2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy distinguished itself with a unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting including puddle lamps, additional lower body trim, unique 20-inch wheels, upgraded interior detailing, and a simulated suede interior headliner. These features, some of which were previously standard on the Limited trim, made the Calligraphy look more upscale. The Limited trim adopted an exterior look similar to the Palisade SEL with the Convenience or Premium packages, and standard LED headlights were added to models that lacked them in 2020. The Calligraphy trim drew attention with its fancy appearance, though opinions on its unconventional styling varied. Inside, the Calligraphy’s cabin, with its Beige over Navy Blue color scheme, quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather, and suede headliner, was luxurious and seemed like a bargain at its sticker price.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, with its new gasoline engines and a gas-electric hybrid powertrain, offered a range of trims including SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy for gas models, and Blue, SEL Premium, and Limited for hybrids. Pricing ranged from $26,850 to $39,950 MSRP, with AWD standard for hybrids and optional for gas models. The Santa Fe’s redesigned front end featured new running lights, a reworked grille, and a new bumper, with different wheel, grille, and headlight combinations for each trim. Inside, new colors, patterns, and textures, along with a new bridge-style center console, elevated the Santa Fe’s interior. The Calligraphy trim, with its Stormy Sea paint, AWD, 19-inch wheels, and Black premium leather, offered a luxurious feel at $43,590. The interior exuded quality with a full panoramic glass sunroof adding to the sense of luxury, though the exterior design remained an acquired taste.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade came equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-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 traction. The EPA estimated a Palisade AWD would return 21 mpg in combined driving, and our test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg. The Palisade’s firmer suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive without encouraging aggressive behavior. It was undemanding to drive in typical scenarios, with plenty of power and easy maneuverability. The Palisade also offered a 5,000-pound towing capacity with a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered three new powertrains. SE and SEL trims had a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Santa Fe Hybrids featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder, a starter/generator, an electric drive motor, and a six-speed automatic transmission, with a total system output of 226 hp. The Limited and Calligraphy trims had a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed wet-plate dual-clutch transmission. The Santa Fe offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with the transmission showing some reluctance to downshift in Smart mode. The turbocharged engine provided impressive performance, with the EPA rating both powertrains at 24 mpg in combined driving. Our test vehicle averaged 22.4 mpg, mainly in Smart mode.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space, seating, and accessibility. The Calligraphy trim offered a plush interior with 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 the third-row seat was more accommodating than most in its class. The Palisade offered plenty of in-cabin storage, with a storage tray under the center console. Cargo space measured 18 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down, and 86.4 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate was convenient but could be turned off if not needed.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, without a third-row seat, offered added passenger room for a midsize SUV. All trims included dual-zone automatic climate control, with stain-resistant fabric for cloth seats and leather available for the SEL and standard in the Limited. The Calligraphy trim featured a suede-like headliner and premium Nappa leather. The Santa Fe provided comfort with eight-way power front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat offered ample legroom and comfort, with air-conditioning vents, quick-charge USB ports, a power outlet, and rear side-window sunshades. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

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

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy was loaded with technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a surround-view camera system, and an 8.5-inch head-up display. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 10.25-inch system required a wired connection but included upgraded voice-recognition technology and enhanced Blue Link services. The 12-speaker Harman Kardon system with Clari-Fi was available with the larger screen. Blue Link provided a range of connected services, including remote engine start and climate control adjustment. The Santa Fe also offered Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist technology.

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

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered impressive safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning assistance, Safe Exit Assist, and a rear-occupant alert system. The Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist provided additional safety. The Santa Fe earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS with LED projector headlights.