2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an electric vehicle from the ground up, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen's gasoline models. It replaced the straight lines and sharp angles of the Tiguan and Atlas with a streamlined profile and wheels pushed out to the corners. The ID.4 was part of VW’s EV-specific MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback. While it had SUV-like styling, it didn’t quite look like an SUV, similar to other EV crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric. Inside, the ID.4 featured a blend of Volkswagen’s minimalism and a smartphone aesthetic, with piano black and matte plastic finishes. The base ID.4 Pro came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while higher trims offered leatherette upholstery.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade, introduced as Hyundai's flagship SUV, replaced the Santa Fe XL. It featured an elegant and striking exterior design, shedding Hyundai's past derivative designs. The Palisade had distinctive lines, a prominent grille, and sculpted wheel arches, giving it a sophisticated look. The interior was equally polished, with high-quality materials and finishes. The second row offered either a bench seat 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 top-of-the-line Calligraphy model was particularly stunning with its Steel Graphite paint and black interior.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It was the first rear-wheel-drive Volkswagen passenger car sold in the U.S. since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive version with a second electric motor arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4 was tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, with a smooth ride over bumps but noticeable body roll in corners. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not offer aggressive regenerative braking for one-pedal driving, relying more on friction brakes to provide a familiar experience for drivers transitioning from gasoline cars.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade featured a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine choice was almost a throwback in an era of turbocharged engines, but it provided a baritone rumble and no turbo lag. The Palisade's fuel efficiency was middling, with EPA estimates of up to 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/22 mpg combined for FWD models and slightly lower for AWD models. The Palisade handled nicely, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes, making it a practical choice for families needing to haul trailers or boats.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than many competitor EVs, though its legroom was average for the segment. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, more than several EV competitors but less than gasoline models like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, but its interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility. However, rearward visibility was subpar due to thick rear pillars and a small back window. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector on the dashboard, freeing up space on the center console, though the console itself was narrow and close to the floor.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade excelled as a minivan replacement, offering comfortable seating throughout the cabin. The third row provided easy access and cupholders, while the second-row captain's chairs were particularly comfortable. The front row had ample storage, including two compartments in the center console and door panel bottle holders. The Palisade offered 18.0 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. An underfloor storage compartment added extra space. The Palisade's gear selector used a compact shift-by-wire setup, and the Limited and Calligraphy trims featured high-end luxury touches like a dual-panel sunroof and premium Nappa leather upholstery.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (with a 12-inch option) featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display screen served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced most switchgear. While the setup looked modern, it was difficult to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. The ID.4 also included a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light, a light strip at the base of the windshield that communicated information to the driver. Despite some gimmicky features, the touchscreen was well-positioned with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased Hyundai's technological prowess. The standard display audio system on S and SEL models used an 800 x 480 resolution screen, while the Limited and Calligraphy models featured a 1920 x 720 color touchscreen and 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 had multiple USB ports, a Qi wireless charging pad, and a 115-volt power outlet. The Limited and Calligraphy trims added a head-up display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system was standard on upper trims and optional on SEL, offering remote engine start and vehicle monitoring.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the highest-level Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for the RWD model. Standard driver aids included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, park distance control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The ID.4 also featured Travel Assist, which added automated lane centering to adaptive cruise control, and Emergency Assist, designed to stop the car if the driver was incapacitated.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for both FWD and AWD models. It came with seven airbags, three-point seat belts for all seating positions, LATCH anchors, active head restraints, and a comprehensive list of standard active safety features. These included anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Limited and Calligraphy trims added forward-looking parking sensors, ultrasonic rear occupant alert, and Highway Driving Assist.