2023 Hyundai Palisade vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade received a styling update that further elevated its commanding street presence. It already stood out as Hyundai's largest SUV, but this new version has an even more robust look. The new front fascia featured bolder strokes, framing new headlights that lent the SUV a stronger and more assertive aesthetic. Standard across the lineup were LED accents, daytime running lights, and headlights, while LED taillights became standard on the SEL trims and above. The new squared-off grille transformed the face of the Palisade, giving it a more formidable and dominant look compared to its predecessors.

Body-color mirrors were included across all trims and came packed with features: all Palisades had heated, powered mirrors with standard auto-dimming. The top Calligraphy trim further set itself apart with premium rear accent lighting, body-color bumpers, a unique glossy black and chrome grille, and a wider, body-color rear spoiler. The newly introduced XRT trim featured a dark grille and roof cross rails, unique accents on the bumpers and skid plates, and black 20-inch wheels, offering a rugged edge to its appearance.

Wheel options varied across the trims: 18-inch alloy wheels were standard on SE and SEL models, while 20-inch wheels were optional for the SEL and standard on higher trims. The Calligraphy trim’s new multi-spoke alloy wheel design, though less visually striking than its predecessor, conveyed a premium and refined feel. A new color, Robust Emerald, replaced Rainforest, continuing Hyundai-Genesis's trend of smoky, subtle colors that appeared almost grayscale under most lighting conditions, adding an air of elegance.

Inside, the Calligraphy-trim model was stylish, its dark seats brightened by a dual-pane sunroof (a single sunroof for the SEL and standard on XRT models). The design seemed inspired by high-end brands like Mercedes-Benz, with horizontal quilting and dash lines. Materials included premium Nappa leather for the Calligraphy trim, while the base SE model featured cloth seats with a six-way power-adjustable driver’s chair. Higher trims boasted heated, eight-way power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, with leatherette for SEL and XRT, and leather-trimmed in Limited trims. Limited and Calligraphy models also included heated and ventilated seats in the first and second rows, and heated third-row seats.

For second-row seating, SE models came with a bench configuration, which was optional for the SEL models. The top three trims replaced the bench with captain's chairs, providing enhanced comfort and including new wing-out headrests in the Calligraphy trim. Those needing to accommodate eight passengers had to opt for the two lower trims, but the SEL’s Premium package offered many higher-end features.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, particularly the 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE), based on the SR5 Premium trim, brought a nostalgic throwback to the 1970s. This special edition, costing an additional $4,505, included a standard 4WD system valued at $1,875. The remaining cost covered retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, bronze 17-inch wheels, bronze badges, bronze seat and interior stitching, specialized floor mats, and a numbered plaque on the dashboard.

The 40 ASE was available in black, white, or red paint, coupled with a black artificial leather interior, providing a strong Southern California vibe with its groovy yellow, orange, and red stripes and bronze wheels. The fifth-generation 4Runner, despite its long tenure in the market, maintained an enduring appeal with its truck-based SUV look and stance, reminiscent of nostalgic ruggedness.

Internally, the 4Runner offered a purposeful design with plenty of plastic yet solid-looking and feeling components. Controls in the cabin were designed for easy use, even with gloves on, emphasizing functionality and ruggedness over contemporary sophistication.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade came equipped with a single powertrain option, a 3.8-liter V6 engine delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This positioned it competitively within its class, offering more power than competitors like the Mazda CX-9 and Volkswagen Atlas, slightly more than the Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder, and just shy of the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer’s gas-powered models. An eight-speed automatic transmission complemented the V6, with paddle shifters for manual control. Power was typically routed to the front wheels, but an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system could be added for $1,900 on any trim. Demonstrations showed the HTRAC AWD system’s capability on a muddy off-road course, proving reliable on slippery grounds.

While the Palisade wasn’t designed for serious off-roading, it excelled in providing a comfortable ride—a primary trait valued by its target audience. It also boasted substantial towing capacity, able to haul up to 5,000 pounds. AWD models included a dedicated Tow Mode that optimized gear shifts for towing. Fuel economy stood at a respectable 19 mpg city and 27 highway for front-wheel-drive (FWD) models, and 19 city and 25 highway for AWD variants.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine generating 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. This drivetrain could be configured with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or upgraded to a 4WD system. The 4Runner's towing capacity matched the Palisade at 5,000 pounds. Notably, the 4Runner offered two 4WD systems—a part-time system common on most trims, and a full-time system available with the Limited trim.

Despite the rugged off-road capabilities, the 4Runner’s fuel efficiency trailed behind, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined. Off-road, the 4Runner excelled with at least nine inches of ground clearance, standard Hill-Start Assist Control, and optional off-road technologies like locking differentials, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. These features ensured the 4Runner’s prowess in off-road conditions, though it struggled with on-road refinement.

