2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V had a design that blended into the crowded compact crossover market. Its styling was nearly identical to its competitors, with only minor details like the grille and some chromed plastic features setting it apart. The color options were limited, with most being shades of gray, black, or white, and the more vibrant colors were hard to find on dealer lots. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seats and a choice of black, gray, or ivory cloth or leather, depending on the trim level. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more distinctive styling, especially at mid-tier trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Palisade presented an elegant and striking exterior design that stood out. It featured distinctive lines, a prominent grille, and sculpted wheel arches, giving it a sophisticated look. The Palisade's interior was equally polished, with high-quality materials and finishes. The horizontally arrayed screen and beefy center console added to its upscale feel. The second row offered either a roomy bench or captain's chairs, and the third row was spacious enough for adults on short rides. The Palisade's fit and finish were near-luxury levels, making it a worthy flagship for Hyundai.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not known for its thrilling performance but offered smooth and steady acceleration with its 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It took about 7.8 seconds to reach 60 mph, which was competitive within its class. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a predictable driving experience, though it lacked the engagement of conventional transmissions found in competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. The CR-V came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option. Its suspension setup provided decent handling and ride quality, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade, on the other hand, featured a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a baritone rumble and quick acceleration without turbo lag. The Palisade's fuel efficiency was middling, with EPA estimates of up to 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway for FWD models and 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway for AWD models. The Palisade's handling was commendable, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was designed to fit five people comfortably and carry their gear. It offered 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of total cargo volume with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's tailgate options varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a hands-free power tailgate. Roof rails were standard only on the top-of-the-line Touring trim. Overall, the CR-V provided ample space for passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade excelled as a minivan replacement, offering comfortable seating and ample storage throughout the cabin. The third row provided 18.0 cubic feet of luggage space, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 86.4 cubic feet with both rows folded flat. The Palisade featured a compact shift-by-wire gear selector and an intuitive mode selector for the AWD system. Higher trims included luxury features like a dual-panel sunroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and power-folding third-row seats. The Palisade's interior was designed for convenience and comfort, making it an excellent choice for families.

The 2021 Honda CR-V offered a basic 5-inch color screen on the base LX trim, while other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB ports in the front and second rows, and a wireless phone charger on the Touring trim. The CR-V's technology package was functional but not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased Hyundai's technological prowess. The standard display audio system on SE and SEL models featured an 800 x 480 resolution screen, while the Limited and Calligraphy models had a 1920 x 720 color touchscreen with a 630-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system. The infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, and satellite radio. The Palisade offered multiple USB ports, a Qi wireless charging pad, and a 115-volt power outlet. Higher trims featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display. The Palisade's technology package was comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, which included advanced safety features like a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade also prioritized safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It included seven airbags, three-point seat belts, LATCH anchors, active head restraints, and a comprehensive list of active safety features. These features included anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims added features like forward-looking parking sensors and Highway Driving Assist.