2022 Hyundai Palisade 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, and exclusive 20-inch wheels. The interior featured upgraded detailing and a simulated suede headliner, making it stand out. The Limited trim, while still appealing, adopted an exterior look similar to the Palisade SEL with the Convenience or Premium option packages. Standard LED headlights were a new addition for models that previously lacked them. The Calligraphy trim, with its Beige over Navy Blue color scheme and premium Nappa leather, made the Palisade appear more luxurious and expensive than it was, drawing mixed reactions for its unconventional styling.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade, as Hyundai's flagship SUV, presented an elegant and striking exterior design. It featured distinctive lines, a prominent grille, and sculpted wheel arches, giving it a sophisticated look. The continuous strip of glass surfaces around the tailgate created a floating rear roof impression. LED headlights, running lights, and taillights added to its visual appeal. Inside, the Palisade offered a horizontally arrayed screen, high-quality materials, and a spacious third row. The fit and finish were near-luxury levels, making it a worthy flagship. The Calligraphy model, in Steel Graphite paint and black interior, was particularly stunning.

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 a Snow mode and a Lock function for improved traction. The EPA estimated 21 mpg in combined driving for AWD models, and our test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg. The Palisade's firmer suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive, though not outright fun. It was undemanding in typical driving scenarios, with plenty of power and easy maneuverability. The Palisade could tow up to 5,000 pounds, with a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade also featured a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The V6 had gasoline direct injection, dual variable valve timing, and Atkinson-cycle capability for improved efficiency. The EPA estimated 22 mpg combined for FWD models and 21 mpg for AWD models. The Palisade's V6 engine provided a baritone rumble and quick acceleration. Weighing between 4,127 and 4,387 pounds, it handled nicely with four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars. The SEL Convenience trim and above included a self-leveling suspension system. The Palisade could tow up to 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious and accessible 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 had plenty of in-cabin storage, including 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 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.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade continued to excel in interior space and functionality. The third row offered comfortable seating and easy access, with cupholders on each side. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, and the front row had ample storage, including two compartments in the center console. Luggage space was identical to the 2021 model, with 18.0 cubic feet behind the third row, 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. The shift-by-wire gear selector and intuitive mode selector for the AWD system were well-placed. The Limited and Calligraphy trims included luxury features like a dual-panel sunroof, premium Nappa leather upholstery, and a hands-free liftgate.

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, a navigation system, Blue Link connected services, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium 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 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased Hyundai's technological prowess. The standard display audio system on SE and SEL models had an 800 x 480 resolution screen, while the Limited and Calligraphy models featured a 1920 x 720 color touchscreen and a 630-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system with 12 speakers. The infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, and satellite radio. The Palisade had multiple USB ports, a Qi wireless charging pad, and a 115-volt power outlet. The Limited and Calligraphy trims included a head-up display, Blue Link connected car system, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

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

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade continued Hyundai's commitment to safety, with seven airbags, three-point seat belts, LATCH anchors, and active head restraints. Standard active safety features included anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The Limited and Calligraphy trims included Highway Driving Assist. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA.