2024 Hyundai Palisade vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2023 Audi Q5 presented a blend of elegance and sportiness with its exterior design, characterized by subtle curves and angular accents. It was available in two body styles: the standard Q5 SUV and the Q5 Sportback, which featured a sloping rear roofline for a sleeker look. Despite the typical reservations about coupelike styling, the Q5 Sportback stood out with a spoiler-like element above the taillights, providing a more defined transition from hatch to tail section. Inside, the Q5 offered a refined yet simple layout, though its age was beginning to show. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The 10-inch touchscreen was a nod to traditional design amidst a trend of larger screens, and while materials were of good quality, the Q5 no longer felt as special compared to newer non-luxury competitors. The build quality was robust, with no squeaks or creaks, making it a solid choice among luxury SUVs.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade distinguished itself with unique styling that set it apart from other family-friendly SUVs. It was available in several trims, including the new Calligraphy Night Edition, with prices ranging from $36,650 to $53,850, excluding destination charges. The Calligraphy Night Edition featured a blacked-out appearance with dark chrome and gloss black trim, available in Abyss Black or Hyper White paint. The interior boasted luxury-like sophistication with features such as an artificial suede headliner, quality upholstery, and metal speaker grilles. The Palisade's interior design and materials made it feel like a luxury SUV, offering a premium experience in a mass-market vehicle.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine options. The base 40 TFSI was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, and was the sole engine for the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI was a plug-in hybrid powertrain delivering 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated 23 miles of electric-only range. All Q5s came with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a delay in power delivery due to the transmission, affecting initial acceleration. However, once underway, the power was adequate, and the handling was sporty, with precise steering. The Q5 balanced compliance and cornering well, with a quiet cabin that met luxury standards.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine generating 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The Palisade had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and offered eight inches of ground clearance. It featured several driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Smart, and Snow, with the ability to lock the AWD system for off-road conditions. The V6 engine provided satisfying acceleration, and the transmission was responsive. The AWD system distributed power effectively on various terrains. The Palisade averaged 18.8 mpg in Comfort mode during testing. The suspension offered a firm yet comfortable ride, with excellent visibility and a quiet cabin. The Palisade displayed unexpected athleticism on winding roads, with predictable handling and reliable brakes.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design had remained largely unchanged since 2018, but it continued to be functional and well-organized. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned atop the dash for easy visibility, with traditional dials and buttons for climate controls. Outward visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar. The Q5 offered ample space for front and rear passengers, with only a slight reduction in headroom for the Sportback model. Storage options were available, though some were oddly sized. The Q5 provided 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, slightly less in the Sportback.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade offered a range of seating options, from cloth seats in the base SE trim to premium Nappa leather with microfiber inserts in the Calligraphy Night Edition. Heated and ventilated front seats were available, with additional comfort features in higher trims. The Palisade's interior was spacious, with configurable storage options and thoughtful design elements. Second-row passengers enjoyed captain's chairs or a bench seat, with heated and ventilated options. The third row was more comfortable than most rivals, with standard heating and air conditioning vents. The Palisade provided 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring sharp graphics and quick responses. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available wirelessly, though CarPlay took time to activate. A Bang & Olufsen audio system was standard on higher trims. The Q5 offered remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app, with a customizable digital instrument panel on mid-range trims.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation. It supported Bluetooth connectivity for two devices, Bluelink+ connected services, Wi-Fi access, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a USB-A cable. The Palisade offered a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a digital key function, a digital rearview mirror, and a semi-autonomous remote parking system. The head-up display provided comprehensive data, though it was incompatible with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, with four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ rating. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors. Higher trims added lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera, and traffic jam assist.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with Hyundai's SmartSense collection, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Highway Driving Assist paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. The Palisade Limited, Calligraphy, and Night Edition offered three layers of blind-spot safety. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA crash tests were incomplete.