2024 Hyundai Palisade vs 2024 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its distinctive styling, setting it apart from other family-friendly SUVs. While its design might not have appealed to everyone, those who appreciated its aesthetics likely found other aspects of the vehicle to their liking. The Palisade was available in several trims, including the SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, Calligraphy, and the new Calligraphy Night Edition. Prices ranged from $36,650 to $53,850, excluding a $1,395 destination charge. The Calligraphy Night Edition, which we tested, featured a blacked-out appearance with dark chrome and gloss black exterior trim, badges, and wheels, and was available only in Abyss Black or Hyper White paint colors. The interior boasted a luxurious feel with leather and artificial suede inserts, an artificial suede headliner, and sophisticated metal speaker grilles.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse offered a more rugged option with its new Z71 trim, designed for moderate off-roading. The Traverse was available in four main trims: LS, LT, Z71, and RS, with prices starting at $38,995 and reaching up to $55,595 for the RS model. Our test vehicle, the Z71, featured gloss black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint. The interior of the Z71 was accented with "Torch Red" details, and while synthetic leather seating was optional, the standard cloth seats provided comfort and breathability. The Traverse's design emphasized practicality, with features like Smart Slide second-row seats and a power-folding third row, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive available. The Palisade offered a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and eight inches of ground clearance. Various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Smart, and Snow, allowed for adaptability in different conditions. The Palisade's V6 engine provided ample power and smooth acceleration, while the AWD system effectively distributed power on dirt and gravel roads. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg for the AWD model, though our testing showed an average of 18.8 mpg in Comfort mode. The Palisade's suspension offered a firm yet comfortable ride, with excellent visibility and handling on mountain and canyon roads.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, replaced its previous 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This new engine provided more power and torque than its predecessor. All-wheel drive was optional on every trim, with the Z71 featuring a more advanced dual-clutch system for improved traction. The Traverse offered satisfactory acceleration and passing power, with a pleasant exhaust note during acceleration. The steering was adequate for most driving situations, though the vehicle's length was noticeable. The ride quality was commendable, even with the Z71's all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance. The brakes were progressive, and the fuel-saving stop-and-start feature was seamless. The EPA estimated fuel economy ranged from 18 mpg city to 26 mpg highway for the Traverse Limited with FWD.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade offered a range of seating options, with the base SE trim featuring cloth seats and higher trims offering various levels of leather upholstery. Heated and ventilated front seats were available, with the Limited trim adding memory settings and an adjustable thigh support cushion for the driver. The Calligraphy trim included an Ergo Motion massage function for the driver. The Palisade's interior was well-equipped with configurable storage, including a large storage bin between the front seats and additional trays and pockets throughout the cabin. Second-row passengers enjoyed captain's chairs with optional heating and ventilation, while the third row offered more comfort and space than many competitors. The Palisade provided 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for eight in the base LS model, with second-row captain's chairs available in higher trims. The Z71 and RS trims were strictly seven-seaters, with easy access to the third row. The Smart Slide second-row seats were user-friendly, and a power-folding third row was available. The Traverse's cargo volume was competitive, with 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 96 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The cabin featured numerous storage compartments, including a hidden storage area under the center console and an underfloor storage bin in the cargo bay. Visibility was generally good, though the third row's view was somewhat restricted. The Z71 trim included a power-operated driver's seat, though the front passenger seat was manually adjustable.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, available with the SEL Premium package or higher trims. All Palisades came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, Bluelink+ connected services, Wi-Fi access, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a rear-seat Quiet Mode. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a USB-A cable, while wireless charging was standard from the SEL trim. The Harman Kardon premium sound system was available, providing excellent audio quality. Additional technologies included a digital key function, a digital rearview mirror, and a semi-autonomous remote parking system. The head-up display offered useful information, though it was incompatible with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse boasted a new 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, standard on all models, with rapid response times and user-friendly menus. An 11-inch digital instrument display provided customizable information. The infotainment system ran on Google-based software, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The wireless charging pad in the Z71 trim securely held smartphones during driving. Physical controls for volume and HVAC functions were retained, though the driving mode button was less conveniently placed. The Traverse introduced Super Cruise, a hands-free driving aid, expanding its functionality to single-lane roadways. Super Cruise automatically disengaged at intersections, requiring some adjustment for drivers.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with Hyundai's SmartSense collection of driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and more. Highway Driving Assist (HDA) paired adaptive cruise control with curve speed control and lane-centering assist. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA crash tests were incomplete.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not yet undergone crash tests by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of testing. However, it offered a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. These systems provided peace of mind during our test drive.