2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2020 Hyundai Palisade

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade was a standout in terms of styling, with a design that could easily be mistaken for a luxury brand like Cadillac. Its bold appearance was marked by a massive grille and sleek, thin headlights, complemented by a unique LED character line. The Palisade's use of chrome and character lines, such as the large chrome strip running from the A-pillar, added to its distinctive look, though it could appear a bit busy. Inside, the Palisade's cabin exuded an upscale feel with a digital instrument panel, a large touchscreen, and ambient lighting in the Limited trim, making it comparable to luxury vehicles.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC90 maintained Volvo's traditional styling with a boxy profile and a rectangular grille, yet added character with softer lines and more chrome. The LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights were a distinctive touch. The XC90's interior embraced Swedish minimalism, offering high-quality materials and a restrained design. The Inscription trim featured luxurious touches like a crystal shifter and wool upholstery, though some elements like the power moonroof and storage space were limited. Overall, the XC90 balanced traditional Volvo design with modern luxury.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, offering both front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The Palisade's drive modes, including Sport, Comfort, Eco, Snow, and Smart, allowed for adaptable driving experiences. The Limited trim's self-leveling rear suspension enhanced handling, making it a rewarding choice for those who valued driving dynamics. Fuel economy for the Palisade was 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined for FWD, with slightly lower figures for AWD.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The T5 variant produced 250 horsepower, while the T6, with turbocharging and supercharging, delivered 316 horsepower. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric motors, achieving 400 horsepower. The XC90's drive modes included Pure, Hybrid, and Power, though the Pure mode was limited to low speeds. The XC90 excelled in ride quality with its optional air-suspension system, though it wasn't tuned for sporty handling. The XC90's towing capacity was up to 5,000 pounds, with the base T5 rated at 4,000 pounds.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade offered impressive interior space, with 45.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row down and 86.4 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The third row was suitable for adults on longer trips, and the second-row captain's chairs provided comfort and convenience. The Palisade's power-folding third-row seats added versatility, though they operated slowly. The interior was designed to accommodate families, with multiple cup holders and storage options.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom for the segment. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The optional power moonroof and upright roof profile contributed to a spacious feel. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with massage, though storage space was limited. Cargo space was 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, making it less spacious than some competitors.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SEL trim offered an optional 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, standard on the Limited. The Limited also featured a Harman Kardon premium audio system and a surround-view monitor. The Palisade's infotainment system was user-friendly, with tactile buttons and dials for easy navigation.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The system was intuitive, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen that mimicked a tablet. The XC90 offered a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display. However, the wireless charging pad was small, and the lack of analog controls could be challenging for some users.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with standard features like forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and a driver-attention warning. The digital instrument panel allowed for innovative safety features, such as a blind-spot camera system that projected live images on the panel.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Volvo's Pilot Assist driver aid. Pilot Assist provided smooth adaptive cruise control and lane centering, though it struggled with highway curves.