The 2021 Hyundai Palisade lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average windshield and transmission software issues reported. At $28,990 to $43,998, it’s a decent value for a midsize SUV, which offers a lot of luxury features for the money.
Is the 2021 Hyundai Palisade a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a good year for the Hyundai Palisade since it offers improvements from earlier years. Owner reviews praise the smooth suspension, safety technology, and the upscale interior.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are high-quality for an SUV in its price range, the seats are comfortable, cargo space is also excellent for its size.
- Reliability 7/10 – There are fewer complaints on the 2021 Hyundai Palisade, but transmission problems still show up. Avoid models from 2020, which have engine failures, while 2021-2023 are more dependable.
- Performance 7/10 – The standard V6 engine offers reasonable power, but it’s not as quick as some of the other midsize SUVs on the market.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2021 Palisade is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Optional upgrades include parking sensors along with a head-up display.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 22 MPG, giving 413 miles of range from the 18.8 gallon tank. Gas costs are $53 cheaper than average, at $183 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Hyundai Palisade is less than some other midsize SUVs on the market with reasonable depreciation rates, giving it a good overall value score.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Hyundai Palisade?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Hyundai Palisade is an extremely functional family vehicle with a nice interior, which earns good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Hyundai Palisade at 4.2/5, enjoying the comfortable seats, but doesn’t like the loose handling compared to other SUVs.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Palisade a 4.2/5, praising the generous amount of standard features, but owners don’t like the excessive wind noise.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Hyundai Palisade Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Hyundai Palisade include cracked windshields, delayed gear changes, along with some issues with the wiring being destroyed by pests. Overall, these problems are similar to some other midsize SUVs, leading to average repair costs as the Palisade ages.
Cracked windshields are the most widespread complaint from 2021 Palisade owners, within the first 10,000 miles. There are some production runs of window glass, which are more prone to cracking when hit with a stone. Replacing the windshield costs around $700, depending on local labor rates.
Delayed gear changes are another problem reported by some Palisade owners at around 1,500 miles. There are transmission control module software updates available. Most dealerships will install these updates during normal servicing for free, while others charge around $100.
The wiring being destroyed by pests is another issue found on the Palisade. The soy-based coating on the wires attracts some mice and rats. Replacing wiring can cost thousands of dollars, depending on what was damaged. We recommend an ultrasonic device if you do have to park your Palisade outdoors.
There are four recalls on the 2021 Hyundai Palisade, which is worse than some other SUVs from the same year. The most serious recall covers the tow hitch wire harness, which can catch fire while parked. Hyundai will replace the wiring on affected models for free. Other recalls cover the windshield wipers and brake fluid, which Hyundai will also fix for free.
How Long Will the 2021 Hyundai Palisade Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Hyundai Palisade can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than the long-lasting Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $438 per year.
As a used 2021 Palisade reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the liftgate struts for $200, control arm bushing costing $250, along with the alternator, which costs $700.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is very good and includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a stronger stereo system and a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen.
Standard safety technology is great, since it features:
- Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection
- Adaptive cruise control
- Driver drowsiness monitoring
- Rear seat alert
- Rearview camera
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Lane-keep assist
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Rear parking sensors
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Front parking sensors
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Head-up display
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Surround-view parking camera
Is the 2021 Hyundai Palisade a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade is a decent value since it offers an upscale interior and some good technology features for the money. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $28,990 to $43,998, making it less than a Honda Pilot or Jeep Grand Cherokee. When new, the price range was $32,675 to $47.900. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Hyundai Palisade?
There are four main models of the 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered from the entry-level SE through to the more luxurious Calligraphy. The Palisade comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Hyundai Palisade SE is the entry-level model with:
- Cloth upholstery
- Second-row bench seat
- 8-inch touch screen
- Apple CarPlay compatibility
- Android Auto compatibility
- HD Radio
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Five USB ports
- Remote keyless entry
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keep assist
- Driver-drowsiness monitoring
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Rear-seat alert
- Rear parking sensors
- Rearview camera
Hyundai Palisade SEL is a step up, adding:
- Heated front seats
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Second-row captain’s chairs (some models have bench seats)
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Proximity keyless entry
- Push-button start
- Remote start
- Sunroof
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Optional Convenience package (additional USB ports, wireless charging, etc.)
- Optional Premium package (leather upholstery, heated second-row seats, etc.)
