2024 Hyundai Palisade vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant shift in design from its predecessors, presenting a more assertive and truck-like appearance. It was longer and wider, with a muscular stance that was visually evident. The classic D-pillar taillights were modernized with three L shapes, contributing to a more aggressive look. The Sport Touring trim, driven in deep Canyon River Blue, featured special Sport styling elements like black roof rails and mirrors, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and 19-inch wheels. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid followed the premium design direction seen in other Honda models, with high-quality materials and attractive contrast stitching.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its distinctive styling, offering a range of trims including the new Calligraphy Night Edition. The test vehicle, priced at $55,930, featured a blacked-out appearance with dark chrome and gloss black exterior trim. The interior boasted a luxurious feel with an artificial suede headliner, quality upholstery, and sophisticated design elements. The Palisade's interior was likened to a luxury SUV, with features like metal speaker grilles and striped dashboard trim enhancing its appeal.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a choice between a turbocharged or hybrid powertrain, with the hybrid setup providing more power without sacrificing efficiency. It combined a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a two-motor hybrid-electric system, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date, with a top speed of 115 mph and a towing capacity of up to 1,000 lbs. The CR-V Hybrid introduced a fourth drive mode, Snow, and featured an updated Real Time AWD system capable of sending up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels. A new "B" shifter position allowed for increased regenerative braking, enhancing fuel efficiency.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine generating 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and eight inches of ground clearance. The Palisade featured several driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Smart, and Snow, with the ability to lock the AWD system for off-road travel. The V6 engine provided satisfying acceleration, and the transmission was responsive. The Palisade averaged 18.8 mpg in Comfort mode during testing, with a quiet interior and firm yet comfortable suspension.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's larger exterior translated to increased interior volume, with 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with them folded. Rear seat legroom increased to 41 inches, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The CR-V featured a hands-free power tailgate, wide-opening rear doors, and a best-in-class storage console. Eight cupholders and a cubby for smartphones added to its practicality.

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, a heated steering wheel, and an Ergo Motion massage function for the driver were available. The Palisade provided configurable storage, with a large bin between the front seats and additional trays throughout the cabin. Second-row passengers enjoyed captain's chairs with optional heating and ventilation, while the third row offered more comfort and room than most rivals. The Palisade's cargo space ranged from 18 cubic feet behind the third row to 86.4 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen display with physical buttons, while the Sport Touring trim had a 9-inch touchscreen with a volume knob. Both Hybrid models included USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats. The Sport Touring trim added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system. Honda's smart navigation system optimized fuel efficiency based on the route.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, supporting Bluetooth connectivity for two devices, Bluelink+ connected services, and Wi-Fi access. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a USB-A cable. The Palisade featured a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, a digital key function, a digital rearview mirror, and a semi-autonomous remote parking system. The head-up display provided navigation instructions and safety feature status.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid included the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, with adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, and lane-keeping assist. New features for 2023 included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. The CR-V earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA, with new airbags and a stiffer structure enhancing safety.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with the SmartSense collection of driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Highway Driving Assist paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with incomplete crash test results from the NHTSA.