2023 Hyundai Palisade vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2022 Honda Passport shared a striking resemblance with the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck, especially from the front. This similarity was due to the shared vehicle platform with the Ridgeline, Odyssey minivan, and Pilot SUV. The Passport was essentially a shorter version of the Pilot, minus the third-row seat, and featured a distinct styling. Honda's design updates aimed to give the Passport a more rugged appearance, particularly with the new TrailSport trim, which was designed to appeal to off-road enthusiasts. Despite its off-road-inspired looks, the TrailSport was more about aesthetics than actual off-road capability, although it did offer decent ground clearance and traction management for various conditions.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade underwent a styling update that enhanced its already commanding presence. The new front fascia, with its squared-off grille and LED lighting, gave the Palisade a more robust look. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim stood out with premium rear accent lighting and a unique grille. The Palisade's interior was equally impressive, featuring premium materials like Nappa leather and a dual-pane sunroof in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The Palisade offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, with features like heated and ventilated seats, making it a luxurious choice for families.

The 2022 Honda Passport retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The standard all-wheel drive in Canada, combined with Honda's i-VTM4 system, provided good traction and handling on various terrains. The Passport's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the TrailSport trim averaging 11.0 L/100 km. While the Passport excelled in on-road performance, offering a firm ride and athletic handling, its brakes were a concern, especially on mountain descents.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, making it more powerful than several competitors. The eight-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters, and standard all-wheel drive in Canada, provided a smooth driving experience. The Palisade's towing capacity matched the Passport's at 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds), and it offered a comfortable ride, making it suitable for families. Its fuel economy was slightly better, with a combined rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2022 Honda Passport offered a spacious interior with easy access, thanks to its large doors and low step-in height. The seats were comfortable, with leather upholstery and heated features. The Passport's cargo space was generous, with 1,430 litres behind the rear seat and 2,854 litres with the seats folded. The interior was well-designed, with ample storage options and a user-friendly layout.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade provided ample space for seven or eight passengers, with generous legroom in all rows. The second-row seats offered easy access to the third row, and the cargo space was substantial, with 509 litres behind the third row and 2,447 litres with the seats folded. The Palisade's interior was designed for convenience, with HVAC vents in all rows, numerous cupholders, and a well-organized centre console.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While it met basic standards, it lacked advanced features, and the navigation system was clunky. The TrailSport trim added satellite radio, and the Touring trim offered a premium audio system and WiFi hotspot. Wireless smartphone charging was standard on all but the base trim.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system in higher trims. The Palisade offered advanced connectivity features, including Hyundai's Bluelink system, which allowed remote access and management of various vehicle functions. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim featured a head-up display and a digital rearview mirror.

The 2022 Honda Passport came with the Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. However, some features were less refined, with issues like intrusive lane-departure warnings. The Passport received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though it fell short in some areas.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and featured Hyundai's Smart Sense suite, including forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control. The Palisade's safety features were comprehensive, with new additions like safe exit warning and rear seat occupant alert. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim offered advanced features like Highway Driving Assist II and a digital rearview mirror.