2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2023 Dodge Durango

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade stood out as a flagship SUV in Hyundai's lineup, replacing the Santa Fe XL. It boasted an elegant and striking exterior design, shedding any past criticisms of being derivative. The Palisade featured distinctive lines and shapes, with a prominent grille, crisp shoulder lines, and a tasteful tailgate. Its profile was enhanced by sculpted wheel arches and a continuous strip of glass surfaces, creating a floating rear roof effect. The LED headlights, running lights, and accents provided a signature look, while 20-inch alloy wheels were standard in Canada. Inside, the Palisade offered a polished and elegant interior with a horizontally arrayed 12.3-inch touchscreen, high-quality materials, and spacious seating arrangements. The fit and finish were near-luxury levels, making it a worthy flagship.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Durango, despite entering its 12th model year without a redesign, maintained an attractive and familiar face. It avoided oversized grilles, opting for clean, car-like styling with slim headlights and a distinctive "racetrack" taillight design. The SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models featured unique styling elements, including a Viper-like hood and unique wheels. The Durango offered various appearance packages, such as the Blacktop and Hemi Orange packages, allowing for customization. Inside, the Durango provided a comfortable environment with materials suited to different trim levels. The Citadel trim added luxurious features like Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats. The SRT Hellcat model, however, embraced boldness with red leather upholstery.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured gasoline direct injection and dual variable valve timing for improved power and efficiency. 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. Despite its middling efficiency, the Palisade offered a satisfying baritone rumble from its V6 engine. It had a curb weight of 1,991 to 2,004 kilograms, contributing to its nimble handling. The Palisade could tow up to 2,267 kilograms with trailer brakes.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower (295 hp with dual exhaust) and 260 pound-feet of torque. The 5.7-litre Hemi V8, standard on the R/T trim, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT 392 model featured a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving a zero to 100 km/h time of approximately 4.5 seconds. The SRT Hellcat model took performance to another level with a 6.2-litre supercharged V8, producing 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, achieving a zero to 100 km/h time of roughly 3.5 seconds. The Durango's performance was exhilarating, with adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero tires, and Brembo brakes ensuring control.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade excelled as a minivan replacement, offering comfortable seating and easy access throughout the cabin. The third row provided ample space, while the second-row captain's chairs were exceptionally comfortable. The front row featured abundant storage options, including a centre console with two compartments and a locking glove box. Luggage space measured 509 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,297 litres with the third row folded, and 2,447 litres with both rows down. The Palisade's shift-by-wire setup and intuitive controls added to its practicality. A dual-panel sunroof enhanced the ambiance, and heated and ventilated seats were standard on higher trims.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with second-row captain's chairs available on higher trims. Interior space was competitive with other midsize SUVs, though the Durango had slightly less cargo space compared to some rivals. It provided 487 litres with all seats in place, 1,226 litres with the third row folded, and 2,409 litres behind the first row. Small-item storage was generous, with a wireless charging pad and USB ports. The Durango excelled in towing capacity, with V6 models capable of towing up to 2,812 kilograms and V8 models up to 3,946 kilograms.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased Hyundai's technological prowess. It featured a standard 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. USB ports were strategically placed throughout the cabin, and a Qi wireless charging pad was available on top trims. The Palisade also offered a rear-view monitor, surround view function, and a head-up display. Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system provided remote engine start and vehicle monitoring.

The 2023 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on lower trims, while higher trims received a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. The Uconnect infotainment system, available in both versions, was responsive and user-friendly. The SRT models included the Performance Pages app, offering performance data and gauges. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on higher trims. The Durango's tech updates ensured a competitive infotainment experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including seven airbags, electronic stability control, blind-spot collision avoidance, and forward collision-avoidance assist. It received top safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed safety ratings. It earned "Good" marks in some IIHS tests but received a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall safety rating. Standard driver-assist features were limited, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert included on all trims.