2023 Hyundai Palisade vs 2023 Volvo XC90

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, with its bold strokes and squared-off grille, gave the Palisade a stronger and more assertive look. Standard LED accents, daytime running lights, and headlights added to its modern appeal, while the top Calligraphy trim featured premium rear accent lighting and a unique grille design. The interior of the Palisade was equally impressive, with premium Nappa leather in the Calligraphy trim and a dual-pane sunroof that brightened the cabin. The seating configurations allowed for either seven or eight passengers, with second-row captain's chairs available in higher trims.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a purposeful yet understated design. Its front end was stout and solid, with an assertive grille and the signature "Thor's Hammer" headlights adding a modern touch. The XC90's dimensions leaned toward rectilinear, but it was far from the boxy designs of past Volvos. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with its two-tone leather steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design was complemented by wood deco inlays, creating a clean and sophisticated look. However, the lack of physical controls could be frustrating for some users.

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 several competitors, including the Mazda CX-9 and Volkswagen Atlas. The eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard paddle shifters, provided smooth gear changes. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The Palisade offered a comfortable ride and was capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds. Fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive model was 19 mpg city, 27 highway, and 22 combined, while the all-wheel-drive version achieved 19 city, 25 highway, and 21 combined.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced new B5 and B6 engines with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 powertrains. The B5 engine produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 engine delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency slightly and provided smoother operation. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle's insulation kept road and wind noise to a minimum, and the brakes offered a solid pedal feel. The XC90's off-road capabilities were limited, but it handled well in various driving conditions.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade offered ample interior space, with 44.1 inches of legroom in the front row, 42.4 in the second, and 31.4 in the third. The passenger volume measured 155.3 cubic feet, and the cargo space was generous, with 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 45.8 behind the second, and 86.4 with all rear seats folded. The Palisade featured HVAC vents in all three rows and a hands-free smart liftgate on all but the base trim. The center console provided storage space and cupholders, while the physical buttons and knobs were intuitive and easy to use.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was elegant but had limited storage space. The front seats were comfortable, but the lack of dedicated space for smaller items, like cell phones, was a drawback. The second row was spacious, but accessing the third row was challenging, especially with the standard bench seat. The XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, 41.8 with the third row folded, and 65.5 with all rear seats down. While the XC90 drove like a smaller car, its interior space was less accommodating than some competitors.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade featured a 12.3-inch color touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. A premium Harman Kardon sound system was available in higher trims. The Palisade was the first Hyundai to offer WiFi hotspot capability, standard across all trims. The Bluelink connected vehicle system allowed remote access and management, including starting the vehicle and controlling heated or cooled seats. The Digital Key 2 Touch, compatible with Apple and Samsung devices, was standard on SEL models and up, allowing owners to unlock, start, and drive the car using their devices.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display ran on Google OS, featuring Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. The system's natural-language recognition was a highlight, allowing voice commands through Google Home devices. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions could be frustrating. The minimalist design meant fewer physical buttons, which some users might find inconvenient. Despite this, the XC90's tech offerings were impressive, with a focus on integration and ease of use.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade was expected to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with new safety features like second-row side-impact airbags. The Smart Sense suite included 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, providing lane-centering and lane-change assistance. The rear seat occupant alert and safe exit warning added to the Palisade's comprehensive safety features.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, with a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, which maintained distance and lane position. These features contributed to the XC90's reputation as one of the safest vehicles on the road.