2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while moving towards the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new vehicle platforms, including the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) for the XC90. The SUV's design featured a sleek roofline, pronounced wheel arches, and a distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlight detail, reflecting its Swedish heritage. Inside, the XC90 boasted a "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" aesthetic, with natural wood and metal trim, and options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade, introduced as Hyundai's flagship SUV in 2020, showcased an elegant and striking exterior design, shedding any past criticisms of being derivative. Its prominent grille, crisp shoulder lines, and sculpted wheel arches added visual interest, while a continuous strip of glass created a floating rear roof effect. Inside, the Palisade offered a polished and elegant cabin with a horizontally arrayed 12.3-inch touchscreen and high-quality materials. The second row featured either a bench seat or captain's chairs, and the third row provided ample space for children. The Ultimate Calligraphy model, in particular, stood out with its luxurious features and finishes.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the Recharge plug-in hybrid combining gasoline and electric power for a total of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft. All models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC90's fuel efficiency varied, with the Recharge model achieving an impressive 4.0 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. The driving experience was smooth and spirited, with minimal body roll and excellent handling for a large SUV.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Palisade came with a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. While not the most fuel-efficient, with a combined rating of 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres, the V6 provided a satisfying baritone rumble and quick acceleration. The Palisade's handling was commendable, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars. It could tow up to 2,267 kilograms with trailer brakes, making it a practical choice for families needing to haul additional gear.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults might find it lacking in legroom. The XC90 provided 357 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 1,855 litres with all seats folded. The interior featured ample storage options and a standard panoramic moonroof, enhancing the cabin's airy feel. The climate control system performed admirably during a heatwave, ensuring a comfortable environment.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade excelled as a minivan replacement, offering comfortable seating throughout the cabin. The third row was easily accessible, and the second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom. The Palisade boasted 509 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 2,447 litres with all seats folded. The interior featured a compact shift-by-wire setup, logical control placement, and a dual-panel sunroof on higher trims. Heated and ventilated seats, a hands-free liftgate, and power-folding third-row seats were standard on upper trims, enhancing convenience and comfort.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, offering intuitive smartphone-like gestures. However, the system was occasionally glitchy, performing better with Apple CarPlay. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and optional head-up display provided clear information, while a Harman-Kardon audio system was standard on higher trims. The XC90 included multiple USB ports for device charging.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased advanced technology, with a standard 1920 x 720 colour touchscreen and a 630-watt Harman Kardon audio system on all but the base trim. The infotainment system supported Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth, with multiple USB ports and a wireless charging pad on higher trims. The Ultimate Calligraphy model featured a head-up display and Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system, offering remote engine start and vehicle monitoring. A digital instrument cluster replaced analog gauges on higher trims, integrating with turn signals and blind-spot cameras.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued the brand's legacy of safety, featuring blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Pilot Assist system provided assisted driving on highways, enhancing safety and comfort. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including seven airbags, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added Highway Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane centring. The Palisade earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.