2022 Volvo XC60 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, including a simulated suede headliner, which contributed to its upscale appearance. The addition of standard LED headlights further enhanced its visual appeal. The Palisade's unconventional styling was polarizing, drawing mixed reactions, but it undeniably appeared more expensive than its actual cost. Inside, the Calligraphy trim impressed with quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather, making it a standout in the midsize three-row SUV class.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC60 received subtle styling updates, including a new front fascia with "air blades" for a sportier look and a reworked grille with integrated sensors. The rear bumper design concealed the tailpipes, and new wheel designs were introduced. The interior remained largely unchanged, maintaining its clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen. The B6 R-Design model featured aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, adding flair to an otherwise subdued interior. The XC60 Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, enhancing its luxury appeal.

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 various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, Snow, and a Lock function for improved traction. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, and the Palisade delivered a firm yet comfortable ride. Its 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 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 options. The B5 produced 258 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Both used an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The XC60 B5 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while the B6 achieved it in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 emphasized a calm and comfortable driving experience, with a quiet cabin and smooth power delivery. The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge offered 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, with a zero to 60 mph time of 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered variant increased output to 415 horsepower and 494 pound-feet, achieving 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space, offering a comfortable and accessible cabin. The driver and front passenger enjoyed eight-way power-adjustable seats, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and adjustable thigh support. The second-row captain’s chairs provided ample legroom and support, while the third-row seat was more accommodating than most competitors. The Palisade offered generous cargo space, with 509 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,297 litres with the seats folded, and 2,447 litres with the second row down. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience, though it could be disabled if desired.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Cargo capacity for mild-hybrid models was 611 litres with the rear seats up and 1,410 litres with them folded. Plug-in hybrid models offered slightly less space. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors. Despite its somewhat limited cargo space compared to rivals, the XC60 offered a comfortable and practical interior.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen requiring a wired connection. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim featured a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, and Blue Link connected services. Additional tech included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, and a Quiet Mode. A head-up display and surround-view camera system enhanced convenience and safety.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The system integrated Google Assistant for voice control and Google Maps for navigation, with over-the-air updates. While Android users could sync their profiles, iPhone compatibility was also promised. The system featured a new layout with sideways swiping for menu access. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distraction.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping systems. A rear occupant alert system and active blind-spot monitoring were included. The Highway Driving Assist system provided adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for families.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 shared its predecessor's high safety ratings, with the 2021 model receiving a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Volvo's driver assistance system combined adaptive cruise control and lane centring, though it was no longer a standout feature in the market.