2022 Toyota Venza 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 its price suggested. The standard LED headlights added a modern touch, and the overall design was polarizing, drawing mixed reactions. Inside, the Palisade impressed with quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather, offering a cabin that felt more upscale compared to other midsize three-row SUVs.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Venza, reintroduced on the TGNA-K platform, boasted a sleek and modern exterior design. Its proportions were well-suited for urban environments, with a deeply scalloped body side and a prominent nose. The Venza's interior was Lexus-like, featuring high-quality materials and an elegant layout. The layered dash and well-placed touchscreen display added to its appeal, while the supportive front seats and spacious rear seats ensured comfort for all passengers.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a robust 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 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, though not particularly sporty. The Palisade's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, with a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine combined with three electric motors, delivering 219 horsepower. Its hybrid system balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency, with electric motors at the rear axle providing AWD. The Venza offered Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, along with regenerative braking to recharge the battery. It delivered sprightly performance and agile handling, suitable for family use rather than aggressive driving. The Venza's hybrid system ensured a seamless driving experience without the need for charging infrastructure.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space and accessibility, offering eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and separate climate controls for third-row passengers. The second-row captain’s chairs provided ample legroom and slid for easy access to the third row. The Palisade offered generous cargo space, with 509 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,447 litres with all seats folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience, though it could be disabled if desired.

The 2022 Toyota Venza accommodated five passengers with two front bucket seats and a 60/40-split folding second-row bench. It offered good headroom and legroom, with a spacious feel enhanced by the available Star Gaze panoramic sunroof. The Venza featured numerous convenience elements, including an electric parking brake, sliding sun visors, and ample storage options. Its cargo capacity was 816 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,560 litres with the seats folded. Toyota focused on creating a quiet cabin, using sound-blocking materials for a serene driving experience.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems, with 8-inch and 10.25-inch touchscreen displays. Both allowed dual smartphone pairing via Bluetooth, though only the 8-inch system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, and Blue Link connected services. Additional features included wireless charging, a Driver Talk intercom, Quiet Mode, and a head-up display. A surround-view camera system aided parking and maneuvering.

The 2022 Toyota Venza's hybrid system required no special attention, offering a seamless driving experience without charging concerns. It featured a Predicted Efficient Drive program to optimize battery charging. The Venza LE came with an eight-inch touchscreen, while XLE and Limited trims added a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio system, and navigation. The Limited trim also included a head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, and a digital rearview mirror. Toyota Connected Services provided additional safety and convenience features.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping systems. A rear occupant alert system and active blind-spot monitoring were standard, with higher trims offering a Blind View Monitor. Highway Driving Assist provided adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance, though it required hands-on driving. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Venza included the Toyota Star Safety System, with stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. It featured eight airbags, LATCH anchors, and child safety locks. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 added forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. XLE and Limited trims offered parking assist with automated braking. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA.