2021 Hyundai Palisade – Features, Specs & Trim Comparison in Knoxville TN

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade redefines three-row luxury with its spacious interior, premium materials, and comprehensive safety features. Perfect for large East Tennessee families who need room for everyone and everything, the Palisade combines Hyundai's industry-leading warranty with sophisticated comfort for daily Knoxville commuting and extended Smoky Mountain family adventures.

Quick Comparison Overview

SE Trim: Essential features, 8-passenger seating, cloth interior | 19/26 MPG | Best for budget-conscious families

SEL Trim: Enhanced comfort, captain's chairs available, upgraded tech | 19/26 MPG | Most popular choice

Limited Trim: Premium leather, advanced safety, luxury appointments | 19/26 MPG | Best for luxury seekers

Calligraphy Trim: Ultimate luxury, unique styling, premium materials | 19/26 MPG | Best for distinctive elegance

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SE

SEL

Limited

Calligraphy

What's New for 2021

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade receives several important updates:

• Enhanced Hyundai SmartSense safety suite with additional features
• Updated infotainment system with improved smartphone integration
• New exterior color options and wheel designs
• Refined interior materials across all trim levels
• Improved sound insulation for an even quieter cabin experience

Trim Level Breakdown

2021 Hyundai Palisade SE

The SE provides exceptional value for large families, offering three rows of seating and comprehensive safety features at Hyundai's most accessible Palisade price point.

Key Features:

• 3.8L V6 engine (291 hp)
• 8-speed automatic transmission
• 8-passenger seating configuration
• 8" touchscreen with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
• Hyundai SmartSense safety suite
• 18" alloy wheels

2021 Hyundai Palisade SEL

The most popular choice among East Tennessee families, the SEL adds comfort and convenience features while offering flexible seating configurations for modern family needs.

Key Features:

• Available captain's chairs (7-passenger seating)
• 12.3" digital instrument cluster
• Wireless device charging
• Heated front seats
• Power liftgate with smart opening
• 20" alloy wheels

2021 Hyundai Palisade Limited

Premium comfort meets family practicality with leather seating and advanced technology features ideal for discerning East Tennessee families who want luxury with utility.

Key Features:

• Nappa leather-appointed seating
• Ventilated front seats
• 12.3" navigation touchscreen
• Infinity premium audio with 12 speakers
• Surround View Monitor
• Heated second-row captain's chairs

2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy

The flagship trim offers the ultimate in luxury and sophistication, featuring exclusive design elements and premium materials for families who demand the finest experience.

Key Features:

• Exclusive Calligraphy design elements
• Premium Nappa leather with diamond quilting
• Suede headliner
• Unique 20" alloy wheels
• Exclusive exterior badging and trim
• VIP second-row relaxation seats

Performance & Fuel Economy

The 2021 Palisade features a single, powerful engine option:

3.8L V6 GDI Engine (All Trims):

• Power: 291 horsepower, 262 lb-ft torque
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC
• Fuel Economy: 19 city/26 highway MPG (FWD), 19/24 MPG (AWD)

HTRAC All-Wheel Drive:

• Available on all trims
• Intelligent torque distribution
• Enhanced traction for East Tennessee's varied weather conditions
• Multiple drive modes including Snow and Sand

The V6 engine provides strong acceleration and confident highway passing power while maintaining reasonable fuel economy for a three-row SUV.

Safety & Technology

Standard Hyundai SmartSense:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Driver Attention Warning
• High Beam Assist

Available Advanced Technology:

• 12.3" touchscreen navigation system
• 12.3" digital instrument cluster
• Infinity premium audio system
• Wireless device charging
• Blue Link connected services
• Surround View Monitor with parking guidance

Interior & Comfort

The Palisade maximizes space and comfort for all passengers:

Seating & Space:

• Three rows of seating for 7 or 8 passengers
• 18.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind third row
• 45.8 cubic feet behind second row
• 86.4 cubic feet with all rear seats folded
• Easy second-row access to third row

Comfort Features:

• Available Nappa leather seating
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated second-row seats (Limited, Calligraphy)
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Second-row window sunshades

Why Knoxville Drivers Love the Palisade

Exceptional Space: Three rows of genuine adult seating plus generous cargo capacity for large families and their gear.

Industry-Leading Warranty: Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty provides unmatched peace of mind for long-term ownership.

Premium Interior: High-quality materials and thoughtful design create a luxury experience at a competitive price point.

Advanced Safety: Comprehensive SmartSense suite provides confidence for family driving throughout East Tennessee.

Strong Value Proposition: Luxury features and warranty coverage deliver exceptional value compared to premium brand competitors.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

How many people can the 2021 Hyundai Palisade seat? The Palisade can seat either 7 or 8 passengers depending on configuration. SE models come standard with 8-passenger bench seating, while SEL and higher trims can be equipped with 7-passenger captain's chairs for easier third-row access.

What is the towing capacity of the 2021 Palisade? The 2021 Palisade can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it capable of pulling boats, travel trailers, and other recreational equipment for East Tennessee adventures.

Does the 2021 Palisade come with all-wheel drive? All-wheel drive (HTRAC) is available on all trim levels. The system automatically distributes torque between front and rear wheels and includes multiple drive modes for different conditions.

What safety features are standard on the 2021 Palisade? Standard Hyundai SmartSense includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and High Beam Assist.

How reliable is the 2021 Hyundai Palisade? The Palisade has shown good reliability in its early years, and Hyundai's comprehensive warranty coverage provides excellent protection. The proven 3.8L V6 engine and 8-speed transmission are well-established powertrains.

What's the difference between SEL and Limited trims? The Limited adds Nappa leather seating, ventilated front seats, premium Infinity audio, navigation system, Surround View Monitor, and heated second-row seats compared to the SEL's cloth seating and basic features.

Is the third row suitable for adults in the Palisade? Yes, the Palisade offers one of the most spacious third rows in its class with genuine adult seating capability, though second-row captain's chairs make access easier than bench seats.

What's the fuel economy of the 2021 Palisade? The Palisade achieves 19 city/26 highway MPG with front-wheel drive and 19 city/24 highway MPG with all-wheel drive, which is competitive for a three-row SUV of its size.

Does the 2021 Palisade have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto? Yes, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on all trim levels through the 8" or available 12.3" touchscreen infotainment system.

How does the Palisade compare to other three-row SUVs? The Palisade stands out with its spacious interior, comprehensive warranty, competitive pricing, and high level of standard safety features compared to competitors like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Chevrolet Traverse.