Hyundai's largest SUV will get a new range-topping trim for the coming year. According to a dealer order guide, the 2021 Palisade Calligraphy will offer a step up from the Limited trim with more premium features at a price just short of $50k. Based on our analysis, it'll be the most expensive Palisade ever sold in the U.S.
MSRP pricing for the 2021 Palisade Calligraphy will start at $48,890 including a destination fee of $1,140. Only available in an all-wheel-drive configuration, it'll be just $925 more expensive than the Limited trim ($47,965) but offer SUV buyers a fair amount of extra features for the money. Here's a look at what you'll get.
To start, it'll come with a new set of uniquely styles 20-inch alloy wheels and an exclusive grille and front bumper design. Hyundai also says the Calligraphy will come with "premium side door garnish" as well as "premium rear accent lighting", side mirror puddle lamps, and a wide LED rear center high-mounted brake light.
Inside the cabin, it'll offer quilted leather door panels, a microfiber suede headliner, perforated leather steering wheel, and an upgraded cargo sill plate in the trunk. Oddly, it appears Hyundai has decided to limit the Calligraphy's available palette to just three colors: Becketts Black, Hyper White, and Moonlight Cloud.
Like the Limited, the Calligraphy will come with a 7-seat layout with the same 3.8-liter V6 engine rated at 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Other similarities include a dual-panel sunroof, Nappa leather seats, a 10.25-inch navigation system, acoustic glass, and a standard 12-speaker 630-watt Harmon Hardon audio system.
The decision to add a new range-topping trim is arguably a step into new territory for Hyundai. No other model features a Calligraphy trim, although we've seen the brand use the "Ultimate" moniker in past years on some vehicles. Is the Calligraphy basically the "new Ultimate"? That remains to be seen, at least for now.
Hyundai's strategy is quite a bit different than the one Kia is using with the Telluride. As we reported yesterday, the 2021 Telluride will add a Nightfall Edition Package on EX and SX styles offering a blackout look. In the case of the Palisade, Hyundai is choosing to focus on offering more luxury than ever before.
Interestingly, a document sent to dealers says the Palisade Limited offers "Luxury" while the Calligraphy offers "Full Luxury." Although the company's luxury brand Genesis already offers a smaller SUV called the GV80 that starts at $49,925, the fact that the Calligraphy comes fully-loaded could make it a better value.
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Editor's Note: We've updated this article with photos of the 2021 Palisade Calligraphy.
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