2023 Hyundai Palisade vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while stepping into the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new platforms, including the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) for the XC90, which debuted as a 2016 model. The 2022 XC90 showcased a sleek and athletic profile, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches that emphasized its dynamic stance. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian Modern and Swedish Luxury, featuring natural wood and metal trim, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery. The XC90's design elements, such as the "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights, paid homage to its Swedish heritage, while the interior offered exquisite details like a crystal gear selector handle.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade, as Hyundai's largest SUV, made a bold statement with its updated styling. The new front fascia and squared-off grille gave it a commanding presence, complemented by standard LED accents and headlights. The top Calligraphy trim featured premium rear accent lighting and a unique grille, while the new XRT trim added rugged elements like a dark grille and black 20-inch wheels. The Palisade's interior was stylish and bright, thanks to features like a dual-pane sunroof and premium Nappa leather in the Calligraphy trim. The seating configurations allowed for seven or eight passengers, with heated and ventilated seats available in higher trims. The Palisade's design was both elegant and functional, offering a comfortable ride with thoughtful details like HVAC vents in all three rows and a hands-free smart liftgate.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the T5 model's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model added a supercharger, boosting output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, delivering a total of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The XC90's powertrains were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with T5 models available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), while T6 and T8 models were AWD only. The T8's electric motor enhanced acceleration, providing a smooth and spirited driving experience. Fuel efficiency varied, with the T5 FWD achieving up to 25 mpg combined, while the T8 offered 55 MPGe with an 18-mile electric range.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade came with a single powertrain: a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine was competitive within its class, offering more power than some rivals like the Mazda CX-9 and Volkswagen Atlas. The Palisade's eight-speed automatic transmission could be controlled via paddle shifters, and power was routed to the front wheels by default, with AWD available as an option. The Palisade excelled in towing, with a capacity of up to 5,000 pounds and a dedicated Tow Mode for AWD models. Fuel economy for FWD models was 22 mpg combined, while AWD models achieved 21 mpg combined. The Palisade's ride was comfortable, making it suitable for light off-roading and everyday driving.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. While the third row was best suited for children, the XC90 provided ample cargo space, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available when both the second and third rows were folded. The XC90's interior was spacious and airy, enhanced by a panoramic moonroof, and featured numerous storage options. The SUV's towing capacity ranged from 4,000 to 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade comfortably seated seven or eight passengers, with generous legroom across all three rows. The second-row seats facilitated easy access to the third row, and the 60/40-split seats folded flat for increased cargo space. The Palisade offered 18 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The interior was designed for convenience, with HVAC vents in all rows, multiple cupholders, and a hands-free smart liftgate. The Palisade's layout was intuitive, with physical buttons and knobs for easy operation.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which offered tablet-like functionality with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. While the system was intuitive, it occasionally experienced glitches, performing better with Apple CarPlay. The XC90 included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and offered an Advanced package with a head-up display and 360-degree camera system. The standard Harman Kardon sound system could be upgraded to a Bowers & Wilkins system for audiophiles. The XC90 also provided USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care app for remote vehicle control.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade introduced several technological advancements, including a standard WiFi hotspot and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Palisade offered a premium Harman Kardon sound system in higher trims and allowed multiple Bluetooth connections. The digital instrument cluster and head-up display were available in Limited and Calligraphy trims. The Palisade's Bluelink system provided remote access and management features, while the Digital Key 2 Touch allowed for keyless entry and operation via compatible devices. The Palisade also included an in-car intercom and rear-seat quiet mode for added convenience.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The XC90 included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and Volvo's Pilot Assist system, which provided assisted driving on highways.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade built on its predecessor's safety reputation, with the Smart Sense suite of features standard across all trims. The Palisade included forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot collision avoidance. Highway Driving Assist I and II were available, offering lane-centering and lane-change assistance. The Palisade also featured a full-display digital rearview mirror and a rear seat occupant alert system.