- Hands-free power liftgate (with Convenience package)
- 20-inch wheels (with Convenience package)
- Self-leveling rear suspension (with Convenience package)
- Front parking sensors (with Convenience package)
- 2-inch touch screen (with Premium package)
- Navigation system (with Premium package)
- Satellite radio (with Premium package)
- Intercom (with Premium package)
Hyundai Palisade Limited has more features such as:
- Contents of Convenience and Premium packages
- Ventilated first- and second-row seats
- Ambient interior lighting
- 3-inch digital gauge cluster
- 12-speaker Harman Kardon stereo
- Panoramic sunroof
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Head-up display
Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is the flagship model with:
- Calligraphy trim-specific grille
- Calligraphy trim-specific bumpers
- 20-inch wheels
- Quilted leather door panels
What Engines Come In the Hyundai Palisade?
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade is powered by a single engine option, a 3.8-liter V6, which delivers a solid 291 horsepower and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for smooth handling. This setup achieves a combined fuel economy of 22 MPG, striking a balance between power and efficiency. The Palisade’s acceleration is noteworthy, with the ability to go from 0 to 60 MPH in about 7.4 seconds, providing a responsive and brisk driving experience for an SUV of its size. This makes the Palisade versatile for various driving scenarios, from daily commutes to longer road trips.
What Colors Does the Hyundai Palisade Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Hyundai Palisade?
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade is highly regarded for its comfort, offering a plush and serene driving experience that caters to both drivers and passengers. The interior of the Palisade is designed with a focus on luxury and comfort, featuring high-quality materials that contribute to its premium feel. The seats are upholstered in soft yet durable materials, with higher trims offering leather options that enhance the sense of luxury. The front seats are especially comfortable, with ample support and adjustability, including power-adjustable settings and heating and ventilation options in higher trims. This provides a relaxing experience for the driver and front passenger, even on longer journeys.
In addition to the comfortable seating, the Palisade’s cabin is spacious, providing generous legroom and headroom in all three rows. This makes it an excellent choice for families or groups, as even adult passengers can find comfortable seating in the third row, which is a rarity in many SUVs. The ride quality of the Palisade is smooth and composed, effectively absorbing bumps and road irregularities, further enhancing passenger comfort. The vehicle also boasts excellent noise insulation, guaranteeing a quiet cabin that shields occupants from external noise and vibrations.
Furthermore, the Palisade’s climate control system deserves mention, as it is designed to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature regardless of external conditions. The system is efficient and user-friendly, with rear passengers enjoying their own climate control settings in higher trims. Overall, the combination of luxurious seating, spacious interiors, a smooth ride, and effective climate control makes the 2021 Hyundai Palisade a top choice for those prioritizing comfort in their vehicle. Whether it’s for daily commuting, long road trips, or family outings, the Palisade delivers a relaxing and enjoyable driving experience.
How Much Storage Space Does the Hyundai Palisade Have?
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offers a generous amount of storage space, making it an ideal vehicle for families and those who usually travel with a lot of cargo. The total cargo space available on the Palisade is 86.4 cubic feet when the second and third-row seats are folded down. This expansive area allows for the transportation of various large items. For example, it can comfortably accommodate bulky luggage, several full-size suitcases, camping gear, or sports equipment like skis and golf bags. When only the third row is folded, the space available is around 45.8 cubic feet, still ample room for grocery shopping or carrying multiple medium-sized boxes.
Apart from the main cargo area, the 2021 Palisade is also equipped with numerous small interior storage spaces designed for convenience and practicality. These include a sizable under-floor storage compartment in the cargo area, perfect for stashing away valuable items or keeping items organized and out of sight. The vehicle also features door pockets, a glove compartment, and a center console in the front row, offering easy access to smaller items like smartphones, wallets, and keys. The second row includes cup holders and back-of-seat pockets, providing additional storage for passengers. These well-thought-out storage solutions, combined with the large cargo capacity, make the 2021 Hyundai Palisade a versatile choice for a wide range of storage needs, from daily commutes to long road trips.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Hyundai Palisade was launched for the 2020 model year.
2020: All-new three-row SUV offered by Hyundai with a nice interior and some advanced technology.
2021: Flagship Calligraphy model was introduced, and the options packages have been restructured.
2022: Blind spot monitoring is now standard on the entry-level SE model.
2023: New front and rear bumpers, updated instrument panel, and the XRT model was launched.
How Does the Hyundai Palisade Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade is a nice midsize SUV if you’re in the market for something that is reasonably priced and offers an upscale interior for the money, although it’s not as reliable as some competitors.
The Kia Telluride is another midsize SUV, which is about $1,500 less. Both the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade are built on the same platform, but the Hyundai Palisade has a better cabin. We recommend the Hyundai Palisade since it offers more features for the money, but both are good.
The Honda Pilot is a popular competitor, which costs about $1,000 less. Long-term reliability ratings are better in the Honda Pilot, while the Hyundai Palisade offers more luxury features. We recommend the Honda Pilot since they have lower ownership costs as they age.
