2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, blending traditional elements with modern touches. While maintaining its boxy profile and rectangular grille, the XC90 introduced softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the flashiest, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism" with high-quality materials, including matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery, creating a refined yet understated cabin.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy stood out with its unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, and additional lower body trim. The Calligraphy trim also featured 20-inch wheels and a simulated suede interior headliner, making it look more upscale. The interior of the Palisade Calligraphy was luxurious, with quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather and a Beige over Navy Blue color scheme. The Palisade's unconventional styling drew mixed reactions, but its upscale appearance and high-quality materials made it feel more expensive than it was.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. The T5 came with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive was optional on the T5 and standard on the T6 and T8. Despite its power, the XC90's small engine struggled with acceleration, especially in all-electric mode, and required the gasoline engine's assistance at low speeds. The XC90 excelled in ride quality and old-school luxury, with an optional air-suspension system and a quiet cabin. It had a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, except for the base FWD T5, which was rated at 4,000 pounds.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade featured 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 traction. The Palisade AWD achieved an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving, and our test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg. The Palisade's firmer suspension provided excellent body-motion control and a more traditional SUV feel without harsh impacts. It was enjoyable to drive, with plenty of power and easy maneuverability. The Palisade had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and featured a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Headroom and legroom were average for the segment, with the third row being tight for adults. The interior felt spacious, thanks to an optional power moonroof and the XC90’s upright roof profile. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, but lacked a power-adjustable steering wheel. Storage space was limited, with a shallow center console storage bin. Cargo space was 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The XC90 also offered a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space, seating, and accessibility. The Calligraphy trim featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats, an adjustable thigh support cushion for the driver, and a heated steering wheel. The front and second-row seats were heated and ventilated, and third-row passengers had separate climate controls and rear side-window sunshades. The second-row captain’s chairs provided ample legroom and support, and they slid forward for easy access to the third row. The Palisade offered plenty of in-cabin storage, including a storage tray under the center console. Cargo space was 18 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate automatically opened when it detected the key fob.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. It also had two front USB-A ports and two rear USB-C ports. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and head-up display (HUD) were available. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, but the text and typeface made reading menus difficult while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the lack of front USB-C ports was a drawback.

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 SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, Blue Link connected services, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. It also featured wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, and a Quiet Mode. A head-up display (HUD) and a surround-view camera system were available, enhancing the Palisade's technology offerings.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered numerous standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver aid. Pilot Assist combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, providing smooth and quick reactions to other vehicles, though it struggled with highway curves.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and multiple lane-keeping systems. It also had a rear occupant alert system, active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, and a Safe Exit Assist system. The Limited and Calligraphy trims featured a Blind View Monitor and Blue Link services, including automatic collision warning and safe teen driving calibrations. Highway Drive Assist provided smooth and sophisticated adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, though it was not designed for hands-free driving. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.