2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade is such a well-rounded and well-executed three-row crossover that the only thing preventing it from being declared a runaway best-in-class choice is that the mechanically related Kia Telluride manages to check off the exact same boxes. That people seem to gravitate more to the Kia's design may ultimately tilt the scales in its favor, but it doesn't change the fact that the Palisade objectively stands just as tall for its compelling blend of features, functionality, quality and a general lack of bad habits. Now, you shouldn't expect a fully loaded Palisade to come at rock bottom prices. This isn't the Hyundai of old. However, it's still value packed. For instance, its equipment level and pricing largely mirror that of the popular Honda Pilot, while offering more space, a more elegant interior and more warranty coverage. The Palisade also boasts more standard driver assistance features than any competitor (they're well-executed, too) and ample easy-to-use infotainment features. Really, we could just keep going with superlatives (and we probably will during our long-term Palisade test), so let's just leave it here for now and let you dig deeper below. What's new for 2021? Hyundai has reorganized some features and packaging for 2021, but it’s the addition of the new Palisade Calligraphy that's the biggest deal. This range-topping trim level comes with every available feature standard plus exclusive wheel and grille designs, special exterior lighting elements, leather-trimmed door inserts and a micro-fiber suede headliner. It is pictured above. What's Palisade interior and in-car technology like? Thankfully, don't need to get the Calligraphy to get a uniquely elegant cabin highlighted by a wide, Mercedes-like touchscreen panel, distinctive trim types and a center console that rises to meet the dash, leaving extra storage underneath. It's both attractive and functional, and it can provide quite the "wow" moment if you've just come from test driving a Honda Pilot or Subaru Ascent – competitors that are well constructed but score a zero in charisma. The Palisade's quality is also shockingly good, inching awfully close to genuine luxury territory (and that was our opinion before the Calligraphy was introduced). Every Palisade comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, which is the upgrade unit in some other Hyundais. It's easy to use, and thanks to the Palisade's design, easy to see. A 10.25-inch widescreen unit is available on upper trim levels, much as it is in the Hyundai Sonata. You can devote the entire thing to one function, split it 70/30 between two (such as the navigation map and audio system information), or leave it on the home screen that shows three functions. It's similar to what you increasingly see in various luxury brands, and it's just as well-executed, if even a bit better, in the Palisade. The Palisade also comes standard with a multitude of standard infotainment features including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio and five USB ports. An extra pair of USB ports is added to upper trim levels, which can also be outfitted …
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