2022 Genesis GV70 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. The Limited trim, while still appealing, adopted an exterior look similar to the Palisade SEL with option packages. The Calligraphy trim made the Palisade appear more luxurious, drawing attention with its unconventional styling. Inside, the Calligraphy’s cabin, with its Beige over Navy Blue color scheme and premium Nappa leather, offered a level of luxury that seemed like a bargain compared to other midsize three-row SUVs.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 inherited some styling elements from other Genesis models but maintained a unique appearance. It featured quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, a large shield-shaped grille, and a sloping roofline that gave it a fastback look. The Sport Prestige models added character with unique styling features, including a model-specific front fascia and 21-inch wheels. The interior had an elliptical theme inspired by an airplane wing, with a minimalistic design and a rotary gear selector. The GV70 offered a variety of interior color options, and the material quality in the Sport Prestige test car was luxurious, with Nappa leather upholstery and suede seat inserts.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with an optional all-wheel-drive system. It offered Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models adding a Snow mode and a Lock function. The Palisade AWD had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in combined driving, and our test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg. The Palisade’s firmer suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive, though not outright fun. It was undemanding to drive, with plenty of power and easy handling, and offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a base 2.5-liter turbo-four engine with 300 horsepower and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV70 included a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, suggesting a sportier character. The Sport+ drive mode sharpened throttle response and held high revs, but the chassis felt big and heavy, lacking the sharpness of some competitors. The GV70 was more comfortable on highways, though the ride was firm with 21-inch wheels, and it lacked the solidity expected from a luxury vehicle.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious and accessible interior, with eight-way power-adjustable front seats and heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. The third-row seat was more accommodating than most in its class, and the Palisade provided ample in-cabin storage space. Cargo space measured 18 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience, though it could be turned off if desired.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 had mid-pack interior space for its segment, with adequate legroom and good rear-seat visibility. Cargo space was 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, expanding to 56.9 cubic feet with them folded. The daringly-designed interior compromised storage space, though it included a covered storage cubby for phones. The front seats in the Sport Prestige test car were heavily bolstered, with heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions, though some controls were less accessible.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems, with an 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen display. Both systems could pair two smartphones to Bluetooth simultaneously, though only the 8-inch setup offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Palisade Calligraphy included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and a Driver Talk intercom system. A head-up display and surround-view camera system were also available.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with a tile-based layout and crisp graphics. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12-inch head-up display were available on higher trims. The GV70 included a digital-key feature and a fingerprint scanner for starting the car. Genesis Connected Services offered remote camera activation and other features, included free for three years.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and multiple lane-keeping systems. It included a rear occupant alert system and a Blind View Monitor on higher trims. Highway Drive Assist provided smooth and sophisticated driving aid, though it was not designed for hands-free driving. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came standard with lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and other safety features. It included eight airbags, with a front-center airbag for added protection. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality. The GV70’s Highway Driving Assist provided smooth control inputs, though its lane-centering function had limitations.