Buick Envision vs Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Buick Envision underwent a significant redesign after two consecutive years of facelifts. This two-row compact crossover, positioned between the smaller Encore GX and the larger Enclave, was sold in China and North America. The 2021 model was lower and wider than its predecessor, boasting a more planted appearance on the street. Its premium crossover styling was more sculpted than the Cadillac XT4 but not as sleek as the Acura RDX. The Envision came in three trims: Preferred, Essence, and Avenir, with the Avenir trim making its debut in 2021. The Avenir trim featured upgraded exterior elements, including a Black Ice Chrome mesh grille, 20-inch Avenir-specific pearl nickel wheels, and a unique interior with leather-appointed seating and a head-up display. All Envisions had LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights, with a welcome lighting animation projecting the Buick logo as the key fob holder approached. The interior design was driver-centric, with a protruding center stack housing the infotainment screen and climate controls, angled toward the driver. However, the abundance of piano black plastic on the dashboard and center console attracted dust.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade, introduced in 2020, replaced the Santa Fe XL as Hyundai's flagship SUV. It featured an elegant and striking exterior design, with distinctive lines, a prominent grille, and sculpted wheel arches. The continuous strip of glass surfaces from the C-pillar around the tailgate gave the impression of a floating rear roof. The Palisade's LED headlights, running lights, and taillights provided a signature look. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels were standard on SE and SEL models. Inside, the Palisade offered a horizontally arrayed screen, a beefy center console, and high-quality materials. The second row had either a roomy bench or captain's chairs, while the third row was spacious enough for two adults or three kids. The fit and finish were near-luxury levels, making the Palisade a worthy flagship. The top-of-the-line Calligraphy model, tested in Steel Graphite paint and black interior, was truly stunning.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous 2.5-liter base engine. This engine produced 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, a downgrade from the 252 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque in the 2020 model. Despite shedding 200 to 300 pounds, the weight savings did not compensate for the power loss. The Envision offered front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available. The FWD model achieved an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined, while the AWD model achieved 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. The Envision's drivability was comfortable but not particularly engaging, with noisy acceleration and deceleration. The typical GM drive mode selector included a Sport mode, which changed the revs but did not significantly improve performance.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade came with a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine featured gasoline direct injection, dual variable valve timing, and Atkinson-cycle capability, along with auto-stop-and-go settings to reduce idle time. The Palisade's FWD model achieved an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, while the AWD model achieved 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. The V6 engine provided a baritone rumble and quick acceleration, suitable for family use. The Palisade's weight ranged from 4,127 to 4,387 pounds, depending on the configuration. It handled well, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars. The Palisade could tow up to 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes or 1,650 pounds without.

The 2021 Buick Envision's redesign did not improve cabin functionality. Despite a longer wheelbase, the 2021 model had less headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in the front row, and rear-seat passengers lost two inches of legroom and nearly six inches of hip room. The Envision's cargo capacity was also reduced, with 25.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat and 53.7 cubic feet with the back seat folded. The driver-centric cockpit limited the front seat passenger's access to climate controls and the infotainment screen. Small-item storage was relatively good, and the Envision offered standard heated driver and front passenger seats, eight-way power-adjustable seats, and a heated steering wheel. Forward visibility was poor, especially for shorter drivers.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade excelled as a minivan replacement, offering comfortable seating and easy access throughout the cabin. The third row had cupholders on each side, while the second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, with ample legroom and headroom. The front row had extensive storage, including two compartments in the center console, a locking glove box, and door panel bottle holders. The Palisade's cargo space measured 18.0 cubic feet behind the third row, 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. An underfloor storage compartment added extra space. The Palisade's gear selector featured a compact shift-by-wire setup with four buttons, and the AWD system had an intuitive mode selector. The Limited and Calligraphy trims offered luxury features like a dual-panel sunroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated and ventilated front seats, premium Nappa leather upholstery, and a hands-free liftgate.

The 2021 Buick Envision's tech was not particularly advanced. It featured a standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, responsive to touch, and an available 8.0-inch driver information display. Standard features included USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, keyless entry, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. Available features included navigation, driver massage, HD Radio, surround-view camera, HUD, a rearview camera mirror, and wireless device charging.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased Hyundai's technological leadership. The standard display audio system on SE and SEL models had an 800 x 480 resolution screen, while the Limited and Calligraphy models had a 1920 x 720 color touchscreen and a 630-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system with 12 speakers. The infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, and satellite radio. The Palisade had multiple USB ports, a Qi wireless device charging pad, and a 115-volt power outlet. The Limited and Calligraphy models featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, integrating with turn signals and blind-spot monitor cameras. Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system was standard on upper trims and optional on SEL, offering remote engine start and vehicle monitoring.

The 2021 Buick Envision had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It featured a Buckle to Drive system, ensuring the driver was latched in before shifting from park to drive. Standard safety features included a following distance indicator, forward-collision alert, front and rear park assist, lane change alert with blind-spot alert, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear park assist, rear-seat alert, automatic emergency braking, and teen-driver monitoring. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic park assist were available on Avenir models.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured seven airbags, three-point seat belts, LATCH anchors, active head restraints, a power window lock-out button, rear child-safety locks, a front crumple zone, bodyside reinforcements, an electronic shift-lock system, an anti-theft system, and an immobilizer. Standard active safety features included anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, a tire pressure monitoring system, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, reverse parking distance warning, rear occupant alert, forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, driver attention warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-following assist, safe exit assist, and trailer sway control. Optional features included forward-looking parking sensors, ultrasonic rear occupant alert, and Highway Driving Assist.