2021 Nissan Armada 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, exclusive 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 option packages, and standard LED headlights were added to models that lacked them in 2020.

The Calligraphy trim made the Palisade appear more luxurious, drawing attention for its unconventional styling. Opinions on its design varied, with some appreciating its look while others were less enthusiastic. Inside, the Calligraphy’s Beige over Navy Blue color scheme, premium Nappa leather, and suede headliner made it feel like a bargain compared to other midsize three-row SUVs, except for the similarly luxurious Kia Telluride SX Prestige.

The 2021 Nissan Armada underwent a significant facelift, aligning its looks with Nissan’s new signature exterior design. Available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum grades, the Armada featured a new grille, front fenders, bumpers, and LED headlights and taillights, giving it a modern yet traditionally beefy appearance. The Platinum trim, tested in prototype form, showcased these updates.

Standard features included body-color over fenders, dark-painted roof rails, an acoustic windshield, and LED lighting. Depending on the trim, the Armada rode on 18-, 20-, or 22-inch wheels, all aluminum alloy. The new Nissan logo was prominently displayed on the grille, rear, steering wheel, and wheel caps. Despite the updates, the Armada retained its underbite, which aged the model compared to redesigned competitors like the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. The Midnight Edition Package added dark accents, and a new exterior color, Coulis Red Pearl, was introduced.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and 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 Snow mode and a Lock function for improved traction. The EPA estimated a Palisade AWD would achieve 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 more communicative about road conditions compared to the softer Kia Telluride. While not outright fun to drive, the Palisade was sure-footed and confidence-inspiring on twisty roads. It was undemanding in typical driving scenarios, with plenty of power, easy corner judgment, and agreeable steering and brake modulation. The Palisade’s 5,000-pound towing capacity was supported by a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector.

The 2021 Nissan Armada featured a 5.6-liter V8 engine delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque with premium fuel, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with automatic four-wheel drive available. Despite its weight, the Armada was a capable off-roader with a skid plate, double-wishbone suspension, Hitachi twin-tube shock absorbers, and up to 9.2 inches of ground clearance. Its maximum towing capacity was 8,500 pounds.

Fuel economy was a weak point, with RWD models achieving 14 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined, and 4WD models getting 13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined. The Armada’s handling had improved, making highway driving less of a chore, but its turning radius and parking maneuverability remained challenging. Standard trailer sway control and a seven-pin trailer harness plug were included.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space, seating, and accessibility. The Calligraphy trim added a plush feel, 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.

Cargo space was generous, with 18 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate was a convenient feature, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2021 Nissan Armada offered practicality and functionality, with standard running boards and in-cabin handles for easy access. The broad interior featured a new 12.3-inch touchscreen, though some controls were a stretch for the driver. Front seats were 10-way power-adjustable for the driver and six-way for the passenger, with power lumbar support.

Second-row captain’s chairs were available, reducing seating capacity from eight to seven. Third-row seating was less comfortable for adults but usable in a pinch. Cargo space measured 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 95.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. The high load floor made loading and unloading challenging for petite adults. Small-item storage was limited, with the center console storage bin being the exception.

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 Nissan Armada featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, the largest in its class, with navigation, a six-speaker stereo, satellite radio, Bluetooth, USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, NissanConnect Services, keyless entry, and wireless Apple CarPlay. Available features included a wireless charging pad, 13-speaker Bose audio system, rearview camera mirror, and a second-row entertainment system. The Platinum trim included these features as standard.

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 added 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 Nissan Armada had not been fully rated by the IIHS and NHTSA, but received a three-star rollover rating. Standard safety features included Nissan Safety Shield 360, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear door alert. Optional features included a rear camera mirror and surround-view camera system. Advanced driving assist technologies like Nissan ProPilot Assist were not available.