2020 Hyundai Palisade vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade impressed with its bold and luxurious styling, which could easily be mistaken for a Cadillac. Its massive grille and thin headlights, combined with unique fog lights that form a character line of LEDs, made it stand out even more than some luxury SUVs. Hyundai's interesting use of chrome and character lines, such as the large chrome strip running from the A-pillar to the rear door, added to its eye-catching design, though it did make the vehicle look a bit busy. Inside, the Palisade's cabin exuded elegance and simplicity, with a fully digital instrument panel, a large touchscreen, and a center console filled with controls. The top-of-the-line Limited trim featured personalized ambient lighting, leather upholstery with unique stitching, and a host of other luxurious features.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade introduced the Calligraphy trim, which featured a different grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, additional lower body trim, unique 20-inch wheels, and upgraded interior detailing, including a simulated suede headliner. While the Limited trim remained appealing, it adopted an exterior look similar to the SEL with the Convenience or Premium packages. The Calligraphy trim made the Palisade look even more luxurious and drew attention, though opinions on its unconventional styling varied. Inside, the Calligraphy trim's Beige over Navy Blue color scheme, quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather, and suede headliner made it feel like a genuine bargain compared to other midsize three-row SUVs.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade came equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, provided solid acceleration and managed power well. The Palisade offered various drive modes, including Sport, Comfort, Eco, Snow, and Smart, which adjusted the vehicle's performance based on driving habits. In Comfort mode, the V6 and transmission took a moment to respond but eventually delivered strong acceleration. Sport mode made the gas pedal more responsive and improved cornering, especially with the Limited trim's self-leveling rear suspension. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined, while the AWD model achieved 19/24/21 mpg.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade also featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and FWD, with an optional AWD system. Drivers could choose between Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models adding a Snow mode and a Lock function for improved low-speed traction. The EPA estimated the AWD model's fuel economy at 21 mpg combined, and the test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg. The Palisade's firmer suspension tuning provided excellent body-motion control and a more communicative driving experience compared to the Kia Telluride. While not outright fun to drive, the Palisade remained predictable and confidence-inspiring, with plenty of power and easy maneuverability in urban and suburban environments. The 2021 model also featured a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for its 5,000-pound towing capacity.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade excelled in versatility and handling family needs, offering 45.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row down and 86.4 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The power-folding third-row seats, though slow to rise and drop, added convenience. The third row provided manageable space for longer trips, making the Palisade suitable for adults. The second-row captain's chairs offered ample legroom and support, with multiple cup holders and seatback pockets for storage. However, the Honda Pilot's second-row center console with a cargo tray and cup holders made better use of space between the captain's chairs.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade continued to impress with its interior size, seating, and accessibility. The Calligraphy trim added a plush feel, with eight-way power-adjustable front seats, an adjustable thigh support cushion for the driver, and a heated steering wheel. The front and second-row seats were heated and ventilated, while third-row passengers enjoyed separate climate controls and rear side-window sunshades. The second-row captain's chairs provided plenty of legroom and support, with easy access to the third row via a button or by stepping between the chairs. The Palisade offered 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, three front-row USB ports, two second-row USB ports, and Bluetooth connectivity. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with tactile buttons and dials for easy navigation. The SEL trim offered an optional $1,250 Driver Guidance package, which included a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, satellite radio, and the Driver Talk intercom system. The Limited trim featured a Harman Kardon premium audio system with 12 speakers, Clari-Fi music restoration technology, a surround-view monitor, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen requiring a wired connection for smartphone mirroring. The Calligraphy trim included SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, Blue Link connected services, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. Other tech features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, Quiet Mode, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system. The voice-recognition technology worked well, and the speakers produced impressive sound quality.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and came with a full array of airbags, a reversing camera, child-seat anchors, and advanced driver-assistance tech. Standard features included forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, driver-attention warning, and parking sensors. The digital instrument panel displayed parking sensor warnings and featured a unique blind-spot camera system that activated with the turn signals.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade continued to excel in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and multiple lane-keeping systems. A rear occupant alert system reminded drivers to check the back seat, with a more sophisticated ultrasonic system available on higher trims. Most models included active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, as well as Safe Exit Assist. The Limited and Calligraphy trims featured a Blind View Monitor and Blue Link services, which included automatic collision warning and emergency assistance. Highway Drive Assist, available on more trims for 2021, provided smooth and sophisticated adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with Blue Link services offering automatic emergency response.