DecodedCars2021 Hyundai Palisade
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 3.8L 6-cyl
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 7
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 196.1 in
- Curb weight
- 4,145–4,314 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade is a standard SUV offered with a 3.8L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 196 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,314 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 26 highway), 12% better than the 2021 standard SUV average of 19.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 447 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the seat belts.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Palisade — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Palisade →
Trims, performance & features
Engine–3.8L
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating7 seats · 3 rows
Trims
CalligraphyLimitedSEL w/ Premium Pkg
Safety & driver-assist features
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Lane centeringStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes
Built in: Ulsan, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Palisade configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 196.1 in | 78 in | 68.9 in | 114.2 in | 66.9 / 66.9 in | 4,314 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 196.1 in | 78 in | 68.9 in | 114.2 in | 66.9 / 66.9 in | 4,145 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palisade FWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +12% | $3,050 | 407 |
| Palisade AWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | +12% | $3,200 | 426 |
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.6 MPG2021 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Hyundai Palisade SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.9% |
| 2021 Hyundai Palisade SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.3% |
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Similar 2021 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Hyundai Palisade (this car) | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Ford Explorer | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 27 |
| 2021 Toyota Highlander | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 16 |
| 2021 Kia Telluride | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
Recalls (6)
Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain · Jan 22, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V034000 · 568,576 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Palisade vehicles. The side curtain air bags for third-row occupants may deploy improperly in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
- Risk
- Improper side curtain air bag deployment increases the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will install a protective film over the rear window and remove padding, as necessary free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed beginning March 13, 2026. Final remedy owner letters will be mailed in phases, beginning in June 2026 and expected to continue through December 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 292. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 24, 2026.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Buckle Assembly · Sep 11, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V607000 · 568,580 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Palisade vehicles. The seat belt buckles in the driver, passenger, and second-row window seats may fail to latch.
- Risk
- Seat belt buckles that fail to latch may not properly restrain occupants in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Passengers are advised to insert the belt firmly into the buckle with a quick and direct motion, pulling on the belt to confirm the seat belt is fully secured, until the recall remedy is performed. Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle assemblies, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed beginning October 23, 2025. Final remedy owner letters will be mailed in phases, beginning in June 2026 and expected to continue through December 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 283. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 13, 2025.
Visibility/Wiper · Mar 17, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V180000 · 167,085 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Palisade vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may operate intermittently or fail to operate due to snow or ice buildup on the windshield, causing the wipers to fail.
- Risk
- Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the driver-side windshield wiper arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 243. This recall is an expansion of recall number 22V-627.
Trailer Hitches · Aug 18, 2022 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 22V633000 · 244,980 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling 2020-2022 Palisade vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Hyundai dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
- Risk
- A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 235.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor · Aug 15, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V627000 · 122,949 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Palisade vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.
- Risk
- Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the driver-side windshield wiper arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 13, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 233.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Fluid · Oct 27, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V840000 · 995 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Palisade vehicles. The brake fluid may be contaminated, which can cause the brake master cylinder inner-cup seals to swell, and reduce braking performance.
- Risk
- Reduced braking performance can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, and flush the brake fluid, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 212.
Not every 2021 Hyundai Palisade is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
447Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
8Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
20Injuries reported
3,500 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Hyundai Palisade buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Seat Belts — 113 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Engine — 61 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 53 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 3,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Palisade. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Palisade years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Palisade | 34 | – | Not rated | 0 | 5 |
| 2026 Palisade | 34 | – | Not rated | 3 | 135 |
| 2025 Palisade | 22 | 196.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 254 |
| 2024 Palisade | 22 | 196.5 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 397 |
| 2023 Palisade | 22 | 196.5 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 408 |
| 2022 Palisade | 22 | 196.1 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 316 |
| 2020 Palisade | 22 | 196.1 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 541 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →