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2021 Hyundai Palisade: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade is the new Calligraphy trim, which becomes the most upscale version in the lineup. This is a meaningful trim and equipment update, not a full redesign.
About the 2021 Hyundai Palisade
1st generation (2020-2022), second model year, before the 2023 refresh.
For 2021, the Palisade is Hyundai's flagship three-row family SUV: roomy, quiet, tech-rich, and more upscale in feel than many mainstream rivals. Hyundai markets it as a family vehicle that does daily-duty practicality without looking or feeling bare-bones, while reviewers consistently note that upper trims push into near-luxury territory. Its core appeal is generous passenger space, strong standard safety tech, and a polished cabin at a mainstream-brand price.
The Palisade range still runs from the practical eight-seat SE to the well-equipped Limited, while the new Calligraphy adds a more distinctive exterior and richer cabin above it. Calligraphy highlights include exclusive 20-inch wheels, quilted leather door panels, a suede-style headliner, a digital instrument display, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation. The SE retains the same V6 power and core safety features, while the SEL adds comfort items such as heated front seats and a sunroof.
What changed, by category
Styling
The new Calligraphy trim adds an exclusive grille, 20-inch wheels, unique LED lighting details, quilted leather door panels, and a suede-style headliner. LED headlights become standard across the lineup, and the SEL's sunroof becomes standard rather than optional.
Tech
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto expand to Palisades without navigation. HD Radio and support for connecting multiple devices also spread to lower trims, and trailer pre-wiring changes to a 7-pin connector.
2021 Hyundai Palisade specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, GDI, 3.8 Liter | V6, GDI, 3.8 Liter | V6, GDI, 3.8 Liter | V6, GDI, 3.8 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 291 hp | 291 hp | 291 hp | 291 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 86.4 cu-ft | 86.4 cu-ft | 86.4 cu-ft | 86.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.4 in | 31.4 in | 31.4 in | 31.4 in |
| Seats | 8 | 8 | 7 | |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Head-Up Display | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual Power Rear Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||
| Reclining Rear Seats | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Hyundai Palisade?
The biggest change is the addition of the Calligraphy trim at the top of the 2021 Palisade lineup. It brings exclusive exterior details and a richer cabin than the Limited.
Was the 2021 Hyundai Palisade redesigned?
No, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade was not redesigned. It is the second model year of the first generation and receives trim and equipment updates ahead of the 2023 refresh.
What does the 2021 Palisade Calligraphy add?
The 2021 Palisade Calligraphy adds exclusive 20-inch wheels, a unique grille and lighting details, quilted leather door panels, a suede-style headliner, a perforated leather steering wheel, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation.
Did the 2021 Palisade SEL gain any standard features?
Yes, the 2021 Palisade SEL makes LED headlights and a power sunroof standard instead of optional. It also gains LED interior map lights.
Did the 2021 Hyundai Palisade get a new engine?
No, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade did not get a new engine. The familiar 3.8-liter V6 and eight-speed automatic transmission carry over.
2021 Hyundai Palisade Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Hyundai Palisade.
4.3
2021 Hyundai Palisade
(343 reviews)
“I was surprised the Santa Fe had 360 field of view and front cameras for parking but this more expensive version did not.”
“Love the quality of the vehicle. We wish we had moved up to a higher trim level for a better infotainment system.”