2024 Hyundai Palisade vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 model series, each offering a unique powertrain. The B5 featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the B6 added a supercharger for enhanced performance. The Recharge T8 was a plug-in hybrid, providing the most power and efficiency, with an estimated 32 miles of electric-only range. All models came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). Volvo offered the XC90 in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trims, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. The Recharge T8 in Ultimate trim, tested with seven-passenger seating, included luxurious features like massaging front seats, a premium headliner, and a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system, with an MSRP of $89,145. The XC90's exterior was characterized by a subdued, earthy color palette, and its interior, though dated, was adorned with rich materials, including wool-blend upholstery and natural wood trim.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its distinctive styling, setting it apart from other family-friendly SUVs. It was offered in SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, Calligraphy, and the new Calligraphy Night Edition trims, with prices ranging from $36,650 to $53,850, excluding a $1,395 destination charge. The Calligraphy Night Edition, tested with extra-cost Hyper White paint, featured a blacked-out appearance with dark chrome and gloss black exterior trim. It came with AWD and a black interior with leather and artificial suede inserts. The Palisade's interior was sophisticated, with an artificial suede headliner, quality upholstery, and metal speaker grilles, giving it a luxury SUV feel. The Calligraphy Night Edition had an MSRP of $55,930, offering a premium experience at a more accessible price point.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with the B6 model’s supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Recharge T8 offered 32 miles of electric-only driving and averaged 27 mpg in hybrid mode. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds. Recharging was straightforward, taking about 12 hours with a standard outlet or less than half that time with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. However, during testing, the XC90 fell short of its electric range and fuel economy estimates, achieving 28 miles of electric range and 24.5 mpg. The SUV was powerful but lacked thrilling handling, with a firm ride and less cabin quietness than expected for its price.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine generating 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and eight inches of ground clearance. The Palisade featured several driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Smart, and Snow, with the ability to lock the AWD system for off-road travel. The V6 engine provided ample power and smooth acceleration, with the transmission always in the right gear. The AWD system effectively distributed power on dirt and gravel roads. The Palisade averaged 18.8 mpg in Comfort mode, slightly below the EPA's 21 mpg estimate. The SUV displayed some athleticism on mountain roads, with predictable handling and reliable brakes. Overall, the Palisade offered a pleasant driving experience, with the only downside being its real-world fuel economy.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in Core trim, was well-equipped with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. A panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims offered additional features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The front seats had adjustable lower leg support bolsters, though they could catch on clothing. The XC90 seated seven or six with optional captain’s chairs, with a comfortable second-row bench and a tight but accommodating third row. Interior storage was adequate, and cargo space was limited with the third row in use, offering up to 65.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 85.7 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade offered a range of seating options, from cloth seats in the SE trim to premium Nappa leather with microfiber inserts in the Calligraphy Night Edition. Most trims featured heated, power-adjustable front seats, with additional comfort features like a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats available. The Calligraphy Night Edition included an Ergo Motion massage function for the driver. The Palisade provided configurable storage between the front seats and ample second-row comfort with captain’s chairs or a bench seat. The third row was more spacious than most rivals, with standard heating and air conditioning vents. The Palisade offered 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 86.4 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, including Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. These features were complimentary for four years, with subscription payments required afterward. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with premium audio options available. The infotainment system was intuitive, though the 9-inch screen was small by modern standards. The XC90 also included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display and surround-view camera.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, supporting Bluetooth connectivity for two devices, Bluelink+ connected services, Wi-Fi access, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a USB-A cable. The Palisade offered a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system and additional technologies like a digital key function, digital rearview mirror, and semi-autonomous remote parking system. The head-up display provided comprehensive data, though it was incompatible with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA in all but rollover resistance, where it received four stars. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. However, its advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) were not as innovative as rivals, lacking a hands-free driving system. Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist, worked well overall but made a significant error during testing, affecting confidence in the technology.

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, and more. Highway Driving Assist (HDA) provided a hands-on driving system for highway travel, with lane-change assist available in higher trims. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA crash tests were incomplete, with top ratings for side-impact collisions and rollover resistance.