2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy distinguished itself with a unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, and additional lower body trim. It featured unique 20-inch wheels and upgraded interior detailing, including a simulated suede headliner. These enhancements made the Calligraphy trim appear more luxurious than other Palisade models, drawing attention with its unconventional styling. Inside, the Calligraphy trim boasted a Beige over Navy Blue color scheme with premium Nappa leather and simulated wood trim, offering a cabin that felt more expensive than its price suggested.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban adopted Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, sharing its exterior styling with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup. The Suburban's tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels gave it a supersized appearance. Our RST test vehicle featured a Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior with 22-inch bright-machined black-painted wheels, creating a sporty look. Inside, the Suburban offered a spacious cabin with a range of materials from economically comfortable to plush, depending on the trim level. The RST trim included Jet Black perforated leather seats with Victory Red stitching, but the predominantly black interior felt a bit dark despite the chrome sill plates and red seat stitching.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with an optional all-wheel-drive system. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models adding a Snow mode and a Lock function for improved traction. The Palisade's suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive, though not particularly sporty. It offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, with a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six with 277 horsepower. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 6.2-liter V8, part of the Sport Performance package, provided noticeable power and acceleration, making it ideal for towing. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity was 8,300 pounds. The independent rear suspension improved ride and handling, while the 4WD system offered various settings for different driving conditions.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered a well-designed interior with eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and slid forward for easy access to the third row. The Palisade's third-row seat was more accommodating than most in its class. Cargo space measured 18 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience for loading cargo.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, accommodating up to nine occupants with the optional front-row bench seat. The third row offered adequate headroom and legroom, and access was excellent. Cargo space was impressive, with 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 144.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The power-sliding center console provided additional storage, but the Suburban's size made it challenging to maneuver and park in tight spaces. The electronic push-button transmission controls replaced the traditional column-mounted shifter.

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 a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, and Blue Link connected services. Other features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, and a head-up display. The surround-view camera system aided parking and maneuvering.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on LT trims and above, with Google built-in for navigation and app access. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard on the LS, while the LT and above received a 10.2-inch system with satellite radio. Wireless device charging and a WiFi hotspot were standard on LT trims and above. The Suburban offered a range of audio systems, with the Premier and High Country trims featuring a premium Bose CenterPoint system.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping systems as standard. The Limited and Calligraphy trims included a Blind View Monitor and ultrasonic rear occupant alert system. Highway Drive Assist provided adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban included Chevy Safety Assist features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a head-up display. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash protection. The IIHS had not tested the current-generation Suburban.