2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy distinguished itself with a unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, and additional lower body trim. It featured unique 20-inch alloy wheels and upgraded interior detailing, including a simulated suede headliner. The only other exterior change for 2021 was the addition of standard LED headlights for models that previously lacked them. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim gave the Palisade a more luxurious appearance, drawing attention with its unconventional styling. Inside, the Palisade impressed with quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather, making it seem more expensive than its actual price.

Volvo's 2022 XC90 showcased a sleek and modern design, moving away from the boxy shapes of the past. It maintained Volvo's family-friendly and safety-oriented image while stepping into the luxury class. The XC90's body had a poised stance, with a long and sleek roofline that cleverly concealed its size. Pronounced wheel arches and a snub nose added to its athletic appeal. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian Modern and Swedish Luxury, featuring natural wood and metal trim, a sliding wood tambour cover, and a clear crystal gear selector handle. Volvo's commitment to going leather-free by 2030 was evident, though Nappa leather was still available for those who preferred it.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. It offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, Snow, and a Lock function for improved traction. The Palisade achieved a fuel efficiency of 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. Its firmer suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive without sacrificing comfort. The Palisade's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, with a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 250 horsepower, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 horsepower, and the Recharge plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 horsepower. All models featured all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The XC90's fuel efficiency varied, with the Recharge model achieving an impressive 8.8 L/100 km combined in hybrid mode. The XC90 handled like a smaller SUV, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the Recharge Inscription extended range model.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with eight-way power-adjustable front seats and heated and ventilated second-row captain's chairs. The third-row seat was more accommodating than most in its class, and the Palisade provided ample in-cabin storage. Cargo space measured 509 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,447 litres with the second and third rows folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience, though it could be disabled if desired.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. However, the third row was best suited for children due to limited legroom. The XC90 offered 357 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,855 litres with all seats folded. It could tow up to 2,250 kilograms, depending on the configuration. The interior featured ample storage, comfortable seating, and a standard panoramic moonroof. The climate control system performed well, even in extreme weather conditions.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade featured two infotainment systems, with 8-inch and 10.25-inch touchscreen displays. Both systems allowed simultaneous Bluetooth pairing of two smartphones, but only the 8-inch setup offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and a Driver Talk intercom system. A head-up display and surround-view camera system were also available.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system featured a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, offering intuitive smartphone-like gestures. The system was occasionally glitchy but worked well with Apple CarPlay. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel provided easy customization, and the Advanced package included a head-up display and 360-degree camera system. The XC90 also featured keyless entry and a Harman-Kardon audio system on higher trims.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. It included a rear occupant alert system and active blind-spot monitoring. The Highway Driving Assist system provided smooth and sophisticated adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety with features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping aid, and adaptive cruise control. The Pilot Assist system combined several safety features for enhanced highway driving. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.