisturbed with no compromise in the front seat entertainment.
The Palisade has a decent cargo space of 14 cubic feet behind the third row. This would be sufficient for family vacation luggage, but if you need more space, the third, as well as the second row could be completely folded to provide you with a luggage space of 86.4 cubic feet. With only the third row folded, you will have a 45.8 cubic feet space. The tires do protrude from the cabin floor, so some hindrance is expected while sliding the luggage.
Model |
2021 Hyundai Palisade (Expected) |
2020 Kia Telluride |
2020 Honda Pilot |
2020 Chevrolet Traverse |
---|---|---|---|---|
Standard Cargo Capacity (cubic ft) |
18 |
21 |
16.5 |
23 |
Maximum Cargo Capacity ( cubic ft) |
86.4 |
88.1 |
83.8 |
98.2 |
Comparing the cargo space of the Hyundai with its rivals, it is significantly less than the Kia and the Chevy. The Honda Pilot has the least space, and even with the second and third-row folded. So, if the primary requirement for you is large cargo space, the Chevrolet Traverse would be a better choice.
The interior storage is no-less.16 cup-holders, a large center console due to push-button gear selector, and large door pockets would be sufficient for your small-item storage, and there’s literally nothing more you could ask for in this section. So, overall the 2021 Palisade is a complete family carrier, with all the space for you and your luggage.
The exterior of the 2021 Palisade is definitely impressive, and you will doubt its cabin space because of its stylish exterior. There are no changes expected, and it would be the same as that of the 2020 model. This would surely benefit the price of the new model, and it won’t be much raised. The highlight would be the front grill, which is massive and aggressive in its appearance. The C-pillar is quite impressive and gives a floating look to the roof.
The headlights installed to the Palisade are quite unconventional for an 8-seater SUV, but totally match with its appearance, and give a modern look to it. Moving on to the rear side, the spaced-out badge of Palisade adds to the aggressive look, and the tail-lights and dual exhaust pipes are something you won’t find in a regular SUV.
Model |
2021 Hyundai Palisade (Expected) |
2020 Kia Telluride |
2020 Honda Pilot |
2020 Chevrolet Traverse |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb weight (lbs.) |
4231 |
4354 |
4036 |
4362 |
Length(in) |
196.1 |
196.9 |
196.5 |
204.3 |
Width(in) |
77.8 |
78.3 |
78.6 |
78.6 |
Height(in) |
68.9 |
68.9 |
70.6 |
70.7 |
Ground clearance (in) |
7.9 |
8.0 |
7.3 |
7.2 |
Wheelbase |
114.2 |
114.2 |
111.0 |
120.9 |
All the rivals have almost the same dimensions and weight. The length of the Chevy leads to the extra cargo space it offers, while the Hyundai and other two rivals have similar lengths and width. The Kia Telluride offers the highest ground clearance that would be quite useful to tackle large obstacles on the way.
The 2021 model would have no changes and improvements in the safety features. The 2020 model had already equipped itself with everything that would be necessary to keep you safe. There were no problems found during the crash test, so you could totally rely on this mammoth SUV for a safe drive.
The Chevy Traverse is one of the prime competitors of the Palisade, primarily due to its large cargo space and low cost compared to its rivals. The Chevy has a starting price of about $29,800, while the Hyundai costs almost $31,975. Both the rivals have similar features and cabin space for 8 passengers.
The Hyundai is believed to have a more stylish exterior, sophisticated cabin space, while the Chevy stands no less in the competition with the advantage in terms of large cargo space and fuel tank capacity.
The Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride are like cousins. They have the same engine, cabin space, features, with some minor advantages over each other. Kia has some minor advantages in terms of cargo space and fuel economy.
Hyundai, on the other hand, has a more stylish exterior, with a massive grille, aggressive headlights at no extra cost. Both the rivals give a tough competition to each other, but if ride quality, style, and comfort is your primary concern, the Hyundai would stand out from its rivals.
Honda Pilot is the lightest among the two thus making it incredibly fast and also to come to a stop quickly. It has a greater fuel economy and a higher range than the Palisade.
However, it is compact and from the outside feels and looks small. It also has low cargo space but has a spacious cabin. Between the two, the Honda is a better choice.
The 2021 Palisade though not having any major changes, will definitely impress the buyers due to its modern and aggressive exterior, practical cabin space, well-equipped features, and improved efficiency. With a minimal increase in its price, it is set to give a tough competition to its rivals in the market, and undoubtedly make you think twice while moving on to them.