2022 Volvo XC90 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, unique 20-inch wheels, upgraded interior detailing, and a simulated suede interior headliner. These features made the Calligraphy trim look fancier than other Palisades, drawing attention with its unconventional styling. Inside, the Calligraphy’s cabin, with its Beige over Navy Blue color scheme, quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather, and suede headliner, appeared far more expensive than its sticker price suggested.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 showcased a sleek and modern design, moving away from the boxy shapes of its predecessors. The XC90's body seemed poised to launch forward, with a long and sleek roofline, pronounced wheel arches, and a snub nose reminiscent of classic Volvo wagons. The interior exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featuring natural wood and metal trim, a sliding wood tambor cover on the center console, and a clear crystal gear selector handle. Volvo's commitment to going leather-free by 2030 was evident, though Nappa leather was still available for those who preferred it.

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. 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 Palisade AWD achieved an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving, and our test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg. The Palisade offered a firm yet comfortable ride, with excellent body-motion control and a predictable driving experience. It also had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, with a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrain options: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version of the same engine producing 316 horsepower, and the T8 plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 horsepower from its gasoline and electric sources. The T5 models were available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the T6 and T8 models were AWD only. The T8 had an 18-mile EV range, with the extended range variant offering up to 36 miles. The XC90 handled like a smaller SUV, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious and accessible 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, and the third-row seat was more accommodating than most in its class. The Palisade had 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience, though it could be turned off if desired.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. The third row was suitable for children but lacked legroom and thigh support for adults. The XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The XC90's interior featured ample storage space, comfortable seating, and a standard laminated panoramic moonroof, making it a pleasant environment in various weather conditions.

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 for smartphone mirroring. The Calligraphy trim included SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, 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 XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, offering familiar smartphone gestures. However, the system was occasionally glitchy and slow to respond. The XC90 also had a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, with the Advanced package adding a head-up display, a 360-degree surround view camera system, and an advanced air cleaner. The standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound system could be upgraded to a Bowers & Wilkins system for audiophiles. The XC90 included two front USB-A ports, two rear USB-C ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app for remote vehicle controls.

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. The Palisade's 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 XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, slippery road alert, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, oncoming lane mitigation, and road-sign recognition. The Pilot Assist system combined several safety features for minimal driver intervention on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.