- for 2021, the hyundai palisade is adding a top-end model above the limited that will be called calligraphy.
- the calligraphy gets a special grille design, 20-inch alloy wheels, unique lighting outside, and quilted leather door panels inside.
- the calligraphy will reach dealers starting later this month.
hyundai has announced it is adding a new luxury trim level of the palisade suv for 2021 that will reach dealers starting in late july. a calligraphy model was already available in hyundai's home market of korea, and the brand had recently added a vip package to the palisade's korean lineup.
the u.s.-spec calligraphy model will come with a relatively modest array of upgrades compared to the limited model. among them are all-wheel drive, trim-exclusive front and rear light signatures (including an ultra-wide high-mounted brake light in back, which is apparently desirable), a trim-specific grille, a leather steering wheel, quilted leather door panels, and 20-inch wheels.
those wheels are the calligraphy feature most likely to invite attention. they're very shiny and have an unusual spiderwebby design that makes the palisade look more exclusive than its $48,890 asking price.
exclusive is probably just what hyundai was going for. the palisade has been a big draw for the brand, with half of buyers saying they'd never considered owning a hyundai before. the car's chief selling point is its ability to provide style and luxury at an attainable price. if the fancy new wheels turn the heads of any would-be mercedes or bmw customers, hyundai's designers will have done their job.