2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade had established itself as the flagship SUV in Hyundai's lineup, succeeding the Santa Fe XL. It boasted a sophisticated and striking exterior design, shedding any previous criticisms of Hyundai's designs being unimaginative. The Palisade featured distinctive lines, a prominent grille, and expressive LED lighting, giving it a signature look. Inside, the Palisade offered an elegant and polished interior with high-quality materials, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and spacious seating arrangements, including optional captain's chairs in the second row. The fit and finish were near-luxury levels, making the Palisade a worthy flagship for Hyundai.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Passport shared its platform with the Honda Ridgeline, Odyssey, and Pilot, resulting in a familiar design. The Passport's styling aimed for a tougher look, especially with the new TrailSport trim, which added off-road appeal. The Passport's interior was spacious, with quality materials and thoughtful design elements like orange contrast stitching in the TrailSport trim. It offered a comfortable ride with ample room for passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for those seeking adventure and utility.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade featured a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, combined with a four-wheel independent suspension, provided a smooth and responsive driving experience. The Palisade's fuel consumption was estimated at 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 9.6 on the highway. It could tow up to 2,267 kilograms with trailer brakes, making it a capable family SUV.

The 2022 Honda Passport retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Passport's Intelligent Variable Torque Management Four (i-VTM4) AWD system offered mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing its performance on various terrains. It achieved a combined fuel consumption rating of 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres. While the Passport excelled on roads and highways, its off-road capabilities were limited compared to more rugged SUVs. It could tow up to 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade provided a spacious and versatile interior, with comfortable seating in all three rows. It offered 509 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,447 litres with the second and third rows folded. The Palisade featured a compact shift-by-wire setup, dual-panel sunroof, and a range of standard and optional luxury features, including heated and ventilated seats, making it a practical and comfortable choice for families.

The 2022 Honda Passport offered easy access with large doors and a low step-in height. Its interior featured comfortable seats with leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Passport provided ample storage options and generous cargo space, with 1,430 litres behind the rear seat and 2,854 litres with the back seat folded. Its simple utility and comfort made it a convenient choice for daily use and road trips.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased advanced technology, including a 1920 x 720 colour touchscreen, Harman Kardon premium audio, and a comprehensive infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It featured multiple USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a head-up display on higher trims. Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system offered remote functions and monitoring, enhancing convenience and connectivity.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The TrailSport trim added satellite radio, while the Touring trim featured a navigation system and premium audio. While the Passport's technology was functional, it lacked the refinement and advanced features found in some competitors. Wireless smartphone charging was available on all but the base trim.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with a comprehensive list of passive and active features, including seven airbags, blind-spot collision avoidance, and forward collision-avoidance assist. It earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.

The 2022 Honda Passport included the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. While effective, some features lacked refinement, leading to driver discomfort. The Passport received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though it fell slightly short in certain areas compared to the Palisade.