2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2021 Toyota Venza

The 2021 Toyota Venza, when introduced, was noted for its striking resemblance to a Lexus, with its sleek grille and elongated profile. It drew comparisons to the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept, showcased at the 2018 North American International Auto Show, rather than any existing Toyota SUV. The Venza was available in three trims: LE, XLE, and Limited, with a choice of seven paint colours, though not all were available across every trim. Standard features included dual chrome-tipped exhausts, LED lighting, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The base LE model offered a wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate control, and an 8-inch infotainment screen, among other amenities. The XLE trim added features like 19-inch alloy wheels and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, while the Limited trim boasted a digital rearview mirror and a Star Gaze panoramic roof.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade, introduced as Hyundai's flagship SUV, replaced the Santa Fe XL and stood out with its elegant and distinctive design. It featured a prominent grille, sculpted wheel arches, and a continuous strip of glass that created a floating roof effect. The Palisade's interior was equally refined, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and high-quality materials throughout. The second row offered either a bench seat or captain's chairs, while the third row was spacious enough for adults on short trips. The Ultimate Calligraphy model, tested in Steel Graphite paint, showcased near-luxury fit and finish, making the Palisade a worthy flagship for Hyundai.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid system, coupled with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), provided smooth acceleration, though it was not particularly rapid. The Venza excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an estimated 5.9 L/100 km in the city, 6.4 on the highway, and 6.1 combined, outperforming competitors like the Murano and Passport. Toyota backed its hybrid powertrain with a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Palisade featured a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. While not the most fuel-efficient, with estimates of 12.3 L/100 km in the city and 9.6 on the highway, the Palisade offered robust power without turbo lag. Its handling was aided by a four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars, and it could tow up to 2,267 kilograms with trailer brakes. The Palisade's V6 engine provided a satisfying baritone rumble, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Venza offered a unique interior design, distinct from both Lexus and Toyota, with premium appointments and a deep centre console. The cabin featured capacitive buttons for climate and infotainment controls, a wireless charging pad, and heated and ventilated seats. The Venza accommodated five passengers comfortably, with ample headroom and a spacious feel. However, its cargo space was limited to 816 litres, about 60% of the RAV4's capacity, though it was sufficient for daily use.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space and versatility, with comfortable seating across all three rows. The third row offered 509 litres of luggage space, expanding to 1,297 litres with the seats folded, and a cavernous 2,447 litres with both rows down. The Palisade featured a shift-by-wire gear selector, a dual-panel sunroof, and heated and ventilated seats. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added luxury touches like Nappa leather upholstery and quilted door panels, enhancing the overall ambiance.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came with an 8-inch infotainment system on the LE trim, while the XLE and Limited featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Entune system, though improved, was not the most user-friendly. The Venza included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system, with a nine-speaker JBL system on higher trims. Toyota's connected services, such as Safety Connect and Remote Connect, were standard, along with dynamic navigation on models with the larger screen.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased advanced technology, with a 1920 x 720 colour touchscreen and a 630-watt Harman Kardon audio system on all but the base trim. The infotainment system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and multiple USB ports. The Ultimate Calligraphy model featured a Qi wireless charging pad, a head-up display, and Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system. The digital instrument cluster on higher trims integrated with turn signals and blind-spot cameras, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like pre-collision warning, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. It included eight airbags, a rearview camera, and blind-spot monitoring. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including seven airbags, blind-spot collision avoidance, and forward collision-avoidance assist. It also offered adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and trailer sway control. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.