2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy distinguished itself with a unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting including puddle lamps, additional lower body trim, exclusive 20-inch wheels, upgraded interior detailing, and a simulated suede interior headliner. These features made the Calligraphy trim look more upscale compared to other Palisade versions. The Limited trim, which previously included some of these features, adopted an exterior look similar to the Palisade SEL with the Convenience or Premium option packages. Standard LED headlights were a new addition for models that didn't have them previously.

Inside, the Calligraphy trim impressed with a Beige over Navy Blue color scheme, light striated simulated wood trim, and quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather. The suede headliner added to the luxurious feel, making the Calligraphy’s cabin appear more expensive than its actual price. This trim level drew attention, though opinions on its unconventional styling varied. The interior quality was comparable to the Kia Telluride SX Prestige, making the Palisade Calligraphy a genuine bargain in its class.

Volvo made subtle styling changes to the 2022 XC60, including a new front fascia with “air blades” for a sportier look, a new rear bumper that hid the tailpipes, and new wheel designs. The front grille was reworked to move sensors for driver-assist systems behind the heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with the XC90, S90, S60, V90 Cross Country, and V60 Cross Country.

The interior remained largely unchanged, retaining its clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design test car featured aluminum mesh speaker grilles and elaborately textured seats, adding some flair. However, the interior seemed subdued compared to other Volvo models. The Inscription trim level offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, maintaining a luxurious feel.

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 (FWD), with an optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Drivers could choose between Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models adding a Snow mode and a Lock function for improved low-speed traction. The EPA estimated a Palisade AWD would achieve 21 mpg in combined driving, and our test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg with Smart mode engaged.

The Palisade offered a firmer ride compared to its platform-mate, the Kia Telluride, providing excellent body-motion control and a communicative driving experience. While it was not outright fun to drive, it remained predictable and confidence-inspiring on twisty roads. The Palisade was undemanding in typical driving scenarios, with plenty of power, easy corner judgment, and agreeable steering and brake modulation. It also featured impressive Highway Drive Assist technology for effortless highway cruising. The Palisade’s 5,000-pound towing capacity was supported by a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector.

For 2022, the Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 powertrains. Both combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and integrated starter generator, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 powertrain also included an electric supercharger. The B5 produced 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 available in FWD or AWD, and the B6 in AWD only.

The B6 XC60 R-Design felt smooth and decently quick, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. The XC60 emphasized a calm, relaxed driving experience, with a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds, featuring Öhlins adjustable dampers, Akebono brakes, and a front strut bar.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space, seating, and accessibility. The Calligraphy trim offered a plush interior with eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and separate climate controls for third-row passengers. The second-row captain’s chairs provided ample legroom and support, sliding forward for easy third-row access. The third-row seat was more accommodating than most in its class.

In-cabin storage was plentiful, with a spacious front center console and door panels. Cargo space measured 18 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate automatically opened when detecting the key fob, with an option to disable this feature if desired.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. Mild-hybrid models offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity, at 21.1 cubic feet with the seats up and 49.3 cubic feet with the seats down.

The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good forward and rear visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors. Despite the somewhat pinched roofline, the XC60 was easy to drive without relying heavily on driver aids.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Both could pair two smartphones to Bluetooth simultaneously, but only the 8-inch system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Calligraphy trim included SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, Blue Link connected services, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. Other features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, Quiet Mode, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The new system included Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. Over-the-air software updates were also enabled. The system promised full iPhone compatibility, though without the added functionality of syncing a Google profile. The digital instrument cluster could display a map or a “Calm” setting to minimize distraction.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping systems, and a rear occupant alert system. Higher trims included active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, Safe Exit Assist, and a Blind View Monitor. Highway Drive Assist provided smooth and sophisticated adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with three free years of Blue Link services for automatic collision warning and emergency assistance.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for the 2022 model year, but the 2021 model received top ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. New features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. The optional Pilot Assist system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering.