2022 Acura MDX vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy stood out with its distinctive grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, and unique 20-inch alloy wheels. It featured upgraded interior detailing and a simulated suede headliner, making it appear more luxurious than other Palisade models. The standard LED headlights added a modern touch, and the overall design was polarizing, drawing mixed reactions. Inside, the Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy impressed with its quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather and suede headliner, offering a cabin that felt more upscale than its price suggested.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura MDX was built on a new dedicated platform, giving it a sportier and more assertive exterior design. The longer wheelbase, wider body, and increased dash-to-axle distance contributed to its elegant proportions. The Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels enhanced its modern look. Inside, the MDX featured a layered dashboard, authentic materials like natural wood and genuine aluminum, and a unique gear selection system. The cabin was spacious, with comfortable front-row seats and a customizable interior lighting system that added to its luxurious feel.

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 multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, Snow, and a Lock function for improved traction. The Palisade delivered a firm ride with excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive, though not particularly sporty. It had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and featured a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector.

The 2022 Acura MDX came with a 3.5-litre V6 engine generating 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, mated to a new 10-speed automatic transmission. The Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system provided torque vectoring for enhanced cornering and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded with a double-wishbone setup for sporty handling, and the overall stiffness and rigidity improved ride quality. The Integrated Dynamics System offered five drive modes, and the MDX excelled in comparison drives, showcasing its performance capabilities.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious and accessible 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-row seats folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience, though it could be disabled if desired.

The 2022 Acura MDX featured comfortable seating for the first two rows, with a removable centre section in the second row for flexible capacity. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the sliding rows allowed for adjustable legroom. Cargo space ranged from 461 to 512 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,690 litres with the second and third rows folded. The power tailgate offered new features like "Walk Away Close" and Hands-Free Access, enhancing convenience.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems, with the Ultimate Calligraphy trim featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen display. It included SiriusXM, HD Radio, navigation, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, and a head-up display were also available, though a WiFi hotspot was not.

The 2022 Acura MDX boasted the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification in higher trims. All models featured a 12.3-inch infotainment system and the Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel. Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, along with a WiFi hotspot. The MDX also offered a head-up display and a surround-view camera system in 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 adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance, earning top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Acura MDX was rated as a "Top Safety Pick +" by the IIHS, with a focus on collision protection and pedestrian safety. The AcuraWatch suite included collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The MDX's advanced safety structure and low-speed braking control system enhanced safety, providing peace of mind for drivers.