2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2023 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade had established itself as Hyundai's flagship SUV, succeeding the Santa Fe XL. It boasted a sophisticated and striking exterior design, shedding any previous criticisms of Hyundai's design language. The Palisade featured distinctive lines, a prominent grille, and expressive LED lighting, giving it a signature look. Its elegant design extended to the interior, where high-quality materials and finishes were evident. The horizontally arrayed screen and beefy center console added to the polished feel, while the spacious second and third rows provided ample room for passengers. The Palisade's fit and finish were near-luxury levels, making it a worthy flagship for Hyundai.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 underwent subtle styling changes, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design. While it was easily distinguishable as an EV, the ID.4 lacked the traditional SUV profile, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. However, it was based on VW's MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs, offering a minimalist interior design with a feeling of quality. The ID.4's interior carried over the best qualities from recent VW gasoline models, with leatherette upholstery and recycled fibers. Despite its EV nature, the ID.4 maintained a sense of practicality and comfort.

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 electrification and turbocharging. The Palisade's V6 featured gasoline direct injection and dual variable valve timing, enhancing power and efficiency. It achieved EPA estimates of up to 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/22 mpg combined for FWD models. The Palisade'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, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a choice of battery packs, with the base Standard and S models featuring a 62-kWh battery and RWD, while the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus had an 82-kWh pack with RWD or AWD. The single-motor RWD models delivered 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD powertrain increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The ID.4's regenerative braking system allowed for energy recovery, but it didn't offer one-pedal driving. While it provided a comfortable and refined ride, the ID.4's handling wasn't as engaging as some hot hatchbacks.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space and practicality. It offered comfortable seating in the third row, with easy access and cupholders on each side. The second-row captain's chairs were notably comfortable, and the front row provided ample storage options. Luggage space measured 18.0 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a cavernous 86.4 cubic feet with both rows down. The Palisade's gear selector featured a compact shift-by-wire setup, and the dual-panel sunroof on higher trims enhanced the cabin's ambiance.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided more interior space than other affordable EVs, with generous front and rear legroom and headroom. It offered 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with them folded. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in terms of interior space, it was practical for an affordable EV. The ID.4 also had towing capabilities, with RWD models towing up to 2,200 pounds and AWD models up to 2,700 pounds. Interior changes for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console and improved phone storage.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased Hyundai's technological prowess. It featured a standard display audio system on S and SEL models, while the Limited and Calligraphy models boasted a 1920 x 720 color touchscreen with 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 offered multiple USB ports, a Qi wireless charging pad, and a 115-volt power outlet. Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system was available on upper trims, and the Limited and Calligraphy models featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard. The ID.4's user interface featured sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less intuitive than conventional buttons. The ID.Light system, part ambient lighting and part AI assistant, added a unique touch to the ID.4's technology suite.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade earned high marks for safety, with a comprehensive list of passive and active safety features. It included seven airbags, three-point seat belts, LATCH anchors, and active head restraints. Standard active safety features encompassed anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, blind-spot collision avoidance, and more. The Palisade received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. While IIHS ratings for the 2023 model weren't available, the 2022 model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating. The ID.4 featured standard driver-assist features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. For 2023, it added Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.