Ministry of Interior Affairs: 2021 Hyundai Palisade

Article content

Which do you think provides better value for your money: paying a premium price for a premium badge’s basic interior, or paying less for the very best interior a mainstream brand has to offer?

Article content

Both answers are entirely valid. There are plenty of people who value the prestige of a luxury brand; if there weren’t, they wouldn’t exist. But there are also people out there who are quite happy to put badge envy aside and simply drive whatever gives them the most bang for their buck.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

Ministry of Interior Affairs: 2021 Hyundai Palisade Back to video

Those from the latter camp who are looking for a three-row SUV might want to consider the 2021 Hyundai Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy. This updated version of the Palisade’s top trim takes it another step further into premium territory with its numerous mechanical and feature additions.

Specific to the interior – because that’s what we focus on here at the Ministry of Interior Affairs – this update means new quilted leather door panels, a perforated leather steering wheel, and a microfibre suede headliner. The latter is an especially nice touch, but it does hold onto fingerprint lines quite easily, so if you’re uptight about such things and regularly transport kids you might want to keep one of those little lint brushes handy. There are also some wood-look inserts and metallic accents, all of which are plastic but are convincing to the eye, at least.

Toggle full screen mode Previous Gallery Image

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

Next Gallery Image Toggle gallery captions

View All 4 Photos

1 of 4

All 4 Photos for Gallery

1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 

Function Not Available

Full Screen is not supported on this browser version.

You may use a different browser or device to view this in full screen.

OK

Article content

These points notwithstanding, at an as-tested price of $56,824 including destination fees, the look of the materials is only one element of the Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy’s all-around solid value. In the front row, heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel are equipped along with driver’s seat and side mirror memory functions. There’s also a separate sunroof for the front row, and while huge sunroofs certainly look pretty, there is a certain practicality to having independent control when there are young passengers sleeping in the back. Storage up front is also practical with a centre console bin with a USB-A port, a 12-volt outlet, and a space large enough for a small bag. There’s another storage spot under the centre console with a USB-A port for the front passenger, and between the front seats you’ll find a pair of retractable cupholders that turns the centre storage unit into a customizable space.

Article content

Tech tends to be one of Hyundai’s strong suits, and they’ve thrown the entire toolbox at the Palisade by including a 10.25-inch high-resolution infotainment screen, wireless phone charger, quality head-up display, 360-degree camera, and fully digital gauge cluster. The latter integrates Hyundai’s blind view monitor system, which projects a view of the Palisade’s blind spot on the side where the turn signal is activated. The Hyundai infotainment system is easy to use on the road and includes thoughtful features like the ability to mix radio station presets from different sources. I’m an especially big fan of the split screen function that lets Android Auto or Apple CarPlay run alongside in-car functions. My only complaint is one that’s too common for me as touchscreens expand: the layout of the buttons underneath the screen is so wide that I can’t reach the tuning knob at all, so I lean on the presets to move through my favourite stations. Fortunately, the system works well enough that this isn’t too much of a hardship.

Article content

In the second row, the Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy’s captain’s chairs are comfortable and supportive and are both heated and ventilated. Both seats can be used for LATCH-equipped car seats, and kids who are forward-facing will be able to reach the cup holders that are mounted on the door armrests, which are a thoughtful addition. Two USB-A ports are available, one on the back of each front-row seat, and there’s also a 12-volt outlet and a low-wattage 115-volt plug on the back of the centre console.

The third row includes three seat positions, though it would make for a tight squeeze across the shoulders to use all three at once. An indentation in the headliner adds a good amount of head room, and there’s plenty of leg room to share between the two rear rows. There’s also a healthy amount of rise between the seat cushions and the floor, making this a comfortable space for smaller adults to sit for a while. There is one additional LATCH position here on the left side, making for three positions in the Palisade all together. Nicely sized windows and some light from the larger rearward sunroof make the space feel bright and airy. A pair of cupholders and one USB-A port per side top off the usability of this space.

Toggle full screen mode Previous Gallery Image

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

Next Gallery Image Toggle gallery captions

View All 4 Photos

1 of 4

All 4 Photos for Gallery

1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 

Function Not Available

Full Screen is not supported on this browser version.

You may use a different browser or device to view this in full screen.

OK

Article content

Both the second and third rows can be power folded using buttons in the rear cargo area, and the full load floor lays flat once they’re retracted. With both rear rows folded, the Palisade holds 2,447 litres of cargo, while there’s 1,297 litres of space behind the second row and 509 litres behind the third row. This latter cargo space is large enough to hold our jogging stroller when placed upright. The space under the rear load floor has tonneau cover storage and a little extra, and a 12-volt outlet is positioned back here as well. There’s a donut spare tire mounted externally behind the rear bumper.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy costs $700 more than its 2020 model year equivalent, an increase that’s well worth it for the premium elements that are added to make the value proposition on this top-grade Palisade even better.