2021 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was a nod to the past, with Chevy using styling details to give each trim level its own identity. The exterior was a generic SUV design with a tall roof, chunky wheel arches, and a big grille, which appealed to many buyers. However, it lacked the personality of the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride, and the streamlined appearance of the Mazda CX-9. The Traverse's restrained styling emphasized the cosmetic elements of different trims, such as blacked-out trim on the RS model and chrome on the High Country. The interior mirrored the exterior's restrained styling, with an optional Dual SkyScape two-panel sunroof as a standout feature. Materials in the higher-level RS model were decent but not quite up to the $50,000 MSRP.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy distinguished itself with a unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, additional lower body trim, 20-inch wheels, and a simulated suede interior headliner. The Calligraphy trim made the Palisade look more luxurious and drew attention, though opinions on its unconventional styling varied. Inside, the Calligraphy trim was impressive, with a Beige over Navy Blue color scheme, quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather, and a suede headliner. The cabin's quality made the Palisade seem like a genuine bargain compared to other midsize three-row SUVs.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite the specs, the Traverse didn't feel particularly powerful off the line but had enough grunt for highway merging and overtaking. The nine-speed automatic performed well overall, though it occasionally had rough shifts. The Traverse excelled in highway road manners, offering a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, but it lacked agility on twistier roads. The AWD system, which had to be manually activated, could send torque to individual wheels but didn't noticeably improve handling. The Traverse had a 5,000-pound towing capacity, average for the segment.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with optional all-wheel drive. Drivers could choose between Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models adding Snow mode and a Lock function for improved traction. The Palisade AWD had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg combined, and our test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg. The Palisade's firmer suspension provided excellent body-motion control and a more communicative ride compared to the Kia Telluride. While not outright fun to drive, the Palisade was sure-footed and confidence-inspiring on twisty roads. It was undemanding in typical driving scenarios, with plenty of power and easy maneuverability. The Palisade had a 5,000-pound towing capacity and a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven or eight, with above-average headroom and legroom in all three rows. Heated front seats were standard on the RS model, with ventilated front seats and heated outboard rear seats available on higher trims. The Traverse excelled in cargo space, with 23.0 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and 98.2 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. A power liftgate was optional on the LT Cloth trim and standard on higher trims, with a gesture-activated liftgate on the Premier and High Country models. However, interior storage options were limited compared to minivans.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious and accessible interior, especially in Calligraphy trim. The driver and front passenger enjoyed eight-way power-adjustable seats, with the driver also getting an adjustable thigh support cushion and a heated steering wheel. The front seats and second-row captain’s chairs were heated and ventilated, and third-row passengers had separate climate controls and rear side-window sunshades. The second-row captain’s chairs provided plenty of legroom and support, and they slid forward and back for passenger and cargo flexibility. The third-row seat was more accommodating than most in the class. The Palisade had ample in-cabin storage, including a storage tray under the center console. Cargo space measured 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate automatically opened when it detected the key fob.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, 4G-LTE WiFi hotspot, and a Bose 10-speaker audio system. Despite smaller screens compared to competitors, the Traverse's infotainment system was user-friendly with large icons and analog controls for audio and climate. The Traverse also featured a rearview camera mirror and an optional HD surround-view camera system. Each row had 2 USB ports, but wireless phone charging was only standard on the Premier and High Country models.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen requiring a wired connection. The Calligraphy trim included SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, Blue Link connected services, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Other tech features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, Quiet Mode, and a head-up display. The Palisade also had a surround-view camera system for easier parking and maneuvering.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse received top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests and a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention. However, it had "Acceptable" and "Poor" headlight ratings and an "Acceptable" rating for LATCH child-seat anchor ease of use. The NHTSA gave the Traverse a five-star overall safety rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests, and five stars in side-impact crash tests. The Traverse offered less standard driver-assist tech than competitors, with features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist only available on higher trims.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with standard features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and multiple lane-keeping systems. Higher trims included a more sophisticated rear occupant alert system, active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, and a Blind View Monitor. The Palisade's Highway Drive Assist provided smooth and sophisticated adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA and included three free years of Blue Link services for automatic collision warning and emergency assistance.