2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2023 Hyundai Palisade

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade stood out as a flagship SUV in Hyundai's lineup, replacing the Santa Fe XL. It featured a striking exterior design with distinctive lines, a prominent grille, and expressive LED lighting. The SUV's profile was enhanced by sculpted wheel arches and a continuous strip of glass that created a floating roof effect. Inside, the Palisade offered an elegant and polished interior with high-quality materials, a horizontally arrayed screen, and spacious seating for up to eight passengers. The fit and finish were near-luxury levels, making it a worthy flagship model.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade received a styling update that gave it an even more commanding presence. The new front fascia and squared-off grille contributed to a stronger look, while LED lighting became standard across the lineup. The top Calligraphy trim featured premium rear accent lighting and a unique grille design. Inside, the 2023 model offered a stylish interior with premium Nappa leather, a dual-pane sunroof, and new wing-out headrests in the Calligraphy trim. The interior space remained generous, with thoughtful features like HVAC vents in all rows and a hands-free smart liftgate.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine choice was somewhat of a throwback in an era of turbocharged engines, but it delivered a smooth and powerful performance. The Palisade's fuel economy was estimated at 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway for FWD models and 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway for AWD models. The SUV's handling was commendable, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade retained the same 3.8-liter V6 engine, offering competitive power for its class. It outperformed rivals like the Mazda CX-9 and Volkswagen Atlas in terms of horsepower. The eight-speed automatic transmission, paired with standard paddle shifters, provided smooth gear changes. The AWD system, available for an additional cost, proved capable on off-road terrain. The 2023 model's towing capacity remained at 5,000 pounds, with a new Tow Mode for optimized shifting. Fuel economy improved slightly, with FWD models achieving 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway and AWD models getting 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious interior with comfortable seating for up to eight passengers. The third row provided easy access and ample space, while the second-row captain's chairs were notably comfortable. The SUV boasted 18.0 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with all seats folded. The interior featured a compact shift-by-wire setup and intuitive controls. Upper trims included luxury features like a dual-panel sunroof, premium Nappa leather, and power-folding third-row seats.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade continued to impress with its generous interior space, offering 44.1 inches of legroom in the front row and 42.4 inches in the second. The third row provided 31.4 inches of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Toyota Highlander. Cargo space remained consistent with the previous model, and the hands-free smart liftgate was standard on all but the base trim. The interior layout was user-friendly, with physical buttons and knobs for easy operation. Automatic dual-zone climate control was standard on SEL and higher trims.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased Hyundai's technological prowess with a range of features. The infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a premium Harman Kardon audio system available on higher trims. The Limited and Calligraphy models featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display. Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system offered remote engine start and vehicle monitoring.

In 2023, the Palisade introduced WiFi hotspot capability as standard across all trims. A new 12.3-inch color touchscreen infotainment system became standard, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. The premium Harman Kardon sound system was available on SEL models and standard on Limited and Calligraphy. The 2023 model also introduced Digital Key 2 Touch, allowing iPhone and Samsung users to unlock and start the car using their devices. Hyundai's Bluelink system was enhanced, providing remote access to vehicle information and features.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade earned top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including seven airbags, blind-spot collision avoidance, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional features like Highway Driving Assist and ultrasonic rear occupant alert.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade built on its predecessor's safety reputation with new features, including second-row side-impact airbags. Hyundai's Smart Sense suite was standard, offering forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot collision avoidance. Highway Driving Assist II, available on higher trims, added lane change assistance. The rear seat occupant alert system was enhanced, providing alerts via text if movement was detected after parking.