2019 Volvo XC40 vs 2020 Hyundai Palisade
Overview | |
MSRP$33,700 | MSRP$31,975 |
Listings144 | Listings1175 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.2 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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2019 Volvo XC40 Reviews SummaryIf any brand is experiencing a revival in terms of both form and function, it's Volvo. The Swedish automaker is experiencing a renaissance, delivering new cars that are not only breathtaking to look at inside and out, but that also provide fantastic technology, safety, and performance. Volvo was once the Safety Brand, but with the advent of advanced safety technology, many other brands have caught up. Volvo has found its niche in high fashion, backed by continually improving safety technology that rivals the best in the world. This recent trend started with the XC90 SUV and was followed by the V90 wagon. These are world-class vehicles, but they also fetch high prices. Enter the 2019 Volvo XC40. It scales down much of what makes those high-end models so great, offering it in a (comparatively) more affordable subcompact SUV package. The XC40 offers ingenious cargo solutions, incredibly advanced technology, and even a new way to go about car ownership. Is that enough to make it stand out compared to other subcompact SUVs? Read on to find out. | |
2020 Hyundai Palisade Reviews SummaryWhen your job is to test drive cars, you start to see trends happening before your eyes. You mention something once, then again, and before you know it, it's unavoidable. The downside is I end up sounding like a broken record to a lot of shoppers. Car reviewers started seeing huge improvements from Kia and its parent company, Hyundai, years ago. Now, these Korean automakers are so good, they're genuine contenders in nearly every segment. We saw this earlier this year with the 2020 Kia Telluride, which Cliff Atiyeh reviewed. Now we’re seeing it again with the all-new 2020 Hyundai Palisade. This is a spacious, comfortable, and versatile 3-row SUV, and one you should seriously consider against cornerstones of the family SUV market, like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. The Palisade has been a long time coming for Hyundai, which has been without a true contender in the segment. From 2008 to 2012, Hyundai offered the 3-row Veracruz, but that was more of a glorified 2-row SUV that had extra-small seats in the back for kids. More recently, Hyundai has offered the Santa Fe XL with three rows, but that was a stopgap car. This is a similar situation to Subaru, which offered the Tribeca for a number of years but didn't become a serious contender in the space until it debuted the Ascent. There are no half-measures in the family-hauler market. This little history lesson serves to indicate the lengths to which automakers will go to stand out in the 3-row family SUV segment. The Palisade is already making headlines, but will it move the needle for Hyundai? Read on to find out, and to learn which trim of the Palisade CarGurus recommends. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 187 hp I4 | Engine3.8L 291 hp V6 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity8 |
Horsepower187 hp @ 4700 rpm | Horsepower291 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City23 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway26 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 187 hp I4 | Engine Name3.8L 291 hp V6 |
Torque221 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm | Torque262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm |
Horsepower187 hp @ 4700 rpm | Horsepower291 hp @ 6000 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City23 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway26 |
Interior | |
Leather SeatsStandard | Leather Seats |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity8 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space20.7 cu ft | Cargo Space18.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight3564 lbs | Curb Weight4127 lbs |
Height65.3 in | Height68.9 in |
Length174.2 in | Length196.1 in |
Width80.1 in | Width77.8 in |
Wheelbase106.4 in | Wheelbase114.2 in |
Maximum Payload1195 lbs | Maximum Payload1605 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity5000 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $33,700 | $31,975 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.8 out of 10Read full review | 8.2 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | If any brand is experiencing a revival in terms of both form and function, it's Volvo. The Swedish automaker is experiencing a renaissance, delivering new cars that are not only breathtaking to look at inside and out, but that also provide fantastic technology, safety, and performance. Volvo was once the Safety Brand, but with the advent of advanced safety technology, many other brands have caught up. Volvo has found its niche in high fashion, backed by continually improving safety technology that rivals the best in the world. This recent trend started with the XC90 SUV and was followed by the V90 wagon. These are world-class vehicles, but they also fetch high prices. Enter the 2019 Volvo XC40. It scales down much of what makes those high-end models so great, offering it in a (comparatively) more affordable subcompact SUV package. The XC40 offers ingenious cargo solutions, incredibly advanced technology, and even a new way to go about car ownership. Is that enough to make it stand out compared to other subcompact SUVs? Read on to find out. | When your job is to test drive cars, you start to see trends happening before your eyes. You mention something once, then again, and before you know it, it's unavoidable. The downside is I end up sounding like a broken record to a lot of shoppers. Car reviewers started seeing huge improvements from Kia and its parent company, Hyundai, years ago. Now, these Korean automakers are so good, they're genuine contenders in nearly every segment. We saw this earlier this year with the 2020 Kia Telluride, which Cliff Atiyeh reviewed. Now we’re seeing it again with the all-new 2020 Hyundai Palisade. This is a spacious, comfortable, and versatile 3-row SUV, and one you should seriously consider against cornerstones of the family SUV market, like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. The Palisade has been a long time coming for Hyundai, which has been without a true contender in the segment. From 2008 to 2012, Hyundai offered the 3-row Veracruz, but that was more of a glorified 2-row SUV that had extra-small seats in the back for kids. More recently, Hyundai has offered the Santa Fe XL with three rows, but that was a stopgap car. This is a similar situation to Subaru, which offered the Tribeca for a number of years but didn't become a serious contender in the space until it debuted the Ascent. There are no half-measures in the family-hauler market. This little history lesson serves to indicate the lengths to which automakers will go to stand out in the 3-row family SUV segment. The Palisade is already making headlines, but will it move the needle for Hyundai? Read on to find out, and to learn which trim of the Palisade CarGurus recommends. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 187 hp I4 | 3.8L 291 hp V6 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 8 |
Horsepower | 187 hp @ 4700 rpm | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City | 23 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 26 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 187 hp I4 | 3.8L 291 hp V6 |
Torque | 221 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm |
Horsepower | 187 hp @ 4700 rpm | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 23 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 26 |
Interior | ||
Leather Seats | Standard | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 8 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 20.7 cu ft | 18.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3564 lbs | 4127 lbs |
Height | 65.3 in | 68.9 in |
Length | 174.2 in | 196.1 in |
Width | 80.1 in | 77.8 in |
Wheelbase | 106.4 in | 114.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 1195 lbs | 1605 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 3500 lbs | 5000 lbs |
The 2019 Volvo XC40 is rated 9 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, while the 2020 Hyundai Palisade is rated 8 out of 10.
The XC40 boasts standout styling, with an upright appearance that provides ample head- and legroom. It comes in three trims: Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription, each offering unique design elements and features. The R-Design and Inscription trims add sporty touches and luxurious amenities, such as a panoramic sunroof and premium interior materials.
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade impresses with bold, in-your-face styling and a spacious, elegant cabin. It offers three trims: SE, SEL, and Limited, each with its own set of features and design elements. The Limited trim stands out with its premium touches, including leather upholstery, a hands-free smart power liftgate, and a fantastic Harman Kardon premium audio system.










CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Volvo XC40 and the 2020 Hyundai Palisade both 7 out of 10.
The 2019 Volvo XC40 is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, delivering 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offers brisk acceleration, well-weighted steering, and a balanced suspension. The XC40 provides various drive modes, including Comfort, Eco, Dynamic, and Off-Road, catering to different driving preferences.
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade comes with a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It offers solid acceleration and impressive handling, especially in the Limited trim with its self-leveling rear suspension. The Palisade also features multiple drive modes, including Sport, Comfort, Eco, Snow, and Smart, enhancing its versatility on the road.
The 2019 Volvo XC40 is rated 9 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, while the 2020 Hyundai Palisade is rated 8 out of 10.
The XC40 impresses with its smart use of space, providing ample front-seat and backseat legroom. It offers clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the center console and a hands-free power liftgate. The XC40's cargo space is also commendable, with 57.5 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded down.
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade offers exceptional versatility, with 45.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row down and 86.4 cubic feet with all rear seats dropped. The Palisade's second-row captain's chairs and thoughtful storage options make it a practical choice for families.
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Volvo XC40 8 out of 10 and the 2020 Hyundai Palisade 9 out of 10.
The 2019 Volvo XC40 features a large touchscreen infotainment system with portrait orientation, offering seamless integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also offers available upgrades, such as a navigation system and a premium 15-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited trim offers a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a fantastic Harman Kardon premium audio system, enhancing the overall tech experience.
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Volvo XC40 7 out of 10 and the 2020 Hyundai Palisade 8 out of 10.
The 2019 Volvo XC40 prioritizes safety with standard features such as a full array of airbags, City Safe automatic braking system, and available driver-assistance systems like blind-spot detection and cross-traffic alert. However, its C-pillars create significant blind spots, impacting rearward visibility.
In comparison, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade excels in safety, earning the Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It comes standard with advanced driver-assistance features, including forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and a unique blind-spot camera system, enhancing overall safety and visibility.
CarGurus highlights

Based on the ratings and detailed comparison, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade emerges as the more compelling choice, scoring higher overall and excelling in safety, technology, and cost-effectiveness.
Choose the 2019 Volvo XC40 if:
- You seek a subcompact SUV with standout styling and a range of available trims and optional packages.
- You are drawn to the XC40's balanced performance, smart use of space, and premium tech features.
Choose the 2020 Hyundai Palisade if:
- Safety is a top priority, and you value advanced driver-assistance features and exceptional visibility.
- You seek a versatile and upscale SUV with a competitive base MSRP and a range of compelling trims and features.
- You prioritize a spacious and elegant cabin, advanced infotainment options, and overall value for money.
CarGurus highlights

Based on the ratings and detailed comparison, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade emerges as the more compelling choice, scoring higher overall and excelling in safety, technology, and cost-effectiveness.
Choose the 2019 Volvo XC40 if:
Shop Now- You seek a subcompact SUV with standout styling and a range of available trims and optional packages.
- You are drawn to the XC40's balanced performance, smart use of space, and premium tech features.
Choose the 2020 Hyundai Palisade if:
Shop Now- Safety is a top priority, and you value advanced driver-assistance features and exceptional visibility.
- You seek a versatile and upscale SUV with a competitive base MSRP and a range of compelling trims and features.
- You prioritize a spacious and elegant cabin, advanced infotainment options, and overall value for money.

By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

































