2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling. This model retained the brand's signature boxy profile and rectangular grille but introduced softer lines and more chrome accents, giving it a more modern and distinctive appearance. The LED headlights with "Thor's Hammer" daytime running lights added a unique touch, enhancing the vehicle's character while maintaining its Volvo identity. Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism," offering a refined interior with high-quality materials like matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery. The cabin exuded a sense of understated luxury, with features like an Orrefors crystal shifter adding a touch of elegance.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Palisade presented an elegant and striking exterior design, shedding any past criticisms of being derivative. Its prominent grille, crisp shoulder lines, and sculpted wheel arches contributed to its visual appeal. The continuous strip of glass surfaces around the tailgate created a floating roof effect, while expressive LED headlights and taillights added to its signature look. Inside, the Palisade offered a polished and spacious cabin with high-quality materials and finishes. The horizontally arrayed screen and beefy center console anchored the dash, while the second and third rows provided ample space and comfort. The top-of-the-line Calligraphy model, with its Steel Graphite paint and black interior, showcased the Palisade's near-luxury fit and finish.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centered around 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 variant added a supercharger, boosting 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. While the XC90 provided ample power, the small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' six-cylinder or V8 engines. The XC90's ride quality was excellent, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and it offered a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade, on the other hand, featured a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, with gasoline direct injection and dual variable valve timing, provided a smooth and responsive driving experience without turbo lag. The Palisade's fuel efficiency was moderate, with EPA estimates of up to 22 mpg combined for FWD models. The SUV's handling was commendable, aided by a four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars. The Palisade could tow up to 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered a three-row configuration with either six or seven seats, depending on the choice of second-row captain's chairs or a bench seat. While headroom and legroom were average for the segment, the third row felt tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The interior featured a power moonroof, four-zone climate control, and high-end options like 10-way power-adjustable front seats with massage. However, storage space was limited, with a shallow center console and minimal cargo capacity, especially with all seats in place.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space and functionality. It provided comfortable seating in all three rows, with ample legroom and headroom. The second-row captain's chairs and available bench seat offered flexibility, while the front row boasted generous storage options. Cargo space was impressive, with 18.0 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The Palisade's intuitive controls, including a shift-by-wire gear selector and mode selector for AWD, enhanced the driving experience. The dual-panel sunroof on higher trims improved the cabin's ambiance, making it a compelling choice for families.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, known for its simplicity and functionality. It included a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system's portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, though some menus were challenging to read while driving. The XC90 also offered a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display as optional features.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased Hyundai's technological prowess. The standard display audio system on lower trims featured an 800 x 480 resolution screen, while higher trims boasted a 1920 x 720 color touchscreen with a 630-watt Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, and satellite radio. The Palisade offered multiple USB ports, a Qi wireless charging pad, and a 115-volt power outlet. The Blue Link connected car system provided remote engine start and vehicle monitoring. Higher trims featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with integrated turn signal and blind-spot monitor cameras.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top "Good" scores in crash tests and "Superior" ratings for front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Volvo's Pilot Assist driver aid, known for its smoothness and quick reactions.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade also earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It featured a robust list of passive and active safety features, including seven airbags, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The Palisade's Highway Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering, providing a high level of safety and convenience.