Hyundai Palisade vs Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was a striking vehicle with a design that commanded attention. Its exterior styling was reminiscent of a long sedan, with a long hood and low ground clearance, drawing inspiration from the classic Seville Elegante of the early 1980s. The LYRIQ featured vertical light bars with nine LED headlights that performed a light show upon unlocking, surrounded by a solid grille with lighting effects. The Sport trim, in particular, had a muted dark triangular motif, and the vehicle sat impressively on 22-inch wheels. Inside, the LYRIQ boasted luxurious details, including leather-wrapped seats with C-shaped headrests, polished window switches, and a sweeping 33-inch OLED display. However, the floating center console offered limited functionality, and some elements seemed cobbled together.

In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade showcased a bold and unmistakable design that set it apart from other SUVs. Following a 2023 refresh, the Palisade adopted a more angular and technical look, with balanced forms and tasteful body sculpting. Inside, even the base SE trim offered a clean and upscale appearance, while higher trims featured premium leather, artificial suede, and metal speaker grilles. The Palisade was equipped with thoughtful details, such as USB charging ports in the front seatbacks, smartphone storage pockets, and drink holders accessible to children. The Calligraphy trim, in particular, offered a luxurious experience with features like Nappa leather, massaging front seats, and a heated third-row seat.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, despite its sporty appearance, was more suited for long-distance comfort than spirited driving. It featured a dual-motor powertrain with 500 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, providing continuous all-wheel drive. The standard setup was a single rear motor with 340 hp and 325 lb-ft. The LYRIQ's 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack offered a claimed range of 314 miles with rear-wheel drive and 307 miles with all-wheel drive, though real-world testing showed closer to 260 miles. Charging was efficient, with the battery topping to 80 percent in about 30 to 35 minutes. However, the LYRIQ's handling was hindered by its weight, leading to understeer and uninspiring steering feel. The braking system was strong, but the overall chassis needed improvement.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Palisade offered a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and averaged 22 mpg in combined driving. Despite its age, the Palisade's ride and handling were commendable, with a firm ride at lower speeds and a softer ride on highways. The powertrain was smooth and refined, delivering satisfying performance. However, fuel efficiency was not its strong suit, with recorded mpg falling short of EPA estimates. The Palisade's steering and suspension provided a reasonable feel for the road, and the brakes were well-calibrated.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ faced challenges with build quality and functionality. Misaligned rear fenders, a loose motorized charging port, and a problematic pull-out tray in the dash were notable issues. The glovebox was difficult to access while driving, and the floating console offered limited space. Despite these drawbacks, the LYRIQ provided generous headroom and legroom, with a spacious back seat. However, its cargo space was limited, with 28 cubic feet behind the seats and 60.8 cubic feet when folded.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space and functionality. It offered three rows of seats, with the Calligraphy trim featuring Nappa leather, power-adjustable front seats, and a massaging driver's seat. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable and equipped with heating and ventilation. The third-row seat was heated, providing comfort for adults with adequate legroom. The Palisade's storage solutions were thoughtful, with adjustable cupholders, smartphone trays, and a Smart Liftgate for easy access. Cargo space was generous, with 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ featured a 33-inch OLED screen with three sections, offering touch-enabled controls for lighting and gauge cluster layouts. The infotainment system ran native Google Maps and Google Assistant, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Super Cruise system provided hands-free driving, and the 19-speaker AKG stereo delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade's technology, while starting to show its age, remained functional and feature-rich. It included a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable connection, but the system offered two-device Bluetooth support, wireless charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system performed well, and the Harman Kardon audio system provided commendable sound. Additional features included a head-up display, blind spot warnings, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Cadillac's Safety Alert Seat. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system, and rear emergency braking.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. These included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and Highway Driving Assist. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick from IIHS through 2024, but a Poor rating in a new frontal-impact test affected its 2025 accolade. NHTSA ratings included five-star frontal impact and four-star rollover resistance.