2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX was a pioneer in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, offering a compact exterior with a surprisingly spacious interior. This new generation was built on a dedicated platform, distinct from the Honda Pilot, with enhanced proportions including a longer wheelbase, wider body, and increased dash-to-axle distance for a more elegant appearance. The MDX featured standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels, contributing to a sportier and modern exterior design. Inside, the MDX boasted a modernized cabin with authentic materials like natural wood and real leather, complemented by high-quality plastics. The dashboard was designed to emphasize cabin width, and the unique gear selection system added a touch of sophistication. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen, although not a touchscreen, was strategically placed for safety. The MDX offered a comfortable front row with adjustable seats and a beefy steering wheel, all contributing to a luxurious feel.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade, introduced as Hyundai's SUV flagship, replaced the Santa Fe XL and stood out with its elegant and striking design. The Palisade's exterior featured distinctive lines, a prominent grille, and sculpted wheel arches, creating a visually appealing profile. The continuous strip of glass surfaces around the tailgate gave the impression of a floating rear roof. Inside, the Palisade offered a polished and elegant cabin with a horizontally arrayed 12.3-inch touchscreen and high-quality materials. The second row provided options for a bench or captain's chairs, while the third row was spacious enough for short rides. The Palisade's fit and finish were near-luxury levels, and the Ultimate Calligraphy model showcased premium features like Steel Graphite paint and a black interior.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It featured a new 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) as standard in Canada. The SH-AWD system offered torque vectoring, enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded to a double-wishbone setup in the front and revised multi-link suspension in the rear, improving ride quality and handling. The vehicle's overall stiffness and rigidity were enhanced, providing a solid ride feel. The 10-speed automatic transmission worked seamlessly with the engine, offering smooth performance and five drive modes for different driving conditions. During test drives, the MDX impressed with its handling and performance, feeling closer to the benchmark Audi Q7.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade featured a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The engine utilized gasoline direct injection and dual variable valve timing for improved power and efficiency. The Palisade's fuel consumption was estimated at 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 9.6 on the highway. Despite its middling efficiency, the Palisade offered a powerful performance with no turbo lag. The SUV's curb weight ranged from 1,991 to 2,004 kilograms, and it handled well with its four-wheel independent suspension. The Palisade could tow up to 2,267 kilograms with trailer brakes, making it a capable family vehicle.

The 2022 Acura MDX offered versatile interior space with comfortable seating for the first two rows and an innovative second row with a removable centre section. The second row could slide and recline, providing flexibility for passengers. The third row was suitable for pre-teens and smaller individuals. The MDX provided between 461 and 512 litres of luggage space behind the third row, with additional underfloor storage. Folding down the third row expanded the cargo capacity to between 1,107 and 1,367 litres, and folding the second row created a cavernous space of up to 2,690 litres. The power tailgate featured convenient functions like "Walk Away Close" and hands-free access. The interior lighting offered 27 customizable themes, enhancing the cabin's ambiance.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade excelled as a minivan replacement, offering comfortable seating and ample storage throughout the cabin. The third row provided easy access and cupholders, while the second-row captain's chairs were exceptionally comfortable. The front row featured abundant storage options, including compartments in the centre console and door panel bottle holders. The Palisade offered 509 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 1,297 litres with the third row folded and 2,447 litres with both rows down. The gear selector utilized a compact shift-by-wire setup, and controls were logically arranged. The Palisade featured a standard sunroof, with a dual-panel version on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim, enhancing the cabin's ambiance. Heated and ventilated seats, a hands-free liftgate, and power-folding third-row seats were available on higher trims.

The 2022 Acura MDX featured the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System on higher trims, offering 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification for exceptional sound quality. The MDX came with a 12.3-inch infotainment system and a configurable digital instrument panel. Amazon Alexa integration, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The MDX offered a head-up display on the Platinum Elite trim and a surround-view camera system. A WiFi hotspot and over-the-air updates were also included.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased advanced technology with a standard display audio system and a 630-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system on higher trims. The infotainment system included wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. The Palisade featured multiple USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a head-up display on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system was standard on higher trims, offering remote engine start and vehicle monitoring. The digital instrument cluster on higher trims integrated with turn signals and blind-spot cameras.

The 2022 Acura MDX received a "Top Safety Pick +" rating from the IIHS, with top marks in every category. The MDX featured a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. The front end was redesigned for pedestrian safety, and a low-speed braking control system was included. The AcuraWatch suite of safety features was standard, offering collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade also earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The Palisade featured seven airbags, three-point seat belts, and a comprehensive list of active safety features. Standard features included anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, blind-spot collision avoidance, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added Highway Driving Assist for enhanced safety.