Toyota bZ vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

The 2026 Toyota bZ was available in XLE and Limited trims, offering both single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, with two battery size options. The larger battery, while more expensive, provided enhanced power, performance, and range, with prices ranging from $36,495 to $46,895. The XLE test vehicle featured FWD and the optional larger battery, transforming it into the XLE Plus for an additional $3,000. The total MSRP, including options like Heavy Metal paint and various mats, was $40,468. The restyled 2026 bZ improved its aesthetics with body-color trim, although some colors retained the black overfender trim. Inside, the dashboard and center console were redesigned for a cleaner look, and the fabric seats featured an upscale pattern. The 14-inch center touchscreen integrated climate control, with large dials and buttons for easy use. However, the digital driver display was criticized for its placement and readability.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid was offered in four trims: SEL, SEL Premium, Limited, and Calligraphy. Each trim level maintained a stylish presence, with the base SEL featuring 18-inch alloy wheels and a massive grille with LED headlights. The Palisade's profile included body-color, heated side mirrors, with additional features like power-folding and auto-dimming on higher trims. The rear design was equally appealing, with wide-spaced letters and LED taillights. Inside, the Palisade impressed with H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and standard three-stage heating elements. Higher trims added features like Nappa leather upholstery and seat ventilation. The interior design was praised for its craftsmanship, with thoughtfully engineered storage solutions and a richer feel compared to other non-luxury crossovers.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a range of performance options. The XLE with FWD featured a single electric motor and a 57.7-kWh battery, delivering 165 horsepower and 198 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles and an efficiency rating of 26 kWh/100 miles. The optional 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and extended the range to 314 miles. Dual-motor models, available only with the larger battery, produced 338 hp and offered varying ranges depending on the trim. The bZ could be recharged using a DC fast charger or a Level 2 home charger, with different charging times based on the battery size. Efficiency tests showed favorable results, with the bZ averaging 4.5 miles per kWh in Eco mode. However, the bZ lacked one-pedal driving capability, and its handling was criticized for front wheelspin and lifeless steering.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid defied the stereotype of slow hybrids with its impressive performance. It featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery, producing a combined 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The advanced eight-speed automatic transmission and next-generation hybrid system optimized power distribution and fuel consumption. The Palisade Hybrid offered a quiet and smooth ride, with noise-absorbing carpet and acoustic glass reducing road and engine noise. The steering was sharp and responsive, although the pedal feel was described as squishy. Overall, the Palisade Hybrid provided a fun-to-drive experience for a family crossover.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on a skateboard-style EV platform, offered 8.1 inches of ground clearance, making it easy to enter and exit. Both front seats featured standard height adjustment, with eight-way power adjustment available in XLE and Limited trims. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but compensated with ample storage options, including a large bin under the center armrest and a sizable tray beneath the center console. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed plenty of legroom, although foot space was tight. The bZ offered 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space, with an underfloor storage well providing extra room. Folding the back seats increased cargo capacity to 56.9 cubic feet.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered 86.7 cubic feet of total cargo capacity, trailing some competitors but surpassing others. The battery's position under the front passenger seat reduced second-row legroom, but the Palisade still provided ample space. The third row offered 32.1 inches of legroom, with the Calligraphy trim increasing it to 33.6 inches. The Palisade's cabin was praised for its comfort, with three-zone climate control and multiple USB-C power outlets. The Palisade Hybrid came standard with seating for seven, with an optional second-row bench increasing occupancy to eight. The interior featured numerous storage cubbies, enhancing convenience for passengers.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came standard with a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The driver display was criticized for its placement and readability, while the infotainment system was generally easy to use. However, it lacked a home screen for simultaneous data display and had low-contrast colors in daytime mode. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with SiriusXM satellite radio. Five connected service plans were complimentary, with varying trial durations. The Drive Connect system powered the native navigation and voice assistant, which performed well in testing.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a matching digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system supported HD and Sirius XM satellite radio, as well as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Palisade Hybrid included a Passenger Talk intercom system for easier communication between rows. Higher trims added a 14-speaker Bose stereo and a built-in dashcam. The Palisade introduced "Stay Mode," allowing the climate control and infotainment system to run while the gas engine was off, provided the hybrid battery had sufficient charge.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which included features like high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist added subtle braking and steering inputs for enhanced safety. Other standard features included blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The Limited trim offered additional features like Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park Assist. The bZ received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with a Good rating for front-crash avoidance but a Poor rating for headlights.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid featured a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and automatic emergency braking. The blind-view monitor was standard on higher trims, and the rear doors had a safe-exit alert indicator. The Palisade's ADAS tech performed well during testing, with no false steps encountered. At the time of writing, crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS were not available for the 2026 Palisade Hybrid.