2020 Honda CR-V vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda’s fifth generation of compact crossovers, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior featured curvy, car-like lines with a family resemblance to Honda’s sedan lineup, giving it a station wagon-like appearance rather than a traditional SUV look. However, the interior was a mix of high-quality materials and low-quality plastics, which detracted from the overall premium feel. The base model started at an MSRP of $26,270, with four trim levels available, each offering different features and upgrades.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy stood out with its unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, and additional lower body trim. The Calligraphy trim also featured 20-inch wheels and a simulated suede interior headliner, making it look more luxurious than other Palisade models. The interior was equally impressive, with premium Nappa leather and a suede headliner, making it a genuine bargain for its price. The Palisade’s unconventional styling drew mixed reactions, but it undeniably appeared more expensive than it was.

The 2020 Honda CR-V featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This powertrain provided a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency, with FWD models achieving 30 mpg combined and AWD models 29 mpg. The CR-V’s car-like handling, nimble steering, and firm yet comfortable chassis made it enjoyable to drive, especially in Sport mode. Its low curb weight of 3,337 pounds contributed to its excellent road manners and fuel economy.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade came equipped with a powerful 3.8-liter V6 engine generating 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose between Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models adding a Snow mode and a Lock function for improved traction. The Palisade’s firmer suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive on various road conditions. It offered a smooth and sophisticated driving experience, with a fuel economy of 21 mpg combined for AWD models.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and storage solutions. Its cabin was roomy, with excellent head- and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The cargo compartment offered 75.8 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded, and the clever two-position load floor added versatility. The center console and door pockets provided ample storage for small items, making the CR-V practical and easy to live with.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious and luxurious interior, especially in the Calligraphy trim. The front seats were eight-way power-adjustable, with the driver’s seat featuring an adjustable thigh support cushion and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain’s chairs were heated and ventilated, and the third-row passengers had separate climate controls. The Palisade provided 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience for loading and unloading cargo.

The 2020 Honda CR-V’s infotainment system showed its age, with a 5-inch screen in the base LX trim and a 7-inch touchscreen in higher trims. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were only available with the larger screen. However, the CR-V did offer plenty of USB ports, with two in the front and two high-powered ports in the backseat. The Touring trim added a wireless phone charger for added convenience.

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, a navigation system, Blue Link connected services, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. Additional features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, Quiet Mode, and a head-up display. The surround-view camera system and voice-recognition technology further enhanced the Palisade’s tech offerings.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the “Honda Sensing” system, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, road-departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist. EX trims and above added blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic monitoring. The CR-V earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests and a Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS, with the Touring trim’s LED headlights improving nighttime visibility.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and multiple lane-keeping systems as standard. The rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist added extra layers of safety. Limited and Calligraphy trims featured a Blind View Monitor and ultrasonic rear occupant alert system. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA, and its Highway Drive Assist provided smooth and sophisticated adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance.