2021 Hyundai Palisade adds a snazzy new Calligraphy trim atop the lineup It gets unique styling and upgraded interior materials ZAC PALMER
Jul 13th 2020 autoblog.com
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade is stepping its game up just one year on. For 2021, Hyundai has added a top shelf Calligraphy trim to the lineup that’s even more luxurious and premium than the Limited. Most of the changes for the Calligraphy trim are aesthetic, and the adjustments make it stand out from the rest of the Palisade lineup.
For starters, it gets a new “Calligraphy” front grille. Instead of the silver crossbars, this Palisade has a new, triangular patterned design that looks rather premium. What stands out the most, though, as the new Calligraphy-exclusive 20-inch wheels. These alone will ensure it’s not mistaken for any other “normal” Palisade on the road. Bright silver and black patterns criss-cross through as spokes, resulting in one of the wildest wheel designs in Hyundai’s history. Hyundai has added some lower door garnish that stretches from fender-to-fender, too.
To further differentiate the Calligraphy from other trims, Hyundai has focused on added lighting. The crossover gains puddle lamps, an ultra-wide LED third brake light and taillight design specific to this trim.
Looks good and pretty convincing for just a "top trim level" in a larger lineup.
Honestly, I have to hand it to Hyundai on this.
First, they come up with a top-trim spec name that isn't "Platinum" or "Signature" or some other forgetful name like everyone uses. "Calligraphy" might be a mouthful, but its distinct, classy, and -- most importantly -- no one else is using it. At least they thought a few steps ahead.
Secondly, their approach to making this trim level look unique is kind of akin to what Ford does in Europe with their Vignale spec'ed cars. Though it's only a few years into their run, most (if not all) of Ford's Vignale cars have unique grills, lighting, material use, stitch patterns, etc. While they aren't an all-out departure from the the ordinary "Zetc" or "Ghia", etc trim levels, they're bespoke enough to make it convincing.
Just as in many things, I can't help but feel GM (or others) couldn't learn a thing or two from this.
Hyundai needs to square off that logo or something...something about it still says "cheap" even though the vehicles are no longer cheap. I see it and immediately think of the gen 1 Tiburon for some weird reason.
I’m curious if telluride will have any luxury upgrades. It’s already easily more appealing than anything from GM or Ford in this class...if they could produce more, they’d be killer in sales.
It’s not hype...it’s a solid vehicle w good looks, beautiful interior and standard features like ACC and safety features. I’m no longer considering a 3row at this point but I was supremely comfortable sitting in the kia but wasn’t able to test drive because the only one on the lot was sold...which is the only problem, that inventory has been extremely tight. The traverse was ok but GM nickel and dimes every option causing u to order multiple packages to get what u want. The explorer? Ur kidding right lol? Not a chance. It’s cheap interior and myriad of quality issues isn’t even a consideration. I don’t trust ford in general, once bitten twice shy...
Kia and Hyundai have this unbeatable level of style and amenities for the price, that's the biggest shock to that segment. Most of it's surface-level however. Companies like Ford spent huge money on expensive new platforms, Hybrids, and drivetrains, but little of it is as immediately tangible to the customers. But they also have a wider variety of customers from Police to Performance to Luxury.
I like the Kia Telluride's simpler design and SUV style. The Palisade reminds me of a Buick/Chevy design (over-decorated and lumpy), but that's why they have two designs for different customers.
I also think the appeal of Explorer went down with the redesign, the Kia/Hyundai twins seem to pick-up where Explorer left off. For me that fascia is the biggest culprit, it's so much worse than the previous Land Rover-like design. They went for a weird version of their corporate look, so instead of looking like a Land Rover it started looking like a Ford Edge.
The Chinese improved the design somewhat.
And then there is the interior with gobs of hard plastic bulging from the binnacle surrounding the instrument cluster.
I know this is a stretch, but the design of the binnacle area reminds me of the Ford Windstar minivan (that black plastic inset that wraps around the vents and gauge cluster).
Palisade is a nice car, no doubt. I just can't stand the front end. I find it so ugly! The wheels on this Calligraphy are way overdone as well. Telluride has a better front end, but it suffers from some odd details.
My Opinion is that for the retail consumer, Chevrolet strikes the right balance in everything. Size, style, power, price, longevity, technology.. etc.. Its easily the best buy in the segment. I could change a few things about options.. but the right combination if you build it right, its the best in the segment..
Very well built vehicle, quiet, quick enough, great quality, everything mother ordered. The inside does not pretend to be Luxury, however, it will go toe to toe with anyone on technology and interior amenities...
I find the Palisade much better looking then the Telluride. Palisade has a certain Cadillac vibe to it, maybe its the taillights? Looks nice anyway. Think the name is stupid though, guess they couldn't get "signature series" from Lincoln, maybe Kia will get the "Cursive" edition.
The Third row is what makes or breaks one of these buys. Ze Chevy hands down wins without a doubt. You can put teenagers back there and haul them for miles on end even as they grow taller
I am not sure what is worse Palisade's retarded face or that awkward upholstery pattern that looks like it was inspired by grandmother's old bedsheet designed in USSR.
^^^The Traverse and it's brethren make their money on those who want a fullsize but don't want to spend 2x as much on a full size BOF SUV. The C1s do their people hauling duty as good and sometimes better than the Tahoe/Yukon but at half the price...that is the only area where it's superior to other CUVs. IMO that's why you saw the Acadia shrink because it was cannibalizing the Yukon.
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