2023 Hyundai Palisade vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade, as Hyundai's largest SUV, had a commanding presence on the road, further enhanced by its 2023 styling update. The new front fascia featured bolder strokes, framing new headlights and a squared-off grille that gave the SUV a stronger look. LED accents, daytime running lights, and headlights were standard across the lineup, with LED taillights standard on SEL and higher trims. The top Calligraphy trim was distinguished by premium rear accent lighting, a unique grille, and a wider rear spoiler. The new XRT trim featured a dark grille and special accents, while wheel options ranged from 18-inch alloys on SE and SEL models to 20-inch wheels on higher trims. A new color, Robust Emerald, was introduced for Calligraphy models, offering a subtle and elegant appearance. Inside, the Calligraphy-trim tester boasted a stylish interior with premium Nappa leather and a dual-pane sunroof, while other trims offered a range of seating materials and configurations.

The 2023 Audi Q5 combined subtle curves with angular accents for a classy and sporty appearance. It was available in two body styles: the regular SUV and the Sportback, which featured a sloping rear roofline for a sleeker silhouette. The Sportback's spoiler-like element above the taillights provided a more defined transition from hatch to tail section. Inside, the Q5's refined layout showed its age since its last redesign five years ago, but it remained functional with leather seating and heated front seats as standard. The infotainment system featured a 10-inch touchscreen, and materials quality was good for the class. The Q5's sturdy build quality ensured a quiet ride, with no squeaks or creaks over rough surfaces, making it a solid choice among competing luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a single 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This made it more powerful than competitors like the Mazda CX-9 and Volkswagen Atlas, and slightly more so than the Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder. The eight-speed automatic transmission could be controlled with paddle shifters, and front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional $1,900. The Palisade's HTRAC all-wheel drive system proved capable on muddy off-road courses, though it wasn't designed for rock-crawling. It offered a comfortable ride and could tow up to 5,000 pounds, with a dedicated Tow Mode for AWD models. Fuel economy was competitive, with FWD models achieving 19 mpg city, 27 highway, and 22 combined, while AWD models got 19 city, 25 highway, and 21 combined.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft, and was the only engine available for the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid powertrain delivered 362 hp and 369 lb-ft with an electric motor, offering 23 miles of electric-only range. All Q5s featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The 45 TFSI engine in the Sportback experienced a delay in power delivery, affecting initial acceleration, but power was adequate once underway. Handling was sporty, with precise steering and a balance between compliance and cornering. The Q5 provided a quiet cabin, with well-managed road and wind noise.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade offered ample space for 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 measured 155.3 cubic feet, and cargo space totaled 18 cubic feet with all seats in place, 45.8 behind the second row, and 86.4 with the third row folded. The Palisade featured a hands-free smart liftgate on all but the base SE trim, and HVAC vents in all three rows. The center console included a phone holder and cupholders, with physical buttons and knobs for easy operation.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design had remained largely unchanged since 2018, but it continued to offer a functional layout. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned atop the dash, with traditional dials and buttons for climate controls. Visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar and better-than-average rear views. The Q5 provided ample space for taller passengers, with minimal headroom reduction in the Sportback model. Storage options included several oddly sized compartments, a wireless phone charger, and accommodating door pockets. Cargo space measured 25.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, with the Sportback offering 24.7 cubic feet.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade featured a 12.3-inch color touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth connectivity. A premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system was available in SEL models and standard in Limited and Calligraphy. The Palisade offered 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, along with Hyundai's Bluelink connected vehicle system. The Palisade introduced Digital Key 2 Touch, compatible with Apple and Samsung devices, allowing remote access and key sharing.

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, with a Bang & Olufsen audio system on higher trims. The Q5 could be monitored remotely via a smartphone app, offering features like unlocking and temperature pre-conditioning. Audi Connect Care included a Wi-Fi hotspot, with a customizable digital instrument panel on mid-range trims.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade had not been rated by the IIHS at the time of writing, but the 2022 model earned a Top Safety Pick+. The 2023 Palisade included Hyundai's Smart Sense suite of safety features, such as forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance were standard, along with navigation-based Smart Cruise Control. Highway Driving Assist I and II were available, and a full-display digital rearview mirror was offered.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, and four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS awarded the Q5 a Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera system, and traffic jam assist. The Prestige trim featured matrix-design LED headlights, a head-up display, and a semi-automated parking system.