2023 Hyundai Palisade vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade, as Hyundai's largest SUV, had an even more commanding presence following its styling update. The new front fascia, with its bolder strokes, framed the headlights, giving the SUV a stronger look. LED accents, daytime running lights, and headlights were standard across the lineup, while LED taillights became standard on SEL and higher trims. The squared-off grille added to the Palisade's imposing appearance. Body-color mirrors were standard and featured heated, powered, and auto-dimming functions. 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 black 20-inch wheels. The Calligraphy trim's new multi-spoke alloy wheel design conveyed a premium feel, and a new color, Robust Emerald, was introduced for Calligraphy models. The interior of the Calligraphy-trim tester was stylish, with premium Nappa leather and a dual-pane sunroof. The Palisade offered various seating configurations, with second-row captain's chairs in higher trims and a bench option for lower trims.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant styling departure, presenting a more assertive and truck-like appearance. It was longer and wider than its predecessor, with a more muscular stance. The classic D-pillar taillights were updated with three L shapes for a modern look. The Sport Touring trim, driven in deep Canyon River Blue, featured black roof rails, mirrors, and wheels. The interior followed the design direction of the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V, with a honeycomb grille surrounding the climate control vents. The materials in the Sport Touring cabin felt high-quality, with attractive contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel. The CR-V Hybrid's design was consistent with its Honda stablemates, successfully achieving a more premium feel.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 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 cost. The Palisade's HTRAC all-wheel drive system was tested on a muddy off-road course, proving capable. While not suited for rock-crawling, the Palisade offered a comfortable ride and could tow up to 5,000 pounds. Fuel economy for front-wheel-drive models was 19 mpg city, 27 highway, and 22 combined, while all-wheel-drive models achieved 19 city, 25 highway, and 21 combined.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a hybrid powertrain combining 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. The hybrid setup provided more power without compromising efficiency, allowing the CR-V Hybrid to reach speeds of up to 115 mph. It was also rated for towing up to 1,000 lbs. The CR-V Hybrid featured four drive modes: Snow, Sport, Normal, and Econ, with the updated Real Time AWD system on Sport AWD and Sport Touring models. A new "B" shifter position increased regenerative braking, enhancing fuel efficiency. The front-wheel-drive Sport trim achieved 43 mpg city, 36 highway, and 40 combined, offering significant savings compared to other models.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade offered ample space, seating seven or eight passengers comfortably. It provided 44.1 inches of legroom in the front row, 42.4 in the second, and 31.4 in the third, with a total passenger volume of 155.3 cubic feet. The second-row seating facilitated easy access to the third row, and the third-row seats folded flat for increased cargo space. Cargo capacity 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 featured HVAC vents in all three rows and provided two cupholders per person. The center console included a phone holder and space for a bag, with physical buttons and knobs for easy control.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's larger exterior translated to increased interior volume. It offered 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 76.5 with them folded, surpassing competitors like the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The Sport Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate, and all CR-Vs had wide-opening rear doors for easy access. Rear seat legroom increased to 41 inches, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The reclining rear seats offered eight positions, and headroom measured 38.2 inches in both rows. The CR-V Hybrid included a cubby for smartphones, eight cupholders, and a console with best-in-class storage.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade introduced WiFi hotspot capability, standard on all trims. A 12.3-inch color touchscreen infotainment system was also standard, featuring 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, and Hyundai's Bluelink connected vehicle system was standard. The Palisade was the first to feature Digital Key 2 Touch, compatible with Apple and Samsung devices.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid catered to those who preferred physical buttons, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen display featuring volume and tuning knobs. The Sport Touring trim had a 9-inch touchscreen with a volume knob and hard Seek buttons. Both Hybrid models included USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats. The Sport Touring trim offered additional features like a wireless charging pad, 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system, and Honda's smart navigation system, which optimized fuel efficiency based on the route.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade was expected to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with new active and passive safety features, including second-row side-impact airbags. Hyundai's Smart Sense suite of safety features was standard, including forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance were newly standard. Highway Driving Assist I and II were available, and a full-display digital rearview mirror was offered. Safe exit warning and rear seat occupant alert were also standard.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid included the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies as standard, with improvements for 2023. New safety features included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. A blind-spot information system and cross-traffic monitor were standard, with parking sensors on higher trims. The CR-V Hybrid maintained its Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA, with additional safety updates like new airbags and increased visibility.