2021 Honda CR-V vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy stood out with its unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, and additional lower body trim. It featured unique 20-inch wheels, upgraded interior detailing, and a simulated suede interior headliner. These enhancements made the Calligraphy trim look more luxurious compared to other Palisade versions. The Limited trim, which previously had some of these features, now shared an exterior look with the Palisade SEL equipped with the Convenience or Premium option packages. Standard LED headlights were a new addition for models that didn't have them previously.

Inside, the Calligraphy trim impressed with its Beige over Navy Blue color scheme, light striated simulated wood trim, and quilted premium Nappa leather. The suede headliner added to the upscale feel, making the Calligraphy’s cabin appear more expensive than it was. The interior detailing and materials used in the Calligraphy trim made it a standout in the midsize three-row SUV class, rivaling even the luxurious Kia Telluride SX Prestige.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, had a more conventional look that blended in with other compact crossovers. Its styling was similar to many competitors, with few distinguishing features. The grille opening and some chromed plastic details were the only elements that set it apart. The CR-V was available in eight colors, but most were shades of gray, black, or white, with only a few vibrant options like Aegean Blue Metallic and Radiant Red Metallic, which were limited to higher trims.

Inside, the CR-V offered black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather depending on the trim level. Higher trims featured wood panels and more chrome for a more upscale appearance. The seats had a modern look with sharp details on the edges and headrests. However, compared to competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, the CR-V’s interior and exterior styling were less distinctive.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a powerful 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It came standard with front-wheel drive, with an optional all-wheel-drive 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 traction. The Palisade AWD had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in combined driving, and our test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg.

The Palisade’s suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive. It had a firmer feel compared to the Kia Telluride, offering better communication about road conditions without compromising comfort. The Palisade was predictable and confidence-inspiring on twisty roads, though it didn’t encourage aggressive driving. It was easy to drive in urban and suburban environments, with plenty of power and good steering and brake modulation. The Palisade also had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, with a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

The 2021 Honda CR-V featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, with a 0-60 mph time of about 7.8 seconds. It had a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provided smooth, steady acceleration but lacked engagement. The CR-V came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option. Its suspension setup included a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, offering decent handling and ride quality.

The CR-V’s performance was adequate for typical driving scenarios, but it didn’t stand out in terms of acceleration or driving engagement. Competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more entertaining driving experiences with their conventional automatic transmissions and sport modes.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space and accessibility. It featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and separate climate controls for third-row passengers. The second-row captain’s chairs provided ample legroom and support, and they slid forward for easy access to the third row. The third-row seat was more accommodating than most competitors.

The Palisade offered plenty of in-cabin storage, with a spacious front center console and door panels. Cargo space measured 18 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate was a convenient feature, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2021 Honda CR-V aimed to fit five people comfortably and carry their gear. It had 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, slightly more than the Toyota RAV4. With the rear seats folded, it offered 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space. The tailgate operation varied by trim, with the base trims requiring manual operation, while higher trims offered power and hands-free options.

Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim, limiting roof cargo options for lower trims. The CR-V’s interior was functional, with charging ports throughout the cabin and a modern look with sharp seat details. However, it lacked the upscale feel and spaciousness of the Palisade.

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. The Calligraphy trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, SiriusXM, navigation, Blue Link connected services, and wireless smartphone charging. Other features included a Driver Talk intercom system, Quiet Mode, head-up display, and surround-view camera system.

The 2021 Honda CR-V’s base LX trim had a 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Special Edition and EX trims had a 180-watt audio system, while the EX-L added two more speakers. The Touring trim had a 300-watt system with a subwoofer and satellite navigation. Charging ports were available throughout the cabin, with a wireless phone charger in the Touring trim.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping systems as standard. Higher trims included a more sophisticated rear occupant alert system, active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, and a Blind View Monitor. Highway Drive Assist provided advanced adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Honda CR-V also excelled in safety, earning five-star NHTSA and IIHS Top Safety Pick awards. However, it didn’t achieve the highest IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating due to lower headlight and updated side crash test scores. The CR-V’s Honda Sensing system included forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps as standard. Blind spot monitoring was available from the EX trim upwards.