While the 2021 Hyundai Palisade is a straight upgrade from the last generation the reshuffling of packages has left some previous owners scratching their heads. Let’s talk about what’s changed on the 2021 Hyundai Palisade vs the 2020 Hyundai Palisade Limited.
Keep in mind that the features that were removed or shuffled from the 2020 trim are all cosmetic and were moved to the new Calligraphy trim.
What Was Removed From the 2021 Hyundai Palisade Limited
The following features were simply outright removed from the 2021 Hyundai Palisade Limited.
- Unique Grill: The 2021 Limited simply uses the same styled grill as the SE & SEL Trims. Only the Calligraphy Trim offers a unique grill.
- Suede Headliner: This feature was removed from the limited and is now only offered in the range-topping Calligraphy.
- Unique Wheels: These wheels are no longer present on any trim and the Calligraphy has a new design some find quite ugly.
- Quilted leather door panels were removed from limited. Instead limited gets non-quilted leather door panels.
The following features were added to the 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy. Note, I did add the same features i mentioned in the above list.
- HTRAC® All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Calligraphy-exclusive exterior door finishers
- Calligraphy-exclusive premium tail lamp accent lighting
- Calligraphy-exclusive premium wide LED CHMSL
- Calligraphy-exclusive puddle lamps
- Calligraphy-exclusive quilted leather door panels
- Calligraphy-exclusive 20” alloy wheel
- Calligraphy-exclusive microfiber suede headliner
- Calligraphy-exclusive grille
- Calligraphy-exclusive premium cargo sill plate
- Calligraphy-exclusive front and rear fascias
- Calligraphy-exclusive perforated leather steering wheel
Some notes AWD is able to be added to all trims of the Palisade but on the Calligraphy edition, it is required. This is in contrast to the 2020 Limited where the all-wheel-drive was optional. Also, some features like snow mode and the AWD lock are included on the spec sheet but these are present on any vehicle with AWD. So I included AWD as a note that it is required in addition to all features that are calligraphy exclusive.
Closing Thoughts
For all intents and purposes the 2020 Hyundai Palisade Limited was downgraded. All the aesthetic features were transferred from it to the Calligraphy and some new additional features were added. However, all theh technology, driver safety, effectively everything related to driving the vehicle are still present on the new 2021 Limited.
If you were considering the Limited trim for the 2021 model year I would recommend trying to scoop up any last minute sales of the 2020 simply due to the expanded feature set. If you’re considering the 2020 Limited but really want the 2021 get the Calligraphy edition.
If you have any questions please feel free to ask below and I will try to help you as best I can!
Scott Hartley
I also wanted to add a comment that there were was basically nothing new added to the 2021 Limited Trim. It’s essentially a downgrade in appearance from the outgoing model which was a really silly choice on Hyundai’s side.
BL
Basically, this was a ninja price increase. If you compared the Palisade, feature-to-feature, to the other three-row SUVs, it consistently came in a couple grand cheaper than the competition. Now with the Calligraphy, it’s in line with the others.
The 2021 Limited keeps the same price as the 2020 but loses features and the Calligraphy gets a price bump since they know a lot of people will spring for the top trim and want AWD. I have a 2020 Limited and was a bit confused when they said they added quilted leather seats, perforated leather steering wheel, and puddle lights considering my car has all of those.
Scott Hartley
In a way, but also if you compare 2021 Limited + AWD vs Calligraphy with AWD the price difference isn’t all that much. I also imagine it simplifies manufacturing for top level trims as the calligraphy has fewer exterior color options and they all have AWD. Probably didn’t make much sense to have to split the limited’s up into 2 different powertrain’s one with AWD and one without. My guess is the majority of limited buyers opted for AWD and this lead them to make it standard on the “new limited”
John Helsel
Is there any way of getting power folding side mirrors added to the 2020 or 2021 Palisade Limited or the 2021 Calligraphy models? Also, since I prefer the 2020 Palidade Limited multi-spoke wheels over the new Caligraphy wheels, I would assume that these may be interchageable? Any ideas?
Scott Hartley
Yes, wheels can be bought there are many Facebook groups of palisade owners and I frequently see some trying to purchase the limited wheels. Then just take them to a tire shop and they can do the switch if you’re not comfortable doing so yourself. Regarding the power-folding mirrors no they can’t be added I doubt that the wiring for them is even included for North American buyers. You would also need to acquire the parts which is challenging since north American dealers can’t buy the international spec parts.
John Helsel
Thanks for your feedback Scott ! I guess that I may need to wait yet another model year to see if they ever add them. Or perhaps lower my luxury needs from the Palisade’s nice exterior & interior look & feel and get the Telluride.
Scott Hartley
Yeah the new year should be right around the corner in the next few months but it that’s the deciding factor the telluride is a great vehicle too!
Linda Britton
Is the calligraphy grill the same size as the SEL grill? I’d love to switch my SEL’s out with a Calligraphy.
Scott Hartley
I imagine so, the bottom portion though would be different might have to look up the part number though to be 100% certain