2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was crafted as a distinct electric vehicle, diverging from the traditional styling of Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, setting it apart from the more rugged appearance of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4 was part of Volkswagen's EV-specific MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback in Europe. While it offered a unique design, it didn't quite resemble an SUV, a common trait among many EV crossovers. Inside, the ID.4 combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic finishes. The base model came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available in higher trims.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade, introduced as Hyundai's SUV flagship, boasted an elegant and striking exterior design. It shed the derivative designs of earlier Hyundai models, featuring distinctive lines, a prominent grille, and sculpted wheel arches. The Palisade's profile was enhanced by a continuous strip of glass surfaces, creating a floating rear roof effect. Inside, the Palisade offered a polished and elegant interior with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and high-quality materials. The second row featured either a bench or captain's chairs, while the third row provided ample space for passengers. The Palisade's fit and finish were near-luxury levels, making it a worthy flagship for Hyundai.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was available in two powertrain configurations. The base rear-wheel drive (RWD) version featured a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version added a second electric motor for a total power output of 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The ID.4 offered balanced handling with its RWD setup, although it was tuned more for comfort than sportiness. It provided a smooth ride over bumps and potholes, with instantaneous torque for quick acceleration. However, it lacked aggressive regenerative braking, relying on friction brakes for a more familiar driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade featured a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre V6 gasoline engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine choice was a departure from the trend of electrification and turbocharging. The V6 engine offered a baritone rumble and quick acceleration without turbo lag. The Palisade's fuel consumption was estimated at 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.6 on the highway, and 11.1 combined. It handled well for its size, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars. The Palisade could tow up to 2,267 kilograms with trailer brakes, making it a capable family SUV.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, although its legroom was average for the segment. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded. While it lacked a "frunk" for extra storage, the interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility. However, rearward visibility was compromised by thick rear pillars. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector on the dashboard, freeing up space on the centre console, although storage options were limited.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space and storage. It offered comfortable seating in all three rows, with ample legroom and headroom. The Palisade provided 509 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 1,297 litres with the third row folded and 2,447 litres with both rows down. An underfloor storage compartment added extra space, and roof rails could hold up to 100 kilograms of cargo. The Palisade featured a compact shift-by-wire gear selector, freeing up space on the centre console. It also offered a dual-panel sunroof on higher trims, enhancing the cabin's ambiance.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an optional 12-inch screen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 5.3-inch display screen for the instrument cluster. The ID.4's haptic touchpads replaced traditional switchgear, but they were challenging to use without tactile feedback. The natural-language voice-control system allowed for easier operation, responding to prompts like "Hello ID." The ID.Light feature added a Tron-like vibe to the interior, providing visual cues for different drive modes and directions.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased Hyundai's technological prowess. It featured a 1920 x 720 colour touchscreen, with a 630-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system on higher trims. The infotainment system included wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and satellite radio. The Palisade offered multiple USB ports, a Qi wireless charging pad, and a 115-volt power outlet. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added a head-up display and Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system, enabling remote functions. The digital instrument cluster integrated with turn signals and blind-spot cameras, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA for RWD versions. It offered a range of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The ID.4 introduced Travel Assist, which added automated lane centring to adaptive cruise control, and Emergency Assist, designed to stop the car if the driver was incapacitated.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured seven airbags, three-point seat belts, LATCH anchors, and a range of passive safety features. Active safety and driver assistance features included anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The Palisade's Highway Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring for enhanced safety.