Driving the 4Runner revealed its limitations as a daily driver. Acceleration was sluggish, and the brake system required improved modulation. Its heavy, slow steering felt mismatched to its size, and larger bumps unsettled its composure. Despite these flaws, it was reliable for running errands in suburban settings, handling slippery conditions with care due to its rear-wheel drive in the standard mode.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade offered generous interior space, comfortably seating seven to eight passengers with dimensions that included 44.1 inches of front legroom, 42.4 inches for the second row, and 31.4 inches in the third row, surpassing some competitors like the Toyota Highlander. The passenger volume measured 155.3 cubic feet. The second-row seats facilitated easy third-row access with standard one-touch seat-slide function and grab handles. The third and second-row seats (60/40 split) folded flat, manually in lower trims and via a power switch in higher trims. Cargo space provided 18 cubic feet with all seats in place, 45.8 cubic feet behind the second row, and expanded to 86.4 cubic feet with folded seats. A hands-free smart liftgate was standard on all but the base SE trim.

For comfort, the Palisade was equipped with HVAC vents across all three rows and ample cupholders. The central console included a phone holder and space for bags, supplemented by physical buttons and knobs laid out ergonomically. Automatic dual-zone climate control came standard in the SEL trim and higher.

Comparatively, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner excelled in practical utility with unique features like its power-down rear window integrated into the tailgate. This, in combination with an open sunroof and the all-around roll-down windows, offered a breezy cabin experience reminiscent of open-top SUVs but without full exposure to sun and elements.

However, getting in and out of the 4Runner posed a challenge for shorter individuals, but once inside, seats were comfortable, especially the SofTex artificial leather in the 40 ASE trim that also included heated front seats. The 4Runner provided ample storage spaces, although the lack of rubber liners meant items could slide around and cause noise.

The second row in the 4Runner offered good legroom, headroom, and amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. The optional third row was less comfortable and compromised cargo space significantly, offering only 9 cubic feet with all seats in use—a slight improvement over a small sports car. Without the third row, the 4Runner provided a generous 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row, expandable to 89.7 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.

Comparing cargo capacities, the Palisade’s maximum of 86.4 cubic feet was slightly less than the 4Runner’s 89.7 cubic feet, but the Palisade offered better overall passenger comfort and configurability.

For 2023, the Hyundai Palisade stepped up with advanced technology. It introduced Wi-Fi hotspot capability as standard across all trims. A new 12.3-inch color touchscreen infotainment system was also standard, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth connectivity. A premium Harman Kardon 12-speaker sound system was available for SEL models and standard on Limited and Calligraphy trims. All Palisades supported up to two Bluetooth connections simultaneously and up to seven USB charging ports throughout the cabin, with a wireless charger standard on all but the base SE trim.

Drivers had access to a 4.2-inch color driver information display, or a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in Limited and Calligraphy trims. Higher trims also included a color head-up display. An in-car intercom system (standard in Limited and Calligraphy) boosted communication between front and rear passengers. Remote accessibility via Hyundai’s Bluelink connected vehicle system allowed for detailed vehicle status checks and enabled pre-setting for remote start, including heated or cooled seat activation, making it extremely user-friendly. The Palisade also introduced the Digital Key 2 Touch, compatible with Apple and Samsung devices, allowing owners to use their smartphones or smartwatches as a vehicle key.

In contrast, the 2023 4Runner did not emphasize cutting-edge technology. It continued to employ traditional analog gauges with a modest digital display between them. The largest available infotainment screen was 8-inches, smaller than many modern equivalents. However, the simplicity with knobs and buttons retained high usability, even with gloved hands, which some users found appealing.

Despite its dated appearance, the 4Runner’s infotainment system included modern necessities like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Multiple connected services plans were offered, with complimentary trial subscriptions, and a Wi-Fi hotspot feature was available. Upgraded options included a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system, though the standard and upgraded sound systems required users to tweak bass settings for optimal sound quality. Despite the 4Runner’s limited screen size and dated graphics, the voice recognition system proved notably reliable during testing.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, and expectations were high that the 2023 version would match or exceed this benchmark due to improved safety features, including second-row side-impact airbags. The Palisade came with Hyundai’s Smart Sense suite of safety features standard. Key features included forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, high beam assist, and lane-keeping and lane-following assist. Blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance were newly standard across all trims. Advanced features like navigation-based Smart Cruise Control and Highway Driving Assist enhanced driver support, with Highway Driving Assist II available from the SEL trim and standard on Limited and Calligraphy.

New safety features for 2023 included a full-display digital rearview mirror and a Safe Exit Warning system, which alerted drivers about oncoming traffic when exiting the vehicle. The rear-seat occupant alert was standard from the SEL trim upwards, using an ultrasonic sensor to signal the presence of passengers after the vehicle was parked.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner included the Toyota Safety Sense suite, covering essential safety features like forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. This lineup ensured fundamental driver assistance, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert newly standard on all trims.

During testing, the adaptive cruise control demonstrated effective smooth braking when vehicles cut in, though it was slower returning to speed after lane changes. Lane-departure warning was active and could become bothersome with frequent alerts, but it could be switched off.

The 4Runner’s aging design affected crash-test assessments. NHTSA awarded it an overall rating of four stars, noting a three-star rating for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. IIHS gave it a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test, underscoring areas needing improvement.