2023 Hyundai Palisade vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 bore a strong resemblance to the Nissan Armada, sharing its platform, mechanicals, and general layout. This wasn't necessarily a drawback, as both SUVs were considered good-looking. The QX80's size was just right, not too big or too small. Its front-end styling was unique, thanks to the distinctive Infiniti grille, which was prominent but not overdone. LED lighting was tastefully integrated, and the conservative use of chrome added an upscale look. The 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels on higher trims further enhanced its exterior appeal.

Inside, the QX80 featured more upscale materials compared to the Armada, but Nissan's design theme was still evident. The Sensory-trim test vehicle had tasteful wood trim and attractive quilted semi-aniline Saddle Brown leather seats. However, despite these fancy touches, the QX80's style was becoming outdated. While the cabin was upscale and comfortable, it fell short of the high bar set by competitors in the premium full-size SUV market.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai’s largest SUV, received a styling update that gave it an even more commanding presence. The new front fascia, with its squared-off grille and new headlights, made the Palisade look stronger. LED accents, daytime running lights, and headlights were standard across the lineup, and LED taillights were standard on SEL and up. The top Calligraphy trim featured premium rear accent lighting, body-color bumpers, a unique grille, and a wider rear spoiler. The new XRT trim had a dark grille, roof cross rails, and black 20-inch wheels.

The Palisade's interior was stylish and bright, especially with the dual-pane sunroof in the Calligraphy trim. Premium Nappa leather was standard in the Calligraphy, while lower trims had cloth or leatherette seats. Heated and ventilated seats were available in higher trims, and the second-row seats came in a bench or captain's chairs configuration. The Palisade could accommodate up to eight passengers, and the available Premium package for SEL models added many high-end features.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 400-horsepower, 5.6-liter V8 engine with 413 lb-ft of torque. This engine delivered strong performance and a pleasing exhaust note. However, it was thirsty and required premium fuel. The seven-speed automatic transmission provided smooth and seamless shifts, distributing the QX80's ample power effectively. The QX80 offered both 2WD and 4WD options, with the latter featuring a computer-controlled transfer case for different driving conditions. It had a ground clearance of 9.2 inches and a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds. The QX80 managed to control body lean well, thanks to the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system, but it reminded drivers of its nearly three-ton weight during sharp turns.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade came with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This was competitive for its class, making it more powerful than some rivals. The eight-speed automatic transmission could be controlled with paddle shifters, and power was routed to the front wheels by default, with AWD available for an additional $1,900. The AWD system performed well on a muddy off-road course. The Palisade had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and offered a comfortable ride. Fuel economy for the FWD Palisade was 19 mpg city, 27 highway, and 22 combined, while the AWD version achieved 19 city, 25 highway, and 21 combined.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 required a climb to enter due to its tall ride height, with a step-in height of nearly two feet. Inside, it offered a spacious cabin with good front-seat head- and legroom. Visibility was commendable, though the sideview mirrors were a bit small. The power-sliding moonroof was smaller than panoramic designs in other models. The QX80 could seat up to eight passengers with the optional second-row bench seat, but the third row was cramped. Cargo space was limited, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 95.1 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade comfortably seated seven or eight passengers, with 44.1 inches of legroom in the front row, 42.4 in the second, and 31.4 in the third. Passenger volume was 155.3 cubic feet. The second-row seats had a one-touch slide feature for easy access to the third row, and the third-row seats folded flat. Cargo space was 18 cubic feet with all seats in place, 45.8 behind the second row, and 86.4 with the second and third rows folded. A hands-free smart liftgate was standard on all but the base SE trim. The Palisade had HVAC vents in all three rows and provided two cupholders per person. The center console included a phone holder and space for a bag, and the physical buttons and knobs were laid out intuitively.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 featured a new 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch display with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. Navigation, voice recognition, and Infiniti InTouch connected services were also included. A Bose 13-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker system in the Sensory trim. The QX80 had multiple USB ports, illuminated steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, and a wireless smartphone charger. The dual-screen rear entertainment system was included but lacked HDMI adapters. The QX80 did not have Infiniti's ProPilot Assist advanced driving-assistance system due to its older architecture.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade offered WiFi hotspot capability and a new 12.3-inch color touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth. A 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system was available in SEL models and standard in Limited and Calligraphy. Up to two devices could connect via Bluetooth, and up to seven could charge using USB ports. A wireless charger was standard on all but the base trim. The Palisade had a 4.2-inch color driver info display or a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in higher trims. An in-car intercom and rear-seat quiet mode were available. Hyundai's Bluelink connected vehicle system was standard, allowing remote access and management features. The Palisade also had Digital Key 2 Touch, compatible with Apple and Samsung devices.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 came with standard safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure prevention, forward-collision warning, backup collision intervention, a smart rearview mirror, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included driver attention alert, front knee airbags, and seat belt pre-tensioners for second-row outboard passengers. The QX80 received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from NHTSA, and the 2021 model received four stars for overall crash protection.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS for the 2022 model. The 2023 model included new active and passive safety features, such as second-row side-impact airbags. Hyundai's Smart Sense suite of safety features was standard, including forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, high beam assist, lane-keeping and lane-following assist, blind-spot collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance. Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist I and II, a full-display digital rearview mirror, safe exit warning, and rear seat occupant alert were also available.