2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, maintaining its traditional styling while introducing more character and modern touches. The XC90 retained its boxy profile and blunt front end, but with softer lines, increased chrome detailing, and distinctive LED headlights featuring "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most eye-catching, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. Inside, the XC90 embraced Swedish minimalism with high-quality materials, including matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery, creating a refined yet understated cabin atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade, particularly in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim, stood out with its unique grille pattern, revised lighting, and additional body trim. The Palisade's styling was polarizing, drawing mixed reactions, but it undeniably appeared more luxurious than its price suggested. Inside, the Palisade offered a plush experience with quilted Nappa leather and a suede headliner, making it feel like a bargain in the midsize three-row SUV class. The interior was spacious and well-appointed, providing a comfortable and upscale environment for passengers.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, boosting output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, or Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors for a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. While the XC90 provided ample power, the small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' six-cylinder or V8 options. The XC90's ride quality was excellent, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and it offered a respectable 2,250-kilogram towing capacity.

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

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom across all three rows. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The interior felt spacious due to the power sunroof and upright roof profile. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, but storage space was limited. Cargo capacity was 317 litres with all seats in place, 965 litres with the rear seats folded, and 1,815 litres with the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space and accessibility, offering a plush experience in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The front seats were eight-way power-adjustable, with heated and ventilated options for the front and second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was more accommodating than most competitors. The Palisade provided ample in-cabin storage, including a storage tray under the centre console. Cargo space measured 509 litres behind the third-row seats, expanding to 1,297 litres with them folded, and 2,447 litres with the second row also folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. It included a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, but the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and only second-row USB-C ports were available.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The 8-inch system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the larger screen required a wired connection. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included SiriusXM, HD Radio, navigation, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Additional features included wireless charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, Quiet Mode, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and multiple lane-keeping systems. It featured a rear occupant alert system and a Blind View Monitor. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.