2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was designed with a rugged exterior that mimicked the traditional SUV style, featuring boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end. This aggressive look set it apart from previous RAV4 generations and other compact crossovers, enhancing its appeal as more than just an ordinary vehicle. Despite its bold exterior, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models, which meant its mechanical underpinnings were more akin to a Camry than a 4Runner. The RAV4 offered options like the Adventure model with a retro Ice Edge roof and the TRD Off-Road with matte black wheels and rugged interior accents, but the interior materials did not elevate with higher trims, lacking real leather even on the top-tier Limited trim.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade, introduced as Hyundai's SUV flagship, boasted an elegant and striking design that shed the brand's past derivative styling. Its prominent grille, crisp shoulder lines, and sculpted wheel arches created a visually interesting profile, while the continuous strip of glass around the tailgate gave the impression of a floating rear roof. The Palisade's interior was equally polished, featuring a horizontally arrayed screen, high-quality materials, and spacious seating across three rows. The top-of-the-line Calligraphy model was particularly stunning, with luxury features like a dual-panel sunroof and premium Nappa leather upholstery, making it a worthy flagship in both design and execution.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. Despite its impressive thermal efficiency and rev-happy nature, the engine's performance was let down by a hesitant transmission and lackluster steering feel. The RAV4's off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models, which featured a torque-vectoring rear axle, 8.6 inches of ground clearance, and a 3,500-pound towing capacity. However, its off-road prowess was limited by its lack of suspension articulation and shallow approach angles.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade featured a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, with its Atkinson-cycle capability and auto-stop-and-go settings, provided a smooth and powerful driving experience without turbo lag. The Palisade's handling was aided by a four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars, with a self-leveling suspension system available on higher trims. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes, making it a capable choice for families needing both power and practicality.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof providing good headroom and visibility, though legroom was slightly lacking compared to competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats were less so, with flat cushions. Cargo space was above average at 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, but the lack of sliding rear seats limited flexibility. The interior featured oversized knobs and easy-to-use controls, though storage space was somewhat compromised by the design.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space and functionality, with comfortable seating across all three rows and ample storage options. It offered 18.0 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Palisade's interior was thoughtfully designed, with a compact shift-by-wire gear selector and intuitive controls. Higher trims included luxury features like a dual-panel sunroof and power-folding third-row seats, enhancing the overall experience for passengers.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, along with SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen, with an 8-inch screen on Limited models. The infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked the flashiness of competitors, and the gasoline RAV4 did not offer a head-up display.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased Hyundai's technological prowess, with a high-resolution touchscreen and a 630-watt Harman Kardon audio system on higher trims. It included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, multiple USB ports, and a Qi wireless charging pad. The Palisade also featured Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system, a digital instrument cluster, and a head-up display on upper trims, providing a comprehensive and advanced tech experience.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade was a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and earned five stars from the NHTSA. It included seven airbags, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features like blind-spot collision avoidance and forward collision-avoidance assist. Higher trims offered additional features like Highway Driving Assist and ultrasonic rear occupant alert.